Shirley, NY, dentist offers preventive dentist appointments for kids

Has your child been to the dentist yet? While this may seem quite young, you can bring them in for the first time around their first visit. This helps them get acclimated with the team for future visits. As they continue to grow, they can come in every six months for a visit, just like you do. Your Shirley, NY, dentist team offers care for young patients to support their dental health and overall well-being.

What To Expect During The First Visit

Your little one is first dentist visit can happen around the age of one-year-old. This is about the time when their first tooth has developed. If you have not brought them in yet, schedule an appointment as soon as you can. This initial visit helps get your child comfortable with the team and their oral health can be assessed. After this, regular checkups can continue twice a year throughout their entire childhood and into adulthood. At the first appointment, the team will do a thorough cleaning and examine their smile. Then, necessary treatment plans can be discussed. This is also a good opportunity to ask any questions you may have about their dental health.

Continuing Care With Regular Checkups

As mentioned earlier, these cleanings and examinations should continue every six months. Even if you believe that your child’s smile is healthy, it is important to come in for these visits to monitor for potential concerns. Some problems, such as tooth decay, may not show symptoms until they become a severe issue. Getting an examination twice a year allows for early detection and treatment of these concerns. When your child reaches the age of about seven years old, they can see the orthodontist for the first time. We offer this service in our office, so you will not need to be referred elsewhere.

Treating Common Problems

Cavities are a frequently occurring issue among younger patients. This is due to a combination of factors such as inadequate oral hygiene and their diets. To help your kids prevent tooth decay, make sure to supervise them when they brush and floss. If your child frequently develops cavities, your dental team may suggest extra preventive measures such as fluoride treatment and sealants.

If a cavity is found, their dentist will likely recommend a dental filling. This is a restorative treatment that stops the progression of decay. The damaged part of the tooth will be removed and a stronger material. It may be made of metal or composite resin depending on where it will be placed. It is important to restore primary teeth, even though they will eventually be lost and replaced with adult teeth.

Schedule Their First Appointment

You can call Shirley Orthodontics and Pediatrics in Shirley, NY, at 631.399.1600 to book your little one’s first cleaning and examination today.