Pediatric Dentistry
- 6 months to 20 years
For a lifetime of dental health, it's vital that your children get off to a good start. There are significant differences between the dental needs of children and adults. A pediatric dentist understands the unique needs of children and teens.Dr. Ellen Drazner, a board certified specialist in pediatric dentistry, takes a gentle understanding approach to dentistry. A former coordinator of the New York University postdoctoral pediatric program, Dr. Drazner has co-authored a book on the comprehensive care of growing children. Your child deserves the best in care and compassion.
Starting Early Saves Teeth - Good dental hygiene begins at birth. Wipe your baby's gums with a soft cloth, and brush emerging baby teeth with a soft brush, or finger cot, using little or no toothpaste.A child should never be allowed to suck toothpaste off of the toothbrush and swallow it. Toothpaste contains fluoride, which, if ingested, can be harmful to young children. For the healthiest teeth, we recommend that children see a dentist before their first birthday.
The Importance of bringing your child to the dentist by age one.
One of the prime purposes for an Age One Visit is to examine your child for a number of forms of tooth decay that can affect babies and small children. For many years, we have recognized a specific pattern of such decay., known as Baby Bottle Tooth Decay (BBTD).
BBTD was believed to be primarily associated with the use of a sleep-time bottle that contains a liquid with natural or added sugars such as formula, juice or Kool-Aid. It generally occurs between the ages of twelve to eighteen months.
In recent years, similar cases of early and severe tooth decay have been found in children who do not fit the classic BBTD pattern of bottle use. The term Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is not being used to reflect a broader concept of the problem if tooth decay in infants and young children.
ECC includes cavities associated with many causative factors, mostly sugars. These include a continuous use a "Sippy-cup", at-will breast feeding throughout the night, use of a sweetened pacifier or the regular use of sugar-based oral medicine to treat chronic illness.
ECC develops rapidly - the progression from the hard, outer enamel layer of the tooth into the softer, inner dentin can occur in six months or less. It first affects the upper front baby teeth, which usually erupt at around eight months of age, followed by the primary molars (back teeth), which begin to erupt at about twelve months of age. At its most severe stage, ECC may then affect the lower front teeth.
The extent and severity of ECC can vary depending on culture, the child's genetic makeup and socio-economic factors. On the other hand, ECC is really much like any other type of tooth decay, dependent on the presence of three conditions: specific bacteria in dental plaque on the teeth, unprotected teeth and the right mix of carbohydrates from food and drinks, such as natural or refined sugars.
Your Child's First Appointment - A bit of preparation prior to a child's first dental visit can put your child at ease. Check your local library or book store for a children's book that features trips to the dentist. Encourage your child, and talk positively about your dental experience.
The first visit is an opportunity to familiarize your child with us and the office setting, as well as a chance for us to make a preliminary evaluation of your child's teeth. We put children at ease and minimize any possible discomfort. If your child feels relaxed and comfortable, it is likely that a positive association with dental care will develop.
Playsafe Mouthguards - Protect you and your child's teeth from sports related injuries. An incorrectly fitting mouthguard is inefficient and may not fully protect teeth and gums. Playsafe Mouthguards are custom made for your mouth - providing the highest protection available today. Ask us for more details!