Why Are My Kid’s Gums Bleeding?

Why Are My Kid’s Gums Bleeding?

Posted on by kidsparklenj

When your child is getting older, they will have to go through different kind of growing pains.  In their mouth, specifically, they will grow in their baby teeth, lose their baby teeth, and then gain their permanent teeth.  This may not be the most comfortable experience, but it’s unavoidable.  Something that should try to be avoided, however, is gum issues.  It’s okay for your child’s teeth to bleed every so often, but if they’re continuously experiencing this, you should see your family dentist in Clifton NJ.  This article identifies some of the causes and treatments for gum bleeding.

Causes

  • It’s possible that your child’s gums are bleeding if your child is brushing their teeth too hard. You can try to talk to them about being gentler, and you can also make sure that they are using soft toothbrushes, as opposed to hard.
  • The bleeding could also be due to an injury to their gum tissue. These injuries can be due to different things: hard falls, sport injuries, eating food that’s too hot, or other accidents.
  • The worst case scenario is that their gums are bleeding as an early sign of periodontal disease. This is due to poor oral hygiene.

Treatment

  • If the bleeding is continuous, you should rinse your child’s mouth out with warm salt water and then apply light pressure to the area. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, you should make an appointment with your family dentist in Bloomfield NJ so that they can examine the area.
  • If the bleeding is due to bad oral hygiene, it’s super important that you improve their oral hygiene routine. If you don’t, it can cause serious health problems now, as well as later on in life.  One way to ensure that they’re maintaining their hygiene is monitoring their routine.  You should make sure that they are brushing and flossing their teeth at least twice a day, maintaining a healthy diet, and seeing a family dentist in Clifton NJ every 6 months.  The reason that seeing a family dentist in Bloomfield NJ is so important is that they will remove any built-up plaque in your child’s teeth; they can also offer advice on how to improve their hygiene.

If your child’s gums continually bleed, you should set an appointment with our family dentist in Clifton NJ.

Negative Impacts of Cavities

Negative Impacts of Cavities

Posted on by kidsparklenj

Cavities, otherwise known as tooth decay, are damaged areas in the surface of teeth that turn into tiny holes or openings.  They are often caused by bacteria in the mouth, a sugar-filled diet, or even not maintaining your oral hygiene.  Cavities have become so common that many people don’t realize how much damage they can actually cause.  When people get cavities, usually they can just go to the family dentist in Bloomfield NJ and get them removed.  Although it’s completely normal for your kid to get cavities, it should be avoided, if possible.  This is because cavities can impact their life in ways that most don’t often realize.  Here are some of the impacts that cavities can have on your child.

Health

Cavities can lead to loss of baby teeth; even worse, though, they can also damage permanent teeth.  It could also make your child vulnerable to gum disease throughout their life.  Aside from oral health, cavities can actually impact your child’s overall health.  This is because cavities can lead to infections, poor sleeping habits, and even chewing difficulties.

Intellectual Development

Cavities can lead to poor speech articulation, poor school performance, and missed school.  Cavities may also lead to inattention in school, as the pain from the cavity can be distracting.

Social Development

Many don’t realize, but cavities can even affect your child’s social development.  This is because cavities can cause low self-esteem, teasing from others, and even reluctance to speak.

All things considered, cavities should be avoided at all costs.  They can be avoided by helping your child maintain a healthy oral routine.  This should include brushing and flossing twice a day, having a healthy diet, and visiting your family dentist in Clifton NJ every 6 months.  The family dentist in Bloomfield NJ will remove built-up plaque, reducing the chance of getting a cavity.  Additionally, the family dentist in Clifton NJ can identify any cavities; the sooner they are identified and treated, the less impact they will make.

YOU ARE INVITED TO OUR ICE CREAM PARTY!

Posted on by kidsparklenj

We look forward to celebrating together the end of school, start of the summer season and an upcoming July 4th holiday weekend ahead! Please see details below.

