Why Preventative Treatment Matters
Preventative treatment is the most effective way to acquire and maintain a healthy mouth and a happy smile for your child. At Dr. Robert Peracchia, DDS. Central Park West Pediatric Dentistry, we focus on providing comprehensive preventative dental care for kids right here in New York.
Preventative treatment has many different aspects, from at-home care to routine visits at our office. Our goal is to stop problems before they start, ensuring your child’s smile stays healthy as they grow.
Early Preventative Care
The AAPD recommends scheduling your child’s first dental visit within six months after their first tooth appears, and no later than their first birthday. This early visit helps establish a dental home and allows for early detection of potential issues.
Here at Central Park West Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Rob has implemented a Baby Oral Health Program designed for newborns to toddlers under the age of two. Parents receive personalized homecare for their child. The child will also have their first dental exam, prophylaxis and fluoride treatment.
Biannual preventive dental appointments start around age two. Each visit is personalized to the needs of the patient and parent. Homecare instructions are reviewed and preventive treatment is provided. This generally consists of a prophylaxis, exam, and fluoride application.
Preventive treatment options change as the child progresses in age. For instance, sealants are recommended to the first permanent molars, typically erupting around age six. They are protective coatings that shield the chewing surfaces from decay. Additional preventive measures may be advised based on your child’s individual needs.
All treatment is reviewed and discussed with parents at the time of visit.
Routine Pediatric Dental Cleanings
We recommend routine dental visits every 6 months. On that visit the patient will have the following:
- Oral Evaluation: Assessing overall dental health and development.
- Professional Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Removing plaque and tartar to prevent cavities and gum disease.
- Fluoride Application: Strengthening tooth enamel to resist decay.
- Nutritional Counseling: Discussing diet choices that promote oral health.
- Head and Neck Examination: Checking for any abnormalities or concerns.
- Home Care Instruction: Providing personalized advice on brushing, flossing, and other oral hygiene practices.
Fluoride Treatment for Children
At Dr. Robert Peracchia, DDS. Central Park West Pediatric Dentistry, topical fluoride applications are applied at our biannual preventive care visits. Fluoride plays a key role in keeping your child’s teeth strong and cavity-free. It helps protect the enamel by making it more resistant to acid attacks from plaque and sugars. Fluoride can also help repair early signs of tooth decay by strengthening weakened areas before they turn into cavities.
Patients are given a choice between fluoride varnish and foam fluoride during their preventive visits.
- Fluoride varnish is a sticky, paint-on coating that is brushed directly onto the teeth. It dries quickly and stays in place longer, allowing the fluoride to continue working even after the appointment. It’s a great option for young children because it’s easy to apply and well-tolerated.
- Foam fluoride is placed into soft trays that fit over the teeth and is worn for a short time during the visit. It’s typically recommended for older children who can comfortably manage the trays and avoid swallowing the foam.
Our team at Dr. Robert Peracchia, DDS. Central Park West Pediatric Dentistry will help you decide which fluoride application is best for your child based on their comfort level, age, and cavity risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Schedule Your Child’s Preventative Care Appointment Today
Give your child the best start with proactive dental health. Contact Dr. Robert Peracchia, DDS. Central Park West Pediatric Dentistry to schedule their next dental cleaning and checkup or enroll in our Baby Oral Health Program. We are conveniently located at 327 Central Prk W #1C, New York, NY 10025. Call us at (212) 280 1700 to book an appointment for comprehensive pediatric preventative dentistry in NY.