Our Pediatric Services
The Children’s Dental Center is proud to be your family’s dental home. Your child’s smile is an important part of their overall health and wellbeing. When thinking about healthcare, parents often separate the teeth from the rest of the body, when in reality, they are actually one in the same. The Children’s Dental Center was founded on the philosophy of prevention, more than simply treatment. Just like your child’s pediatrician, Dr. Kane also hopes to prevent problems before they occur through regular evaluations and with the reinforcement of healthy habits.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American Dental Association (ADA) support the concept of a “dental home” as an ongoing relationship between the dental practice and the patient, including comprehensive oral health care beginning no later than age one. Establishing a dental home means that your child’s oral health care is managed in a comprehensive, continuously- accessible, coordinated, and family-centered way by your licensed dentist.
A dental visit for your child by his or her first birthday is key! In the spirit of our commitment to early care and prevention, Dr. Kane and The Children’s Dental Center team welcome children younger than 24 months of age for a complimentary infant oral evaluation.
Chipped Tooth
Contact Dr. Kane immediately. Treating the fracture quickly may prevent the need for extensive dental treatment. If you can find the broken tooth fragment, place it in cold milk or saliva, and bring it with you to the dental office.
Emergency Care
If your child has a dental emergency, call Dr. Kane as soon as possible. If the emergency occurs after hours, call The Children’s Dental Center’s emergency line. If the emergency occurs after hours, call The Children’s Dental Center at 908.526.1600 where you will be directed to the on-call dentist.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a mineral that is found naturally in many things we eat or drink. It is nature’s way of helping prevent cavities, and it plays an important role in helping to keep your teeth for a lifetime. Professional (in-office) fluoride treatments make teeth stronger and even reverse damage from decay in the outer layers of enamel on the smooth surfaces of the teeth. Additional home fluoride treatments assist in this process. In the lifelong fight against cavities, Dr. Kane believes that both adults and children benefit from in-office treatment and home fluorides.
Missing Tooth
If a baby tooth is knocked out, contact Dr. Kane as soon as possible. Do not replant the baby tooth because it can damage the developing permanent tooth.
In regards to permanent teeth, if the tooth is not lost, rinse the tooth gently in cool water. Be careful not to scrub the tooth, and do not use soap to cleanse the tooth. If possible, place the tooth in the socket as soon as possible and hold it in place with a clean washcloth. If you are unable to place the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in cold milk or saliva. Get to The Children’s Dental Center immediately! Time is critical. The tooth has a much better prognosis if treated immediately.
Orthodontics
Your child’s smile is in great hands with Dr. Kane and The Children’s Dental Center team, but a good orthodontist can offer added expertise. Because orthodontics involves the form and function of your child’s bite as he or she grows, there is a natural connection between orthodontics and pediatric dentistry.
With this in mind, The Children’s Dental Center has an in-house orthodontist to monitor your child’s developing bite. Dr. Seiger is happy to perform a complimentary orthodontic consultation for your child right here at The Children’s Dental Center!
Thumb, Finger, Pacifier Habbits
Sucking on fingers and pacifiers is a completely normal habit for young children as it provides security. Most children will stop their sucking habit naturally on their own between 2-4 years of age, but some children may need assistance. Unfortunately, these habits can affect how the upper front teeth come in. Frequent sucking can also affect a child’s bite.
Rather than focusing on solutions to the damage, at The Children’s Dental Center we encourage breaking the habit instead.
Toothaches
Call Dr. Kane, and visit The Children’s Dental Center promptly. To comfort your child, rinse the mouth with water. Over-the-counter children’s pain medication, dosed according to your child’s weight and age, might ease the symptoms as well. You may apply a cold compress or ice wrapped in a cloth to the face in the area of the pain, but do not put heat or aspirin on the sore gum.
Toothgrinding
While teeth grinding in young children may not sound like the healthiest of noises, there is generally nothing to worry about. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is very common. Most young children will grow out of this habit once their permanent teeth start to come in. Once a child’s permanent molars come in, the permanent bite is established. Before this, a child’s bite is constantly changing. No treatment is recommended for young children as it would interfere with their teeth’s normal growth and development. If you notice that your child is grinding his or her teeth, inform Dr. Kane. She will track wear patterns and will recommend treatment, when appropriate.