 

DATE / TIME
  • Thursday, July 2 at 3:00pm
LOCATION
  • Parents will drive children by Sparkles Dentistry, located at: 76 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair, NJ
  • Once you arrive, your children will be able to leave the car and visit the Good Humor Ice Cream Truck to select an ice cream treat of their choice to celebrate all they have accomplished!
DIRECTIONS
  • Parents, please approach from Grove Street and make a right on Bellevue Avenue. You can also park on the Fairway and walk over.
DETAILS
  • Let Sparkles Dentistry bring you a treat to bring a few smiles!
  • The Good Humor Ice Cream Trucks are cleaned between visits and all servers are masked.
RSVP
  • Please let us know if you will attend: info@sparklesdentistry.com or by clicking the button below to contact us and add your name to the list.

 

Click Here to RSVP

Office Health and Safety Update: What is the Difference between Medical and Dental Aerosol?
After many days of training and scrambling for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to ensure the safety of our patients and staff, we were so happy to recently reopen.
We would like to thank all our returning families for your support and cooperation in safely treating your children. Other than the fact that we missed the kids terribly, we are all truly grateful for the wonderful community we work in. It is indeed heartening to receive their confidence as all of them walk into the office alone and are so cooperative and receptive.
While the concern regarding the use of aerosols in dentistry continues, it is important to understand the following:
  • We are not dealing with any fluids coming up from the lungs.
  • Suction devised are and have always been in use in our office.
  • There will be no spitting into the sink or cuspidor in our office.
  • We have changed the HVAC unit and recently installed an upgraded device that allows multiple levels of filtration, including UV.
  • Lastly, our office is awaiting Jade (surgically clean air) Air Scrubber units that circulate the air at a rapid rate withing the treatment rooms – to arrive soon.
Thank you for your understanding as we work hard to create a safe and healthy environment for our patients.
We continue to clean and sanitize every room thoroughly using universal precautions. We appreciate your compliance and cooperation and we hope you understand that in an effort to comply with CDC and state guidelines, we may need to refuse and or reschedule appointments.
Rest assured that we are conducting additional training for doctors and our staff to make the experience fun and enjoyable for our patients, while maintaining every precaution for patient health and safety. 

Summer Hours and Feedback

Please note our NEW and REVISED Summer Office Hours below:

We hope you are happy with our service and would consider posting an online review. Your response will help us serve you better in the future. Click the link below to provide feedback. Thank you!

Submit Review

What to Do if Your Child Gets a Teething Rash

What to Do if Your Child Gets a Teething Rash

Posted on by kidsparklenj

Teething is the process in which a child’s teeth starts breaking through their gums.  This usually occurs when a child is between 6 months and 24 months of age and can carry on for a year or more.  The common symptoms of this is loss of appetite, irritability, difficulty sleeping, excess drooling, and a rash around the mouth.  This rash is called a teething rash.  Since babies will produce more saliva while they’re teething, the digestive enzyme found in their saliva can cause a rash on their face, as well as their neck and chest.  This rash will appear as bright red, textured splotches and bumps on the child’s skin, and may have a foul smell.

Teething is an already uncomfortable experience for children, and the teething rash will only make the situation worse.  If your child is teething, you should be aware of how to prevent and treat this rash.  (Related topics: pediatric dentist in West Orange, NJ)

Preventing the Rash

The most effective way to prevent a teething rash from occurring is by keeping your child’s skin as dry as possible.  You can do so by having them wear a bib or by wiping the drool or food from their mouth constantly.  Make sure to do so gently, and with a clean cloth so that you don’t aggravate their skin.  You should also be cautious of their pacifier use, as the pacifier will cause saliva to form around their mouth.  You may want to restrict their pacifier use, or get rid of it altogether.

Treating the Rash

Sometimes the preventative measures aren’t always successful, which is perfectly normal.  If your child gets a teething rash, continue to do the same measures that you were doing to prevent the rash.  In addition, you should purchase healing ointment, which will act as a barrier between your child’s skin and their drool.  You can ask your family dentist in Clifton NJ which ointment that they recommend.  You should also avoid using scented lotion, perfumes, and laundry detergent, as they will irritate the area.

If you’re concerned about your child’s teething rash, make sure to visit your family dentist in Clifton NJ.  The family dentist in Clifton NJ will examine the rash and make other treatment suggestions.

