Services
Preventative Dentistry
Start Strong &
Stay Healthy
Prevention is key for children to establish strong teeth, healthy gums, and good oral hygiene. This begins with understanding and implementing healthy habits at an early age.
Regular checkups and cleanings reinforce routines that keep the teeth and gums in exceptional condition. Without consistent cleaning, tartar and plaque can build up and cause inflammation, which can lead to disease if left untreated. Our office is excited to get your child’s oral hygiene on the right path to a lifetime of healthy teeth.
Routine Checkup
Fluoride
Teeth Cleaning
Sealants
Common Questions
Why is good preventative dental care so important for kids?
If your child has a healthy mouth, they have a better chance of having a healthy body, as dental and general health are closely connected. Untreated oral conditions can affect nutrition, self-esteem, speech and day-to-day activities. Severe tooth decay can affect a child’s growth and development, and it’s very difficult for children to concentrate at school if they have toothache. A well-maintained and healthy mouth will help boost your child’s self-esteem as they will feel confident about their appearance. In addition, preventative dentistry is less expensive in the longer-term and is far less invasive.
Why is oral hygiene important for kids?
When food remains on the teeth, it is consumed by the bacteria that naturally exist in the mouth. The bacteria thrive on the conversion of the food into acid, which contributes to the production of plaque, or a sticky substance that clings to the teeth. The acids in plaque will harm the enamel of the tooth, weakening the gums, and creating cavities.
It is important to stay on top of your child’s oral hygiene because tooth decay is a serious problem and can ultimately lead to infection, pain, and loss of teeth.
At what age should preventative care begin?
Preventative dentistry can begin almost as soon as your baby is born. You can get your child used to the sensation of having a clean mouth through wiping their gums with a damp piece of gauze or clean washcloth. Once their first tooth erupts, book an appointment with one of our board-certified pediatric dentists in NYC, or make sure they visit the dentist by age one.
Our pediatric dentists will carry out regular checks on your child’s teeth and gums, and formulate a personalized preventative treatment plan. This will include instructions on how to brush and floss, information on dietary requirements, and recommendations on fluoride use. Your child’s preventative dental care plan is likely to include regular teeth cleanings and polishing treatments. Regular cleanings help to remove tartar buildup, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
When should I start brushing my child's teeth?
You should begin teaching healthy brushing habits once the first tooth appears in your child’s mouth. Children under two years of age should not be left alone with toothpaste, and an adult should offer guidance with tooth brushing until they reach the age of six.
What is fluoride treatment?
Fluoride is a natural substance that helps strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay in patients of all ages. It can be found in tap water sources, foods, toothpastes, mouthwashes, and professional treatments from your dentist. Sufficient fluoride treatment is important for developing children to ensure they have the protection needed against cavities in their teeth. Fluoride treatments are available in our dental offices and can be applied in several forms. Supplements are also an option if there is an insufficient amount of fluoride in the water supply.
What are sealants and why are they beneficial?
Once your child’s adult back teeth erupt, our New York board-certified pediatric dentists will almost certainly recommend they have dental sealants. Dental sealants consist of a very thin resin coating that is painted onto the chewing surfaces of the pre-molar and molar teeth, protecting these vulnerable areas against tooth decay. This treatment can only be carried out on teeth that don’t have any cavities so it’s important it’s done soon after these teeth erupt.
The sealant procedure is quick, easy and painless. The tooth is cleaned and a sealant coating gets painted on in liquid form. Then, a special LED light hardens the material and bonds it to the tooth. Once dried, this layer creates a shield that prevents harmful cavity-causing bacteria from reaching the tooth’s surface. Sealants are especially beneficial for children because it’s hard to reach the back teeth and keep them clean.
Other Services
Contact Us
Office
30 Central Park South
Suite 2C
New York, NY 10019