Our team has a special care routine just for kids! We want your kids to enjoy the dentist without fear and get the best care possible for their smile. Starting young with dental care along with proper dental hygiene will lay the foundation for a life-long healthy smile.
Starting dental care at an early age will benefit your child’s teeth. Baby teeth need as much attention as adult teeth because they can affect permanent teeth in many ways! If baby teeth are infected, that infection can transfer to the adult teeth as they grow in behind the baby teeth. Also, if the baby teeth fall out before they are supposed to, other teeth can shift out of place making it hard for future permanent teeth to grow in properly.
The recommended age for a child’s first dental exam is around one year of age. Extensive cleaning and exams will not be performed at this appointment; however this visit will allow them to meet their dentist and get used to sitting in the dental chair! In addition, their dentist can look for any early dental concerns such as tooth decay. You will also be able to discuss with their dentist any questions or concerns you may have.
Fluoride treatment and dental sealants are periodically recommended for children. Fluoride treatments are used to strengthen their teeth. Dental sealants are a thin plastic coating that is applied to the back molars, protecting the deep crevices and hard-to-reach areas from decay.
Your dentist can also examine your child’s teeth and inform you of any spacing issues or future treatment that may be recommended. Early treatment could save you money down the road and create a good foundation for them to have a straight, beautiful smile.
In addition to dental visits, building healthy dental habits is the best thing you can do for your child’s smile! Teaching them to thoroughly brush and floss each day is one of the most important things for preserving their teeth. Helping them only eat sugary foods when you can clean their teeth immediately and avoiding drinks and foods that can harm their teeth will also aid in keeping their smile healthy.
If you are looking for a pediatric dentist in Poughkeepsie, NY, call us today to schedule an appointment for your little one! We can’t wait to meet them and help care for their smile!