Does My Child Need Dental Sealants?

Does My Child Need Dental Sealants?

Posted on by kidsparklenj

Now that your child went through the teething process, you’re probably glad to have finished that phase.  Now, though, you’ll need to help them to maintain their oral hygiene.  You should do so by assisting them in flossing and brushing their teeth at least twice a day, visiting the family dentist in Montclair NJ every 6 months for a check-up, and having a healthy diet.  All of these factors will affect if they get cavities, which you will definitely want to avoid.

Another way that family dentists in Clifton NJ suggest that you prevent cavities is by dental sealants.  These sealants form a thin covering over the pits and fissures of the teeth to keep out food and decay.  If you’re interested in getting your child dental sealants, make sure to set up an appointment with your family dentist in Montclair NJ.  After they have them, though, there are ways to maintain the sealants.

After Care

  • Maintain Routine: Although these sealants are great at protecting against plaque, it’s important that your child continues their regular hygiene routine.  This is because the sides and gaps between their teeth are still susceptible to plaque buildup.
  • Diet: After this procedure, your child should avoid foods that are sugary, sticky, or too hard.  These kinds of foods may cause the sealant to break or pull loose from the tooth.
  • Check-Ups: Dental sealants can protect teeth for up to 10 years, but you should have them checked every 6 months at your family dentists in Clifton NJ.  The family dentist in Montclair NJ will check for chips, and will replace any if necessary.

 

If your child has dental sealants, it’s important that they continue a healthy oral hygiene routine.  By doing so, they can prevent cavities.  If you have any questions over the process, contact your local family dentist in Montclair NJ.

Why You Should Cut Juice Out of Your Child’s Diet

Why You Should Cut Juice Out of Your Child’s Diet

Posted on by kidsparklenj

A healthy oral hygiene routine should consist of brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day and seeing a pediatric dentist in West Orange, NJ every 6 months.  As a parent, you should pass this routine on to your kids so that they can have healthy hygiene.  Even if they perfect this, however, there’s another important factor: their diet.  It’s very common for children to get cavities in their primary teeth, as well as their permanent teeth; often times it’s because they’re consuming way too much sugar.  (Related topics: family dentists in Clifton NJ)

 

A cavity requires 3 things to form: a tooth, bacteria, and carbohydrates (also known as sugar).  When the bacteria on your child’s teeth combines with the sugar, it turns into acid; this acid will attack tooth enamel, therefore breaking it down.  Over time, this acid will cause tooth decay, ultimately leading to cavities.  This is why pediatric dentists in West Orange, NJ recommend that you limit the amount of sugar that your child is consuming.

 

The problem is that many parents believe that they’re providing a healthy diet for their children, but there are many foods with hidden sugar.  This includes sauces, granola bars, packaged fruits, and breakfast cereals.  One of the worst culprits, though, are juices.  Although there are some healthy juices sold in the supermarket, the truth is that most of them are packed with sugar.  Many fruit juices are as bad for you as soda, which comes to a surprise to many people.

 

You should try to give your child as much water as possible, because it’s great for their health.  That being said, we know children crave flavor, so there are healthier alternatives to store-bought juice packs.  Making your own juice, for example, is a great option.  By doing so, you can limit the amount of sugar that they’re drinking.  Make sure to use fresh fruit or vegetables and don’t be afraid to try different recipes!  You may even be interested in making homemade soda; you can do so by buying carbonated mineral water and adding different flavors to it.  On cold days, you can make hot chocolate out of whole milk and pure cacao.

 

Kids are bound to have a little sugar in their diet, but it’s important to monitor their consumption.  If not, it could lead to cavities.  If you think your child has a cavity, make sure to visit your pediatric dentist in West Orange, NJ.

Our Office Will be Re-Opening Safely

Posted on by kidsparklenj
We hope this email finds you and your family healthy and in good spirits.

