At the NY Center for Aesthetic and Laser Dentistry in Manhattan, we firmly believe that prevention is the cornerstone of optimal dental health. Children’s preventive dentistry especially plays a pivotal role in fostering a lifetime of bright and healthy smiles.
As children’s teeth and gums are still developing, they’re more susceptible to decay and other dental issues. Preventive dentistry aims to protect your child’s smile by identifying and addressing potential problems even before they fully manifest. It not only safeguards their oral health but also instills in them the value of maintaining good dental hygiene from a young age.
Led by Dr. David J. Poiman, our experienced and dedicated team is skilled in a variety of preventive techniques. We utilize state-of-the-art technology and child-friendly methods to ensure that each visit is comfortable, enjoyable, and educational for your little one.
Preventative Oral Health Measures in Our Manhattan Office
Our range of preventive treatments, tailored for children, is geared toward fostering robust dental health from an early age. For our younger patients, we especially focus on the following:
- Oral Hygiene
- Fluoride Treatments
- Dental Sealants
- Mouthguards
If you have any questions about these or other preventative dentistry services we offer, ask anyone on our dental team. We are experienced and ready to help you understand more about your oral health.
Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping the mouth clean to prevent dental problems. For children, establishing good oral hygiene habits early on is crucial. Teach your child to brush their teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. It’s also important to start flossing as soon as two teeth touch each other.
Regular dental checkups are an essential part of oral hygiene. During these visits, our dental professionals will clean your child’s teeth and guide them on proper brushing and flossing techniques.
Fluoride
Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. It is often referred to as nature’s cavity fighter. For children, fluoride treatments can be a valuable tool in fighting tooth decay.
At our Manhattan dental practice, we offer professional fluoride treatments that are safe and effective. We apply a concentrated fluoride varnish to your child’s teeth, which helps to remineralize the enamel and protect against cavities. Additionally, using fluoride toothpaste and drinking fluoridated water can contribute to your child’s dental health.
Sealants
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars) to prevent tooth decay. Children’s molars have tiny grooves and pits where food particles and bacteria can accumulate, making them susceptible to cavities. Sealants fill in these grooves, creating a smooth surface that is easier to clean.
The application of sealants is quick, painless, and can effectively protect your child’s teeth for several years. We highly recommend sealants as a preventive measure for children.
Mouthguards
For those little sports enthusiasts, we provide custom-made mouthguards to protect their precious smiles during physical activities. Mouthguards are protective devices that cover the teeth and gums to prevent injury to the teeth, lips, tongue, and jaw.
At NY Center for Aesthetic and Laser Dentistry, our custom-made mouthguards are comfortable and provide superior protection compared to store-bought versions. A well-fitting mouthguard can be an essential investment in protecting your child’s smile.
How Preventive Dentistry Helps Your Child’s Overall Health
Preventive dentistry doesn’t just give your child a great smile and strong teeth. It also offers benefits to their entire health. Looking after your mouth can tell us a lot about how healthy you are overall.
- Peek into Your Overall Health | The mouth can show dentists early signs of serious diseases like diabetes, leukemia, heart disease, and kidney disease. Regular dental checkups can help spot these signs early, which means better chances of getting better.
- Stop Diseases from Spreading | Gum diseases can turn into bigger infections if not treated. Preventive care like regular cleanings and fluoride treatments can lower the risk of gum diseases in children. This also means less chance of bacteria from the mouth spreading to other parts of the body.
- Eat Well, Grow Well | Healthy teeth and gums are needed for eating, which means they’re important for nutrition too. Preventive dentistry helps keep your child’s teeth strong and healthy, which lets them eat a good mix of foods needed for growth and development.
- Feel Good, Connect Well | A healthy smile helps boost self-confidence and social skills, which helps overall mental health. Children who take good care of their oral health are more likely to interact confidently with others. This helps them develop good communication skills and emotional well-being.
Preventive dentistry is about more than just oral health. It plays a big role in your child’s overall health and wellness. By being proactive about dental care, we’re helping them have not just healthier smiles, but healthier lives too.
Preventive Care vs. Reactive Care
Our approach at NY Center for Aesthetic and Laser Dentistry champions preventive care to ensure lifelong oral health. Under Dr. David J. Poiman’s guidance, our focus on early interventions and education aims to keep your child’s smile bright and healthy.
- Oral Hygiene Habits: Educating families on effective oral hygiene, the use of fluoride, and the importance of routine dental visits forms the core of our preventive strategy.
- Early Detection: Regular checkups allow us to spot and address dental issues early, avoiding complex treatments later.
- Preventive Treatments: We offer treatments like fluoride varnish and sealants to fight decay, alongside custom mouthguards for our young athletes, providing full protection during sports.
Opting for preventive care means prioritizing your child’s dental health from the start, teaching them valuable care habits, and reducing the need for reactive treatments. Join us in setting the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Schedule your preventive appointment today.
Schedule Your Child’s Preventative Care Appointment Today!
Don’t wait to give your child the gift of a healthy smile. Schedule a preventative care appointment at our Manhattan pediatric dental practice today. Our team is excited to be a part of your child’s journey to optimal oral health!
