Brooklyn dentist, Dentist in Brooklyn, NY

Q. When Should my child first see the dentist?

A. Your child should see the dentist as soon as the first baby tooth comes in! This is usually between 6 and 12 months of age.

Q. Why this early? What problems could they possibly have?

A. They may not have any problems but we can certainly prevent any from occurring and set you on the path to a lifetime of good oral health. Some habits which many people may consider commonplace or normal can actually be quite destructive and cause many serious problems. (Refer to ECC/BBTD section)

Q. Should I worry about thumb or finger sucking?

A. Most infants suck their thumb and it is normal to a certain age. It should be discouraged after age 2 and certainly addressed by the dentists if it continues to age 4. Many children suck their thumb as a comfort mechanism which can eventually lead to a habit. This habit can actually damage the teeth and make them crooked or lead to an open bite which can have long-term problems leading to orthodontic (braces) treatment.

• Orthodontics:

Q. Why is early orthodontic (braces) care important?

A. Early orthodontic care can correct or prevent problems before they become worse. (Refer to Orthodontic section)

Q. What is preventive dentistry?

A. Preventive dentistry is anything that will keep you from developing any dental problems. It can include:

1. Brushing properly

2. Flossing

3. Fluoride therapy

4. Removal of harmful oral habits

5. Orthodontics

6. Parental involvement and support

7. Proper nutritional habits

8. Sealants

9. Sports Safety

Q. Why is preventive dentistry important?

A. Preventive dentistry means a healthy smile for your child! Children with healthy mouths can function and develop properly. (Refer to proper oral hygiene section)

Dental infections can cause many other serious problems if left untreated. Preventive dentistry helps avoid these problems before they occur.

Q. When should preventive dentistry start?

A. The sooner the better. Your child should see the pediatric dentist as soon as the first tooth comes in, usually between 6 and 12 months of age.

Q. What role do parents pay in prevention?

A. Parents can encourage proper brushing and flossing and establish a regular routine for their children! Many children will emulate their parents and developing a proper oral regimen for them is paramount in their oral health.

Discouraging negative habits can also be crucial in preventing problems from developing. Frequent snacking and consumption of foods high in sugar can affect their oral health negatively. Monitoring and correcting these habits can put them on the right track.

Q. How do pediatric dentists prevent problems?

A. Routine examinations, cleanings and fluoride therapy are part of what a pediatric dentists can do to prevent problems from beginning. They can also diagnose and treat early orthodontic problems and provide mouth guards for sports. Pediatric dentists are uniquely trained to provide a combination of office and home care to ensure you have a happy healthy smile!

Q. What is general anesthesia?

A. General anesthesia is a technique which puts the child to sleep completely in order for the dental treatment to be completed. It is performed by a trained anesthesiologist in the hospital.

Q. Who should receive dental treatment with general anesthesia?

A. Children with severe anxiety and/or inability to cooperate are candidates for general anesthesia. Some children are physically or mentally handicapped and cannot tolerate treatment in the clinic setting. Some children are also very young and require extensive treatment which may be best completed in one short visit rather than numerous difficult appointments.

Q. Is general anesthesia safe?

A. Although there are some risks associated with general anesthesia, it is extremely safe when administered in the appropriate facility by highly trained professionals who are equipped to perform the treatment. Many precautions are taken to avoid any complications. We will discuss with you thoroughly the risks, benefits and alternatives and why your child is a candidate for general anesthesia.

Q. What is the procedure to receive general anesthesia and what do I need to know after the treatment?

A. We will discuss with you in great detail what to expect. Each child requires different treatment and the appointment time will vary accordingly. (Refer to general anesthesia section)

Q. What is Nitrous oxide/ Laughing Gas

A. It is a blend of oxygen and a gas which helps them relax for treatment. (Refer to Nitrous oxide section)

Q. How will my child feel when breathing nitrous oxide?

A. Your child will smell a sweet and pleasant aroma which relaxes them and allows them to cope with treatment. It is very effective in children with mild/moderate anxiety. If your child has severe anxiety and requires extensive treatment, general anesthesia may be the best solution.