 

On May 18th, Governor Murphy issued an Executive Order EO145 to re-open dental offices. As we get ready to re-open, our primary focus will be on your health and safety. We will be resuming in phases based on the latest CDC Guidelines and need for care.
If you missed an appointment to treat cavities, trauma or braces, we will be contacting you shortly.
Our staff and doctors are receiving additional training and we intend to keep everyone safe and relaxed as we set out to re-open.
Thank you for your understanding as we work hard to create a safe and healthy environment for our patients. Families and patients are to expect some changes in scheduling and intake, as per the details listed below.

Prior to your Appointment

Prior to your appointment, you will receive an email questionnaire that must be filled and returned no later than 10 AM the day of your appointment.

Preparing for the Appointment

  1. Patients, please brush your teeth just before leaving home and use the bathroom. Our office bathroom will not be accessibleto patients at this time.
  2. If you have any orthodontic appliances, please make sure to bring them with you tothe appointment.
  3. We urge children to come prepared with their own sunglasses, should the overheadlight be an issue.

Arrival to the Appointment

  1. When you arrive at your appointed time, please call 973-744-3127. Parents, please be available to review plan with staff via phone and process payment.
  2. A staff member will come out to your vehicle, review a few questions and measure the patient’s temperature. If temperature is higher than 100 F, the appointment will need to be rescheduled. Based on the nature of the appointment, the patient may be given a mouthwash.
  3. All patients must wear a mask to enter the building
  4. Once ready for the appointment, only the patient will be accompanied to the appointment room that has been sanitized and prepared. At this time, we will not be inviting parents or attendants into treatment rooms.
  5. We are trying as far as possible, to conduct contactless billing and payment. This will be done when you call to let us know you’ve arrived.

During the Appointment

  1. At the appointment, we will be keeping all windows open to promote circulation of fresh air.
  2. Once outside temperatures rise and the air conditioning is turned on, we will using Jade Surgically Clean Air units.
  3. The staff will be wearing additional protective equipment such as visors and surgical gowns. This is for patient safety andnot meant to intimidate the children.
  4. We will be keeping appointments short. Physical distancing will be enforced to minimize contact.
  5. We will be limiting additional family members or siblings in the office. This isfor the safety of thepatientand our staff.If achild absolutely requires a parent, we will review that ahead of time andmake arrangements for one parent to be present.
We continue to clean and sanitize every room thoroughly using universal precautions. We appreciate your compliance and cooperation and we hope you understand that in an effort to comply with CDC and State guidelines, we may need to refuse and or reschedule appointments.
Please rest assured that we are conducting additional training for doctors and our staff to make the experience as fun and enjoyable for our patients, while maintaining every precaution for patient health and safety.
Please respond that you have received and read the contents of this email and do not hesitate to ask any questions or clarifications.

Home Care – Dental Guidelines

1. Since dental offices were recently mandated to be closed, it is important that children and

parents understand possibleconsequences of trauma to the mouth. Use a mouth guard whenever possible.
2. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time with a fluoridated toothpaste – every day.
3. Floss once a day.
4. Eat a balanced diet.
5. Exercise – even quick walks around your neighborhood or home have great benefits.
6. Wash your hands often, especially before eating or brushing your teeth. You should wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time.
7. If you have cavities not yet treated…
  • Avoid any and all sticky /tacky foods.
  • Floss diligently
  • Brush twice a day
  • Avoid juice and sugary foods
8. Orthodontic patients please follow guidelines sent by email. If you need elastics, prescription fluoride mouthwash or toothpaste, please email the office at info@sparklesdentistry.com
Important Dental and Orthodontic Guidelines During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Important Dental and Orthodontic Guidelines During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Posted on by kidsparklenj

If you are an orthodontic patient, you MUST read the information below

Our office staff hopes this finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy during these uncertain times.

Sparkles Dentistry for Children will remain closed through the month of April – or until the government lifts mandatory closure for dental practices.
We understand the hardships and difficulties caused by widespread office and school closures, along with a huge number of drastic changes elsewhere in our lives. As health care professionals, dentists are playing a crucial role in slowing the spread of COVID-19 and flattening the curve.
However, it is essential to stress the importance of oral care for overall health, especially in a time of pandemic. Children are home and schedules are difficult to keep. Please see the information below on both dental and orthodontic care and realize the urgent need for proper home care.

