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.

Cosmetic Dental Services

Cosmetic dentistry services are very popular, from whitening, and shaping to closing spaces and replacing teeth. Common procedures include bleaching, bonding, crowns, and veneers. Also, these improvements are not always just cosmetic. Many of these treatments can improve oral problems, such as your bite. If you wish to enhance the appearance and health of your smile, schedule a consultation with The Oyster Bay Family Dentists.

The Oyster Bay Family Dentists use cosmetic dentistry to preserve as much of a patient’s natural teeth as possible. As a team, they make cosmetic dental procedures such as smile makeovers comfortable and convenient for you. Cosmetic services range from teeth whitening to dental bonding, to veneers. We offer state-of-the-art dental care to all of our patients and promise to give each one of them the smile they’ve always dreamed of.

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.

National Dental Hygiene Month

It’s a great time of year in October! Leaves are changing, hot drinks are in season, and it’s National Dental Hygiene Month. Dentists once believed that people would lose all their teeth if they lived long enough, but thanks to fluoridation, less smoking, and better hygiene, people are now retaining healthy teeth throughout their lives. In the spirit of the season, let’s review good hygiene.

Anybody who has teeth should be brushing theirs twice a day. We recommend brushing for two minutes per second, being sure to cover every surface. To clean the inward-facing side of your lower front teeth, point the brush vertically. On the outer side, brush sideways, but be sure you don’t skip the gum line. After brushing, floss your teeth thoroughly by sliding floss all the way down each side of each tooth and making a scooping motion to capture tartar. Don’t forget to floss your back teeth. You could also use a device such as a Waterpik, but not anything sharp that wasn’t made to be used on teeth.

Once a day, you should also scrape your tongue. This will prevent bad breath and bacterial build-up. Rinsing with mouthwash may also be helpful. Lastly, by chewing sugar-free gum after meals, you can remove some food debris so it doesn’t sit there for hours until the next time you brush.

Drs. Denise VeyVoda and Robert G. West operate The Oyster Bay Family Dentists at 123 South Street, Oyster Bay, New York, 11771. To schedule an appointment, call 516-922-5730 or visit Oyster Bay Dentists and fill out a contact sheet.