Tooth Decay in Children

The Oyster Bay Family Dentists want parents to know that infant dental care is important from the very beginning. In fact, many dentists recommend an initial visit before the child’s first birthday to make sure that teeth and gums are properly cared for. Babies are born without harmful bacteria in their mouth, and studies have proven that moms (rather than dads) typically infect their children before age 2. This is because tooth decay can develop from breast milk if you don’t wipe your baby’s teeth and gums with a clean, damp washcloth after a feeding.

There are daily health habits that you and your child should practice, such as eating a proper diet, exercising, bathing, and sleeping. Caring for your mouth is as important as caring for the rest of your body. Teach your child that cleaning teeth and gums removes a sticky film called plaque and that plaque contains harmful bacteria that can cause tooth decay. In addition to teaching them oral care lessons, don’t forget to schedule his or her dental appointment!

If you have questions or concerns about cosmetic dental services, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.oysterbaydentists.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call 516-922-5730.

Pediatric Dentistry

The Oyster Bay Family Dentists are proud to serve the families from our community, and we want them to know it’s just as important for children to have regular dental visits.  A child’s first dental visit should be scheduled between when the first baby tooth appears, and the child’s first birthday.  Baby teeth eventually come out, but their growth and development is important for overall oral health for the child and the development of their adult teeth. Baby teeth should be brushed and cared for like adult teeth, and it’s important to monitor their growth and development. 

Missing any tooth for too long can change the development of surrounding teeth and compromise the structure of the jaw bone, but regular checkups can keep a child’s tooth development right on track.  Our dentists are skilled and experienced in administering dental care to children.  If your child has seems nervous about seeing a dentist for the first time, we recommend going through a brushing routine with them at home, and talking about the dental visit before you arrive.  Once we get your child’s oral health off to a great start, we offer a full range of services for child patients including dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants.

We love to see good oral hygiene habits formed early, and make lifetime patients out of kids from our community!  To learn more about the services we offer, visit www.oysterbaydentists.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call 516-922-5730.

What is a Frenectomy?

A frenectomy is a procedure to remove a frenulum, or muscular attachment between two tissues, from the mouth.  The Oyster Bay Family Dentists perform frenectomies to correct a number of issues patients may have with their teeth, lips, and tongue.

We each have a frenulum in between the font teeth (both upper or lower) that connects the inner surface of the lip to the gums. Removing this attachment is called a labial frenectomy. Patients who have receding gums can benefit from this procedure, because a strong frenulum from the gum to the lip can cause extra pulling on the gums and lead to further recession.

Another frenulum is located underneath your tongue, and removing this is called a lingual frenectomy.  Patients that have an enlarged frenulum underneath their tongue will not be able to move their tongue freely.  This interferes with speech and is often called ‘tongue tie’. Lingual frenectomies are typically performed on young patients, who can recover quickly and continue to develop their speech.

To learn more about frenectomies and all the services we provide, visit www.oysterbaydentists.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call 516-922-5730.

Sealants for Pediatric Patients

Almost half of all children and adolescents in the United States have had cavities in their permanent teeth.  The Oyster Bay Family Dentists take pride in serving the families from our community, and we offer sealants for young patients to start protecting teeth early.  We want to see your whole family set up for a lifetime of great oral health!

Molars first come in at around 5-7 years of age, with a second set coming in between the ages of 11-14. It is best to have a sealant placed when the molars first come in to ensure they are protected early.  In children and teenagers, most tooth decay occurs on the chewing surfaces of molars where the pits and grooves can trap food and bacteria.  Dental sealants are applied to the surface of these back teeth much like paint.  When the plastic resin is brushed on, it fills any pits and grooves on the surface and then hardens. Now the surface is protected from bits of food being stuck, and bacteria cannot multiply and cause decay.  Sealants also protect tooth enamel from plaque and acids, and can effectively prevent cavities for up to ten years.

To learn more about sealants and all the services we provide, visit www.oysterbaydentists.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call 516-922-5730.

Baby Tooth Care

When teeth first come in, your child may start to fuss. This is because he or she has sore or tender gums and the eruption of those little tooth buds are causing them pain. Parents often, when should I start cleaning my child’s teeth? The answer is that daily dental cleaning should start as soon as your infant’s first tooth appears. To help prevent the buildup of plaque bacteria that can lead to decay, The Oyster Bay Family Dentists highly recommend regularly cleaning your newborn’s gums with a damp washcloth following feedings.

While most babies don’t start getting teeth until they are six months old, infant dental care is important from the very beginning. In addition to cleaning your baby’s gums with a damp cloth, you can also gently rub their gums with a clean finger, a small, cool spoon, or a wet gauze pad. You can also give the baby a clean teething ring to chew on. It’s important to care for your baby’s teeth from the start because his or her gums act as placement holders for permanent teeth.

If you have a question about your child’s tooth care, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.oysterbaydentists.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call 516-922-5730.