Home Care – Dental Guidelines

1. Since dental offices are mandated to be closed, it is important that children and parents understand possible consequences of trauma to the mouth. Use a mouth guard whenever possible.
2. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time with a fluoridated toothpaste – every day.
3. Floss once a day.
4. Eat a balanced diet.
5. Exercise – even quick walks around your neighborhood or home have great benefits.
6. Wash your hands often, especially before eating or brushing your teeth. You should wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time.

Home Care – Orthodontic Guidelines

All orthodontic patients please review the following guidelines:
1. Expanders
  • With this particular appliance, it is crucial that everything is kept very clean.
  • The ring braces, and also the metal bar that sits on the inner side of the teeth, should be brushed at least twice a day (ideally after every meal – please rinse vigorously with water if brushing cannot be completed after a meal). This will help prevent the gums from growing over the metal bar. Please see the braces section of this message for more tips on cleaning.
  • If you/your child has an expander on the top teeth, please be aware that our instructions on turning have a time limit (for example, we may have requested 1 turn/day for 1 week). Please discontinue turning the expander on the day you were instructed to do so.
  • If you are not sure, please call us at 973-744-3127, and we will be happy to provide you with your specific instructions. Please make sure the expander is kept clean with rinsing and brushing. Please see the braces section of this message for tips on cleaning.
2. Headgear
  • Please proceed as normal with your instructed routine. Please be extra mindful of hand hygiene before and after insertion and removal. Be sure to clean on and around the ring braces. Please refer to the braces section of the message for tips on cleaning.
3. Braces (or anything glued in the mouth, including expanders and ring braces for headgear)
  • One of the most important things you/your child should work on is excellent hygiene. This means rinsing and brushing well after every meal. Vigorous rinses with water should be done if brushing cannot be completed after a meal. If food is not removed from the tooth or brace, it will cause gingivitis (the gums will swell, bleed and produce pain).
  • If you/your child notices signs of gingivitis, it is very important to “brush through it”. The gums may hurt and bleed more during brushing. If you are experiencing this – keep brushing! Do not shy away if you see blood or if it hurts. This is an indication that more/better brushing is needed. A few days of better brushing will eventually reduce the bleeding, swelling and pain.
  • Remember, you want to keep everything clean. This means every surface of the tooth, the gum line, and also any metal you may see. For braces, this means the tooth structure above, below, and in-between the braces, as well as the braces them self (don’t forget the back surfaces of the teeth also!).
  • In addition to gingivitis, cavities and white spot lesions /decalcifications (permanent white stains that are the start of cavities) can occur if proper hygiene is not maintained.
 4. Tools that aid in excellent oral hygiene:
  • Proxy brushes (they look like mini pipe cleaners and can be used to clean under the wire or in small crevices that a tooth brush may have difficulty accessing). These can be purchased at most supermarkets, pharmacies or online.
  • Floss threaders or power floss – aids to help floss underneath the wire. These can also be purchased at most supermarkets, pharmacies or online.
  • Water flossers – great tools to help remove food stuck between the teeth and around the braces. I recommend using the water flosser prior to brushing to make the brushing more productive. Water flossers can be purchased on online.
  • Antibacterial mouth wash
5. Important guidance if you/your child is using rubber bands
  • If you are using rubber bands, please switch to half time wear (~12 hours a day). An easy way to get in 12 hours is to place the rubber bands after dinner, and then sleep with them in overnight. If you need extra rubber bands, feel free to contact us (973-744-3127).
  • An additional note with rubber bands – be extra mindful with used rubber bands to help prevent the spread of germs. Please wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after every time you remove or replace the rubber bands.
Safer at Home: An Opportunity for Better Health

Safer at Home: An Opportunity for Better Health

Posted on by kidsparklenj
Our office staff hopes this finds you and your l
oved ones safe and well during these uncertain times.

Sparkles Dentistry for Children will remain closed until the government lifts mandatory closure for dental practices.

While we continue to find ourselves “Safer at Home,” this is a great time to focus on your   health – so be sure to eat a healthy diet, get plenty of sleep and exercise! I also wanted to   send along some resources that support your healthy habits by staying active and focusing   on YOU and your child’s HEALTH.

