Because your child’s healthy smile begins at birth, we are proud to offer children’s dentistry from the moment their first tooth erupts to adulthood. While regular oral health care may not seem as important on baby teeth that will only fall out eventually, the truth is that these primary teeth set the stage for their permanent smile, saving space so they erupt in the right order and in the correct place. Here’s a closer look at some of the children’s dentistry treatments we offer in Barnegat, and how they’ll benefit your child’s gorgeous, growing, grin!

The American Dental Association recommends visiting the dentist every six months for regular dental checkups and cleanings. These appointments allow your child’s dentist the opportunity to check the progress of their growing smile, including monitoring their teeth and gums for things like cavities and gum disease, as well as growth and development issues like wisdom teeth or bite placement.

Sometimes, it can be difficult for younger patients to keep their teeth clean, especially on hard-to-reach biting surfaces, which could increase their risk of developing painful cavities. Dental sealants can be used to protect those vulnerable teeth, providing an added layer of defense so they are less likely to experience decay and damage. This treatment can last for about five years, until your child is old enough to reach those harder to clean spots on their own. This is especially ideal for permanent teeth that they’ll need for the rest of their lives.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in many of the foods your child already enjoys. It is also added to many toothpaste brands, mouth washes, and public water supplies to strengthen the enamel of the teeth. It can often be provided as a treatment at the end of your child’s dental cleaning to help rebuild lost enamel and protect against cavities and decay. This treatment is completely painless, takes just a few moments to apply, and your child can resume eating and drinking in about an hour.

If your child needs a tooth extracted due to excessive decay or damage or even wisdom teeth that are impacted or could put their smile at risk for crowding, an extraction may be necessary. At Nu Dental Barnegat, we can safely and comfortably remove these troublesome teeth without needing to refer you to an outside dentist. This means your child will already be comfortable with their dental team, which can help alleviate much of the stress and anxiety that can sometimes occur in these situations.

Dental caries or cavities is the most common chronic illness in American children. In fact, over half of all kids between the ages of six and eight have had a cavity in their baby teeth. If your child is suffering from tooth decay, don’t write it off because they’re only going to lose their primary teeth. Protecting baby teeth is essential for ensuring proper growth of their permanent smile. At Nu Dental Barnegat, we’re proud to offer dental fillings for children of all ages, so your family’s smiles can grow healthy and strong.

For teeth with extensive decay that cannot be repaired with a traditional filling, we are pleased to offer dental crowns for children. These restorations fit over the tooth like a hat or cap, protecting the tooth while blending in seamlessly with their smile, eliminating the need for extraction and alleviating pain caused by severe dental damage.