OCEAN COUNTY – All throughout the month of February, Dr. Elisa Velazquez and Dr. Matthew Sones of Ocean Pediatric Dental Associates (OPDA) are going above and beyond to raise awareness of the importance of optimal oral health for the children in our communities as part of Children’s Dental Health Month.
OPDA will be participating in Give Kids a Smile for the sixteenth year, to provide free oral health education, screenings, preventive, and restorative treatment for children in need.
Just as pediatricians are the physicians that provide medical care for children, the pediatric dentists at Ocean Pediatric Dental Associates are all board-certified and specialized in providing dental services for children. All of the pediatric dentists at OPDA believe that it is a privilege to treat children, and that they have a unique opportunity to make a difference and encourage each child to have a lifetime of optimal oral health.
Ocean Pediatric Dental Associates is dedicated to providing education and dental care for all children while creating beautiful smiles.
One of the main goals of a pediatric dentist is to properly educate parents and patients on the importance of proper home care routines in order to avoid cavities. Certain bacteria live in our mouths. When these bacteria come into contact with sugary foods left behind on our teeth after eating, acids are produced. These acids attack the enamel on the exterior of the teeth, eventually eating through the enamel and creating holes in the teeth, which we call cavities.
To reduce our risk of cavities, we must brush two times a day for two minutes each time, using fluoride toothpaste. It is also very importance to floss one time a day. Flossing can reach spots in between the teeth that the bristles of a toothbrush cannot. Children often require assistance while brushing and flossing due to limited dexterity skills, so it becomes extremely important for parents to help their youngsters with their brushing and flossing.
In addition to home care routines, our diets play a direct role in our risk for cavities. The key factor is frequency of exposure to foods or beverages that are high in carbohydrates, which are just complex sugars. We all know that children are known for having the proverbial “sweet tooth”. When it comes to candy, remember what Dr. Matt and Dr. Elisa always tell the kids, “if it’s sticky, it’s icky!” It is critical to avoid sugary foods and drinks, limit snacking with high carbohydrate items, and to maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet.
Finally, make regular appointments so the doctors at Ocean Pediatric Dental Associates can check the health of your child’s teeth and provide professional cleanings along with guidance on proper home care, diet, the use of fluoride, and growth and development.
For over ten years, the doctors of Ocean Pediatric Dental Associates have been consistently VOTED TOP DENTISTS by their peers and by their patients in the state of New Jersey. We are proud and honored of this accomplishment!