We also wanted to let you know that we are continuing to serve our patients through tele-dentistry.

Home Care – Dental Guidelines

1. Since dental offices are mandated to be closed, it is important that children and parents understand possible consequences of trauma to the mouth. Use a mouth guard whenever possible.
2. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time with a fluoridated toothpaste – every day.
3. Floss once a day.
4. Eat a balanced diet.
5. Exercise – even quick walks around your neighborhood or home have great benefits.
6. Wash your hands often, especially before eating or brushing your teeth. You should wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time.
7. If you have cavities not yet treated…
  • Avoid any and all sticky /tacky foods.
  • Floss diligently
  • Brush twice a day
  • Avoid juice and sugary foods  
8. Orthodontic patients please follow guidelines sent by email. If you need elastics, prescription fluoride mouthwash or toothpaste, please email the office at email

May is Better Sleep Month

I am currently offering sleep assessments for our patients along with the help of Maureen Harper, MA, CCC-SLP who is a great resource and has successfully worked with several members of the Sparkles Family.
If you have been interested in having your child checked for any symptoms such as snoring, fatigue, or sleep-disordered breathing, you can now coordinate and arrange a screening by our in-house professional.
Click here to contact us and set up a virtual appointment.

 

Maureen Harper, MA, CCC-SLP has been a telehealth trained practitioner for over 6 years and has specific training using oromyofunctional therapy for sleep disordered breathing and / or mouth breathing. In addition, we will be working collaboratively with renowned ENT and Sleep Surgeon Dr. Soroush Zaghi, MD if in-person care is needed. Working online through teletherapy will help protect you and reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
Meanwhile, we wanted to remind you all of a few key points :
  • Breathe through your nose, it helps strengthen your immune system.
  • We will be able to provide at-home sleep studies (disposable units shipped to your home), at a much lower price than what is offered through hospitals.
  • We are still providing virtual myofunctional therapy consultations and appointments (via teletherapy).
  • You can still order CPAP, MyoMunchee and / or Myobrace if needed.
If you realize that you or a loved one is, or has been having difficulties with sleep or breathing and/or nasal breathing, this could be an ideal time to address the issue, so reach out to us from the comfort of your own home.
Preventative Care from the Pediatric Dentist

Preventative Care from the Pediatric Dentist

Posted on by kidsparklenj

One of the most important components of proper dental health is preventative care. The idea is that parents can help their children avoid a lot of the most common dental health issues simply by practicing certain habits. Identifying issues quickly and taking action to prevent them from getting worse is also key. Perhaps the most important way to help your children maintain their dental health is to take them to the pediatric dentist in Bloomfield, NJ. Below, we are going to provide details on some of the best preventative care for keeping your kid’s teeth healthy.

  1. Frequent Visits to the Pediatric Dentist

Without a doubt, taking your kids to the pediatric dentist in Glen Ridge, NJ is one of the best things you can do for their dental health. A dentist can easily recognize issues and let you know the best plan for preventative dental care. They can also do a risk assessment and provide information about the specific dental issues your child might deal with. Perhaps most importantly, they can provide dental cleanings that help to remove plaque from your kid’s teeth. If you are looking for a great pediatric dentist in Bloomfield, NJ, reach out to Sparkles Dentistry for Children today.

  1. Nutrition

As a parent, you pretty much have total control over everything that your kids eat on a daily basis. That means you have the power to prevent your kids from eating things that damage their teeth and put them at risk for cavities. Try to avoid letting them eat sugary foods and beverages on a regular basis. Find healthy foods that your children love to eat and always consider the impact that food might have on their dental health before feeding it to them. If you need help coming up with the right types of foods that are conducive to good dental health, reach out to the pediatric dentist in Glen Ridge, NJ.

  1. Proper Dental Health Habits

Another crucial component of preventative dental care is practicing proper dental health habits. That means helping your kids commit to regular brushing and flossing. Supervise them until they are ready to handle these habits on their own. Make sure your infants are also receiving the right dental care until they are able to do things on their own.