Dentistry for Infants – Tappan, NY
Never Too Early to Protect Your Baby’s Teeth
Did you know that most dentists recommend that you schedule your child’s first dental appointment by their first birthday? These early visits can help your little one get used to the sights and sounds of your chosen dentist’s office, which will help them feel much more comfortable during their visits as they get older. Additionally, even newly erupted baby teeth can get cavities, and the sooner they’re treated, the better. Make an appointment with Dr. Tong today to get your child started on the road towards excellent oral health.
Oral Health Risk Assessment
Dental visits are all about prevention; if we find a problem while it’s in the early stages, we can treat it and make sure it never gets the chance to do too much damage to your baby’s smile. Dr. Tong will evaluate your child’s personal risk for tooth decay, find potential developmental problems, and make sure that the parents know everything they need to take care of their little one’s teeth. These short visits can be a big help even before your baby starts their regular checkups.
Teething
At a young age, your child’s primary teeth will start to press up through the gums, which can be very uncomfortable; you might notice that your infant isn’t sleeping as much and is more irritable in general. We can guide parents through this period by recommending ways you can help make the situation better, such as teething rings or moist gauze pads. Teething usually occurs at 6 months of age, but it can begin as early as 2 months, so keep an eye on your little one.
Non-Nutritive Habits
Your infant may eventually start sucking their fingers and thumbs to help themselves feel safer. This behavior won’t cause much damage early on, but if the habits remain unbroken – say, into their toddler years – it could start having detrimental effects on their development. The jaw or the teeth might become misaligned, and if it’s severe enough, your child will likely need braces. To protect your little one from this outcome, we can advise you on using positive reinforcement to stop thumb-sucking as soon as possible.
Fluoride Treatments
Children who grow up with exposure to the natural mineral fluoride usually develop stronger teeth and have a lower risk of suffering from cavities. Dr. Tong can apply a fluoride supplement to your child’s enamel to give them extra protection against oral bacteria. If cavities have already formed, Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) Treatment can stop the damage from decay and harden the remaining tooth structure.
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