Q. Are there any special instructions or risks involved with nitrous oxide?

A. It is best if the treatment is administered early in the morning when the childs anxiety levels are the lowest. It is also best to keep them on an empty stomach since it can sometimes cause vomiting. Always mention if the child had a cold or any difficulty breathing through their nose. It is also important to know if they are taking any medication. Nitrous oxide is extremely safe with minimal side effects.

So you are a teenager at last! Have you outgrown tooth decay?

Certainly not! Here are some facts for you to know:

1. Fact 1: Decay may be more of a problem in your teenage years than ever before.

2. Fact 2: Gum disease may be more of a problem for you now than before, especially if you have braces and are not brushing/flossing well.

3. Fact 3: You have most of your permanent teeth with the exception of your wisdom teeth which may start to cause you discomfort. It is critical to monitor them to make sure they do not cause you an problems.

The teenage years are formative for many adolescents and likewise, they go through many changes. It is not uncommon to see a teenager who may have never had a cavity all of a sudden develop numerous at their regular check-up visits. As parents cannot supervise them constantly, any teenagers change their diet dramatically to consume more fast foods and sugar-containing foods and beverages.

Combine this with a change in their oral health routine, and you have the perfect environment for cavities to grow.

If you have braces your hygiene is extremely important. Although braces can straighten your teeth, they also provide an area in which food can become trapped and difficult to clean. This trapped food will eventually lead to cavities if not cleaned properly.

Make sure you continue proper brushing and flossing routines and continue regular check-up visits.

Do not use any chewing tobacco products as it may lead to oral cancer.

Wear a sports guard for any physical activities to prevent damage to your teeth and jaws.

Q. What are tooth-colored or white fillings?

A. Tooth-colored fillings are made of a plastic resin and resemble the natural tooth.

Q. What are the advantages of tooth-colored fillings?

A. These white fillings look like the natural tooth and the filling will look more natural.

Q. What are the disadvantages of tooth-colored fillings?

A. These fillings are not for every tooth. They work best in small fillings with little stress. Certain teeth may have large cavities in the back and these white fillings may not hold-up long-term. Your pediatric dentist may recommend a stainless steel crown (Refer to SSC section) in these situations to provide the strongest restoration.

Q. Is there any different care for tooth-colored fillings?

A. Brushing and maintaining excellent oral hygiene is critical to allow these fillings to last. If your child does not brush properly or chews sticky candy regularly, they may destroy the filling and wear it out rapidly.

Q. How does a pediatric dentist help with a childs dental anxiety?

A. Pediatric dentists receive additional training beyond dental school to manage and care for children. They have many techniques to alleviate a childs anxiety and deliver excellent oral healthcare for your child.

Q. How does a pediatric dentist help my child feel comfortable? They have already been to other dentists who could not accomplish anything!

A. There are many techniques which a pediatric dentist possesses in order to help calm and relax a nervous child. Many are psychological and some involve the use of nitrous oxide laughing gas or general anesthesia (refer to nitrous oxide and general anesthesia sections) We have a form for you to read prior to the dental visit which will help everyone achieve the best possible care for your child. It explains in detail how we can manage them properly.

Although highly trained in behavior management, pediatric dentists are not magicians. If the child has had a negative experience at a previous dentist, it may prove to be challenging to regain their trust and confidence. This is also why is it critical to have them be seen by a pediatric dentist from their very first visit!

Q. What if my child misbehaves during the visit?

A. Although we reward positive behavior with verbal reassurance and praise, there are occasions when we must use other management techniques. If a child is presenting a challenge, voice control or negative reinforcement may need to be utilized in order move forward or complete the treatment. We ask the parents cooperation to deliver the best possible care for your child. This is outlined in detail in the parental guideline section. (Refer to office forms/parental guideline)