Why You Need Our Pediatric Dental Services?

Children’s health is a primary issue for most parents. But some tend to overlook dental health. Maintaining a healthy smile for your infant should be in your priority list. Pediatric dentistry in Katonah offers dental services, which results in stronger healthy teeth. Want to learn more? Continue reading the blog.

Why is a Visit to a Pediatric Dentist Important?

Our pediatric dentist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of dental issues in children. We recommend the first visit by the age of one or after their primary teeth come in. We offer different pediatric dental services, such as:

1. Infant oral health exam

Our dentist in Katonah, NY, will hold your infant to create rapport. We aim to make the child feel comfortable and cooperate. If the child is at ease, our dentist in Katonah, NY,

• Look for sores inside the oral cavity
• Evaluate the risk for cavity
• Clean the baby’s teeth and gums using a soft damp cloth
• Evaluate the impact of bad habits such as thumb sucking
• Access the need for fluoride

2. Preventive dental care 

Children dentistry in Katonah, NY, emphasizes on preventive dental care. Prevention is better than cure. Pediatric dental care services at our clinic include:

• Dental sealants. If your child is at risk of cavities, we apply sealants on molars and premolars. The sealants on the biting surfaces of the teeth block bacteria and acids. Remember, bacteria and acids erode tooth enamel resulting in cavities.
• Pediatric crowns. During a dental exam, we may notice decayed baby teeth. To prevent premature loss of primary teeth, we can recommend dental caps. Please note baby teeth guide the permanent teeth as they come in.
• Fluoride treatments. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel. If necessary, we apply fluoride varnish to strengthen the enamel and make it less prone to decay.

3. Early orthodontic assessment and treatment

It is recommended to visit the specialist for orthodontic evaluation when the child is six or seven years. At this age, the child’s jaw is still growing. Suppose your child has crooked teeth, we may recommend orthodontic appliances such as braces. The braces are effective in realigning kids’ teeth. Bring the baby for a follow up dental visits for further treatment later.

4. Habit counseling

Children may develop bad dental habits, such as:

• Lip sucking which can cause an overbite
• Tongue thrusting leading to teeth misalignment and improper speech development.
• Thumbsucking resulting in an overbite
• Eating sugary food can trigger cavities.
• Night snacking leaves food particles on the teeth and can lead to tooth decay.
• Nail-biting. It is harmful to the teeth.

Unbecoming habits can lead to serious dental complications in the future. We highly discourage bad habits, so our pediatric dentistry staff in Katonah, NY, will counsel your child on proper dental practices.  However, there are good dental habits which parents should nurture in children, for example:

• Brushing twice daily
• Flossing daily
• Drinking water
• Regular dental visits

Please encourage your child to adopt these good behaviors. You can help your child brush and floss in its early years.

5. Nutrition and dental education

Our dentist in Katonah, NY, will educate you on proper nutrition. The foods your child consumes can either harm its teeth or strengthen them. Some foods, such as starch, trigger tooth decay. Other foods aid in fighting the buildup of plaque. We recommend you add the following foods in a child’s diet:

• Fruits and vegetables rich in fiber. They keep the teeth and gums clean. Also, these foods fight cavities and gum disease.
• Dairy products, e.g., milk, are rich in calcium. It rebuilds the tooth enamel.
• Fluoridated foods such as water and poultry products, strengthen the tooth enamel.

Children love sugary foods like sweets and candies, which erode the tooth enamel, making it prone to decay. During the dental visits, we will examine the child’s teeth to confirm they are getting the right nutrients. A child’s teeth are a product of what she consumes, so healthy foods strengthen the teeth.

Also, we will demonstrate proper brushing and flossing. Our dental team will guide you and your child on useful oral care tips. Remember to use fluoridated toothpaste.

Take Away

Oral health is connected to overall general health. Bear in mind the mouth is a breeding site for harmful bacteria. Visit Golden’s Bridge Family Dentistry for more information on our pediatric dental services.