Dental care for kids is just as important — if not more — than dental care for you and other adults. At Bella Smiles locations in Riverhead, Roslyn, and Nesconset, NY, we offer quality pediatric care to make sure your child’s teeth are developing in the way that they should. Dr. Sal Lotardo, an experienced dentist in Riverhead, NY, discusses the importance of pediatric dentistry.
What Services are Available for Pediatric Dentistry?
Pediatric dentistry focuses on preventative and comprehensive care as young mouths are growing and changing. Routine dental exams and cleanings are one of the most important things we provide. It’s essential that children especially are being seen by a dentist regularly. This allows their Riverhead, NY dentist to check for changes and problems as their smile develops.
As the dentist is tracking these changes, he may recommend orthodontics or Invisalign for older tweens and teens. This is to prevent further orthodontic problems down the line and may prevent them from needing full braces. Catching issues early is essential to making sure they don’t get worse.
We also provide dental fillings and sealants. Pediatric tooth decay is a serious problem. Dental sealants consist of a special gel being applied to the crowns and surfaces of the teeth. It hardens on the teeth and helps prevent the buildup of bacteria that can cause tooth decay and the need for dental fillings.
Sports mouthguards are an important part of our pediatric offerings. Over the counter options are ill-fitting and can cause tension headaches and pain as the child clenches their teeth to keep them in. With a custom fit mouthguard, they’ll be able to keep their teeth protected during sports while comfortable and able to communicate with their team.
Why Pediatric Dentistry is Essential
As mentioned, pediatric dentistry is important to track and address issues that may develop as the child grows and changes. Children should begin seeing the dentist when their first teeth erupt or by their first birthday. Primary teeth are just as important as permanent teeth and you should make sure they’re developing correctly.
Taking children to the dentist early also helps them get into a routine of good oral healthcare. We can teach both you and your child the best way to brush their teeth and take care of their mouth and gums. This includes discussing the importance of flossing and a good diet.
It also gets them in the habit of going to the dentist early on. This gets them used to the dentist and used to going regularly. This can help prevent the issue of dental fear or anxiety that often plagues people. However, if they’ve been used to the dentist since they were children, it’s less likely that this will develop in the future.
Pediatric Services at Your Riverhead, NY Dentist
Bella Smiles offers convenient locations in Riverhead, Roslyn, and Nesconset, NY for your pediatric dentistry needs. Call us today or schedule an appointment online!