The Importance of Oral Health for Children
Manhattan Kids Oral Health | Tribeca Dental Office
Your Manhattan kids oral health and well-being is always our top priority and this is especially true when it comes to matters that concern the mouth. There are a number of things to be aware of when taking care of your child’s teeth and we at Dr. Lattinelli’s office want to make sure that you are aware of everything you need to know. You child should be seen by our office as soon as they reach 6 months in age. By this time their first teeth should be just starting to come in—this is a critical time to spot any problems before they can become worse.
By the age of 3 every child grows 20 primary teeth. This is an important time because this is what sets the stage for when the permanent teeth develop. If something goes wrong with the primary teeth, there’s a good chance the permanent teeth will suffer the same fate if not corrected. Brushing during this time is important; gums and teeth can be gently cleaned with special infant toothbrushes that fit over your finger. Toothpaste isn’t necessary because the baby may swallow the toothpaste and anything with fluoride should be avoided for all children under the age of 2.
Injures happen, and it’s important to know what to do in case of an accident. Mouth guards should always be used with any athletic physical activities or sports. If a tooth is knocked out place it in milk, saline, or the victim’s saliva. If it’s not completely knocked out, try to place it back in the socket while waiting to see us. Sealants are another way to protect the teeth. It fills in the ridges on the chewing part of the tooth to seal it from food and plaque. The sealing process is easy to apply and lasts for several years.
Contact our Upper East Side Dentist to schedule your next appointment or if you have any questions.