It is highly recommended that you take your youngster to a child dentist on Long Island by his or her first birthday. Of course not much will happen other than an oral exam but as this is your child’s first experience with a dentist, it is in your best interests to see that it is a positive experience as well as comfortable and enjoyable. Once the visit has been scheduled the less said about it at home the better, make sure that you and other family members say noting detrimental about a dentist otherwise the child may be fearful before every entering the clinic. A child dentist on Long Island will ask that you use words among yourselves that convey the message but make sure the word choice does not frighten the new patient.
Although the first teeth will all fall out it is nevertheless important that they are well maintained. Cavities in baby teeth which are neglected can often lead to problems with those teeth which are in the developmental stage. Baby teeth are important for the child to eat properly and they guide the permanent teeth into the correct position in the jaw. Primary teeth are also important in speech development and of course, a good looking child.
X-Rays are an important tool in a dentist’s arsenal, without X-Rays there would be no way of telling if there are possible dental problems on the horizon that will take special intervention. X-Rays can spot bone problems, be used to evaluate an injury sustained by the child or most frequently, to plan for orthodontic treatment. The earlier problems associated with the teeth, gums and jaw is identified; the easier it is for the child dentist on Long Island to deal with them.
The dentist will spend time with you and your child and point out the best ways to brush and floss as well as the schedule that should be followed. Good oral hygiene eliminates any food particles left over from eating which can become the beginning of a cavity. It is never too soon to start; even with an infant it is important to wipe the gums with a soft cloth and as the child progresses take particular care with pre-bedtime snacks and drinks.
