Preventative Pediatric Dental Care New Windsor, NY

When to Visit a Pediatric Dentist

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, parents should take their children to the dentist when their first tooth appears or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. A child's first tooth typically comes in around six months of age. Although this may seem like a young age for a child to have their first dental visit, it is necessary to prevent dental problems.

The earlier children begin dental treatment, the better the care for their primary teeth will be. Although primary teeth eventually fall out, they play many essential roles and must remain healthy to carry out those functions. Visiting a pediatric dentist at an early age can also help children feel more comfortable and less likely to develop major dental anxiety.

Routine Vs. Deep Cleaning

Routine cleaning is a professional cleaning that children receive during a regular six-month check-up. It removes the buildup of bacteria and tartar accumulating between the teeth and gums to maintain healthy gums. These cleanings are a crucial part of preventing gum disease and even treating very mild forms of gingivitis. With proper brushing, flossing, and routine cleanings, children can keep bacteria to a minimum and maintain gum health.

If a child has mild to moderate gum disease, a deep cleaning may be necessary to eliminate bacteria and tartar buildup below the gumline. Gum disease can cause pockets in the gums to develop and become filled with bacteria and tartar. Without removal, it can lead to various oral health complications, such as periodontal disease and even eventual tooth loss. Deep cleaning involves scaling to remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line and root planing to smooth the teeth roots to help gums reattach to teeth.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Children need strong and healthy teeth to chew their food, speak, and have a healthy and attractive smile. A good diet is essential for a child's growth and development and plays a key role in overall dental health. Consuming too many carbohydrates, sugar, and starches can cause tooth decay . Parents should keep careful watch over their children's diets to help keep their teeth free from decay and other dental problems.

Good nutrition involves all the food groups and controlled amounts of sugar and carbohydrates. Parents should read food labels and choose foods and beverages that are low in added sugars. Nutrients, including calcium, potassium, omega-3's, and vitamins D, K, A, and C, all play a significant role in mouth health. Incorporating foods such as dairy products, fruits, leafy greens, nuts, and salmon is beneficial to oral and overall health. Our team can provide additional counseling and tips to parents to help their children maintain oral health.

Preventative Dental Treatments

Preventative dentistry services may include dental sealants and mouthguards. Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings that adhere to the molars' chewing surfaces to protect teeth from cavity-causing bacteria and debris. According to the American Dental Association, dental sealants can reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80% in molars.

Mouthguards can help protect the teeth of children who play sports or grind their teeth. These protective devices are especially important for children who play contact sports such as football, boxing, soccer, ice hockey, basketball, lacrosse, and field hockey. However, even noncontact sports and other recreational activities can injure mouths. Children who grind their teeth at night may also need a nightguard to prevent tooth damage while sleeping.

X-rays

Traditional X-rays are a common feature of dentistry. Dentists use X-rays to spot problems below the gumline while also revealing early tooth decay and bone problems. These images may include:

• Bitewing: Takes a picture of a small section of your mouth
• Periapical: Captures the whole tooth, from crown to root
• Full mouth: A series of images, including bitewing and periapical
• Panoramic: Takes a full, continuous shot of your mouth and jaw
• Occlusal: Examines the entire arch of the upper or lower jaw

In some cases, the dentist may take "extraoral" X-Rays. These images study the shape of your facial bones and the area outside the mouth. They can help patients who need complex restorative work. Many children receive bitewing X-rays as part of their preventive care plan. During an X-ray, a child will wear a protective lead apron to prevent radiation exposure. Fortunately, advancements in dental technology allow for X-rays to be a quick and efficient process, taking only minutes to complete.