Children’s Dentistry
Children’s Dentistry in Annandale, NJ
Walnut Pond is a family-friendly practice, providing high-quality dental care for patients of all ages. Drs. Victoria Uryniak and Carson Ferris-Zeolla offer treatments in children’s dentistry to detect issues early on and to prevent and fight cavities. Since 2008, we have been serving Annandale, NJ and the surrounding communities of High Bridge, Union, Oldwick, Franklin, Clinton, and Lebanon. We take pride in helping young people develop healthy oral habits for a lifetime of benefits.
When Should My Child See a Dentist?
Many people wrongly assume that baby teeth are not all that important. On the contrary, primary teeth serve a number of purposes, including proper chewing function and appropriate speech development. They also “hold space” until the adult teeth erupt in the future.
The American Dental Association recommends that your child have his or her first dental visit by their first birthday, or when their very first tooth erupts. Significant dental development occurs before children reach their teenage years. Therefore, routine dental examinations play an important role in predictable long-term oral health. If problems are diagnosed at a young age, conditions can be treated in a much less-invasive manner. If developing issues are left untreated, they can worsen over time, resulting in more extensive procedures in the future.
Dental Sealants
A valuable preventative treatment, dental sealants are placed to reduce the occurrence of tooth decay on the back teeth. Because premolars and molars sometimes have deep grooves on the chewing surfaces, it can be difficult to reach these areas effectively with a toothbrush. Sealants form a protective shield over the teeth, and are applied by painting an ultra-thin layer of plastic into the grooves and depressions.
Fluoride Treatments
Sugary and starchy foods can lead to acidity in the mouth. This acid erodes enamel, making the teeth more susceptible to decay. Fluoride treatments effectively remineralize enamel and strengthen the teeth, making them more resilient to cavities. This simple preventative treatment can be performed at routine dental visits.
Cleanings and Cavity Detection
Regular dental examinations and cleanings maximize your child’s oral health and instill excellent hygiene habits at a young age. During a routine visit, our doctors will perform a thorough evaluation of the teeth, gums, and surrounding structures. Your child’s teeth will be cleaned by one of our hygienists to help keep plaque and bacteria at bay. These appointments can be set at intervals recommended by our doctors to help keep your child’s smile bright and healthy.
Dental Hygiene Tips for You and Your Child
Going to the dentist at an early age can encourage a lifetime of healthy habits. Our team is devoted to making your child’s dental visit a comfortable, relaxed, and fun experience. To instill excellent oral hygiene practices, here are a few important recommendations:
- Develop an Oral Hygiene Regimen: Proper brushing and flossing habits are vital for excellent oral health. Our team can help your child develop an at-home routine for healthy teeth and gums that will last for years to come.
- Eat a Well-Balanced Diet: Proper nutrition is important for good oral health, as well as your child’s overall wellbeing. While it is not necessary to completely eliminate sugary or acidic foods, reducing them can help protect the enamel and keep your child’s smile healthy.
- Attend Dental Visits Faithfully: Once our doctors determine a cleaning schedule for your child, it is important to keep those appointments. While most young patients require dental cleanings approximately every six months, children at high risk for cavities may necessitate more frequent visits.