General Services
PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY IN JAMESBURG, NJ
A child's first dental visit should be fun, positive, and stress-free. Our friendly Jamesburg team uses gentle, age-appropriate care to help kids feel comfortable from day one, building the confidence they need for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Top-Rated Local Dentist
Serving Families Since 1995
Led by Dr. Khan, Dr. Lankaranian & Dr. Reff
Gentle, Kid-Friendly Care
New Patients Welcome
Back-to-School Checkups: Why Now Is the Best Time
Late summer and early fall are the busiest, and smartest, time of year for kids' dental checkups. Many schools and sports programs require an up-to-date dental exam, and getting your child in now means:
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Catching and treating small cavities before they turn into painful (and disruptive) problems during the school year
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Getting fluoride treatments and sealants in place before the school year's sugary snacks and busy schedules take over
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Avoiding the scramble to find an appointment once school forms are due
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Starting the year with one less thing on your to-do list
Schedule your child's back-to-school checkup with our team today.
When Should My Child Visit the Dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child's first dental visit by their first birthday. Baby teeth begin erupting between 6 and 12 months of age, and early, proper oral hygiene sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
After that first visit, we recommend checkups and cleanings every six months, just like for adults. This is also the best way to keep up with the back-to-school checkup requirements many schools and sports leagues ask for.
Teething & New Teeth Development
Your child's primary (baby) teeth typically appear between six months and three years of age, and it's normal for your child to experience gum tenderness during this time. To help relieve discomfort:
Gently rub the gums with a clean finger or a cool, damp cloth
Use a safe teething ring
By age three, most children have all 20 primary teeth, which are gradually replaced by 28 to 32 permanent teeth between ages six and 21.
Establishing Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits at Home
As soon as the first tooth appears, brushing should begin. Here's what we recommend:
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Brush after meals and at bedtime
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Use fluoridated toothpaste as soon as teeth erupt: a smear (grain-of-rice size) for children under 3, and a pea-sized amount for children over 3
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Parents should dispense the toothpaste and help with brushing until kids can do it well on their own
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Start flossing once teeth begin to touch; we'll show you exactly when and how at your child's visit
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Watch for discoloration or lines on new teeth, which can be an early sign of decay
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Limit sugary snacks and drinks, and encourage brushing after meals
Preventing Tooth Decay with Regular Checkups
Tooth decay happens when sugar from food and drinks turns into acid that weakens enamel. Kids are especially at risk when brushing is inconsistent or diets are high in sugar. Regular visits to our office help catch and prevent decay before it becomes a bigger, and more expensive, problem.
We recommend:
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Dental cleanings and exams every six months
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Fluoride treatments twice a year to strengthen enamel
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Dental sealants to protect the hard-to-reach grooves in molars, where cavities most often start
Sealants are safe, effective, and checked for durability at every visit.
What to Expect at Your Child's Appointment
We know a first visit can feel like a big deal for both kids and parents. Here's how we make it easy:
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Our team greets your child by name and explains everything in simple, friendly language before we do it ("tell, show, do")
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Exams are gentle and paced to your child's comfort level; there's no rushing
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We celebrate every visit, big or small, to build positive associations with dental care
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Parents are welcome in the room for younger children
Our goal is simple: every visit should leave your child feeling proud, not scared.
Join the Jamesburg Family Dentistry Community
Our goal is to make pediatric dental care a positive part of your child's life. From infancy through the teen years, Dr. Nadiya Khan, Dr. Reza Lankaranian, and Dr. Steven Reff, and our caring team are committed to gentle, preventive, and educational dental care for families across Jamesburg, Monroe Township, Manalapan, and the surrounding New Jersey communities.
Accidents happen. If your child chips a tooth or is in pain, we also offer same-day emergency appointments for kids.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Dentistry
At what age should my child start seeing a dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first visit by age one, or within six months of the first tooth coming in, whichever comes first.
Do you accept my child's dental insurance?
We accept most major dental insurance plans. Contact our office and we'll help confirm your specific benefits before your child's visit.
What if my child is scared of the dentist?
That's completely normal, and it's exactly what we specialize in. Our team uses gentle, age-appropriate language, goes at your child's pace, and never rushes a nervous first visit.
How often should kids get dental checkups and cleanings?
Every six months, just like adults. This also keeps you ahead of any dental exam requirements for school or sports.
Are dental sealants safe for my child?
Yes. Sealants are a safe, well-established way to protect molars from cavities, and we check them for wear at every regular checkup.
Do you treat dental emergencies for children?
Yes. If your child chips a tooth, is in pain, or has another dental emergency, we offer same-day emergency appointments. See our Emergency Dental Care page for what to do while you get to us.