PEDIATRIC DENTIST IN RED BANK
We are a family dental practice, and welcome all members of your family into our Red Bank office. Early and positive introduction of dental care to your children is essential to the success of their oral health and teeth. Early dental care is also key to practicing preventive dentistry, which is the primary goal of our doctors. Call (732) 530-1003 to make your first appointment with us today!
Children need cleanings too! Children should receive professional dental cleanings minimally twice per year, just as adults do. Most children, similarly to adults, also require radiographs to screen for decay, pathology, and abnormalities.
Primary, or “baby” teeth are important to your child’s development, and serve as the blueprint for their future permanent smile. If your child has a cavity, our Red Bank team will work to make their experience a positive one and treat the problem.
It’s important to brush your child’s teeth twice a day for two minutes, ideally once in the morning and once before bed. You will need to brush for them until they’re about 6, or are coordinated enough to tie their own shoes.
You should also floss your child’s teeth once per day. You’ll need to floss for them until they’re about 10 years old, in most cases, because flossing can be very hard to learn for younger kids. Here’s a quick video guide on proper flossing technique.
Regular teeth cleanings and oral exams are essential for your child’s oral health. At Santo Dental Group, Dr. Michael Santo, Dr. Miles Santo, and Dr. Katelyn Domingues specialize in child-friendly teeth cleanings and oral exams.
Your child’s teeth will be gently cleaned by one of our team members. Then one of our Red Bank dentists will provide a comprehensive oral exam to check for signs of common oral health problems, such as cavities, and discuss your child’s oral health with you.
As your child grows older, it may be necessary to take x-rays to check on their oral development, or if one of our doctors suspects they may have a hidden oral health issue. At Santo Dental Group in Red Bank, we will only take x-rays with your permission, and we use the latest technology to minimize radiation exposure and keep your child safe and comfortable throughout the entire process.
Cavities are preventable, but even if your child takes great care of their teeth, they may end up with decay. If this is the case, it’s likely that a dental filling from Santo Dental Group will be the ideal solution for ceasing decay and keeping their tooth healthy. We prefer to use tooth-colored composite fillings at our office, which ensures your child’s smile remains bright and beautiful.
Fluoride treatments can help prevent cavities in your child’s teeth if they are cavity-prone. Their doctor will apply a thin layer of fluoride gel or paste to your child’s teeth after their appointment, and leave it in place for a few minutes. Then, it will be rinsed away. The fluoride helps strengthen and “remineralize” your child’s teeth, strengthening them and even reversing minor decay.
First, we recommend scheduling an early morning appointment. Well-rested kids are less likely to be cranky and uncooperative, so avoid the late afternoon, if possible.
It may also be a good idea to go over some basic information about dentistry and dental hygiene before you come to our Red Bank dental office. You don’t need to go into great detail. Just let them know that the dentist will be cleaning their teeth, and checking them to make sure they are strong and healthy.
And remember, they haven’t formed any opinions about the dentist yet, so it’s up to you to set the stage for a great visit. Do your best to use positive language, and maintain a good attitude. Kids respond to how their parents feel, so if you stay excited, happy and positive, your child will, too.
We look forward to meeting you. Call 732-530-1003 or schedule an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.