Pediatric Dentistry in Hudson Valley

How Does Pediatric Dentistry Differ from General Dentistry?

Little mouths and little kid teeth have special needs. Pediatric dentists are uniquely qualified to handle the needs of all children, from birth to the teen years. Children’s dentists complete an exacting two- to three-year course of study and training beyond regular dental school. During this time, they learn to treat patients with more complex dental needs in a hospital setting. This training also gives them insight and skills to work with emergencies that require the consultation of a pediatric oral surgeon. Because we recognize the importance of dental health to your child’s overall health, our kid’s dentists work hand-in-hand with your child’s pediatrician.

Why Should Kids See a Pediatric Dentist?

It’s always the right time to begin an oral care regimen to help protect your child’s teeth from disease and decay. If you have a toddler, visiting a pediatric dentist can help you learn how to care for your child’s teeth at home. During your visit, a toddler dentist will thoroughly clean your little one’s baby teeth and help them become accustomed to visiting the dentist regularly. Older kids and adolescents also benefit from regular visits to our pediatric dental specialists. Our dentists are experienced in treating the issues unique to this age group, from spacing issues and preventing sports-related dental injuries to offering trusted advice about age-appropriate issues such as tobacco use, consuming sugary foods and engaging in practices that promote a healthy smile.

Visiting the dentist early also helps prevent costly long-term issues with dental disease and decay. Not only are infected, diseased teeth painful for your child, they’re also more costly to treat. If you have questions about the cost of pediatric dental visits, call our office for more information.

When Is a Kid’s First Pediatric Dentist Visit?

The first trip to the dentist should happen before your child turns two, although it’s even better to schedule your child’s first visit before their first birthday. Keep in mind that every time your child eats or drinks, a thin film of bacteria is left on your little one’s teeth. While you may wipe or brush their teeth regularly, it’s tough to reach all of the little nooks and crannies of your baby’s mouth. Professional dental cleaning for kids before their first birthday helps avoid problems.

What Does Baby’s First Dental Visit Entail?

During your child’s appointment, our dentist examines your child’s teeth, gums and jaw carefully, also making a pediatric periodontics assessment. Your child’s teeth will be thoroughly, but gently cleaned to remove any built-up plaque, and x-rays may be taken to help the pediatric dental specialist identify issues such as decay.

We hope you’ll keep in mind that this is your child’s first introduction to children’s pediatric dentistry, and it’s a terrific chance to help them enjoy visiting our office and taking care of their teeth. Speaking positively to kids about their upcoming visit, telling them a little bit about what to expect and reassuring your child helps children feel good about coming to our office.

You’ll also have an opportunity to talk with our dentist about any concerns you have. Thumb-sucking, using a pacifier, falling asleep with a bottle or sippy cup and teething are common concerns for parents’ of young children, and we’re happy to answer all of your questions.

A trip to the dentist can be scary for some kids, but we can all work together to make this a positive experience for your child. Our kid-friendly environment and our experience with keeping kids calm help to put your child at ease. You may also consider offering your child a smile-friendly treat after your appointment so your little one thinks about going to the dentist as a happy event.

Where Do I Find a Dentist for My Special Needs Child?

Finding a dentist for special needs children can be confusing. Our dentists are experienced and trained in many of the techniques that help to keep special needs kids comfortable while receiving treatment. These methods range from behavior management techniques to sedation, and they’re personalized for your child’s specific needs. Call us today to find out more.

Call today or book an appointment online.