Preventive dental care protects your child’s smile

Regular dental exams and cleanings not only improve your child’s long-term oral health but also help lower future dental costs. (That’s a win-win!) It’s never too early to start building the foundation for a healthy smile.

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Regular dental exams and cleanings are a key component of preventive dental care. Your child’s mouth is constantly changing—by carefully examining and thoroughly cleaning their teeth at least twice a year, we can monitor these changes and keep your child’s smile shining bright.

Dental exams

During a visual examination, a board-certified pediatric dentist evaluates your child’s mouth and locates areas of decay or cavities on their teeth. The doctor also examines your child’s gum tissue, jaw, and bite to identify any potential issues. You will be provided with age-appropriate home care instructions for your child, including demonstrating proper brushing and flossing techniques and making diet recommendations.

Dental cleanings

Pediatric dental cleanings promote healthy teeth and gums by removing built-up plaque and tartar, eliminating the bacteria that can lead to decay and gum disease. Once your child is old enough to handle the procedure, their teeth will be cleaned and polished by a licensed dental hygienist using tools that are sized specifically for children’s mouths. We recommend that your child comes in for dental cleanings at least twice a year.

Digital radiographs or x-rays

To get a complete and accurate picture of your child’s oral health and to detect any issues, digital radiographs or x-rays may periodically be taken. Our pediatric dentistry offices are equipped with the latest technology to make the dental x-ray process as safe as possible for kids, including digital radiography that reduces radiation exposure by 80-90%

What to expect

Schenectady’s patient-centered approach ensures that your child will get top-quality care at every dental exam—and that as a parent, you will get answers to any questions you have about your child’s oral health.

If it’s your child’s first visit with us

We’ll assess your child’s overall dental health and development, including the risk of cavities, gum disease, or other issues through a visual examination while talking them through each step. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend children have their first dental visit and exam by age one.

Discuss healthy habits

We’ll address appropriate home care (healthy oral habits begin at home!), discuss your child’s diet, and recommend dental hygiene products if needed.

Age-based guidance

We’re happy to provide age-based guidance and counseling on oral habits, including thumb sucking and pacifier use.

For infants and toddlers

Wondering if your infant or toddler can sit still for a dental exam? We’ve got you covered with a tried-and-true method that works. You will sit knee-to-knee with the care provider during the dental exam, allowing your child to comfortably lay back between the two of you in a safe, nurturing environment until they graduate to the dentist’s chair.

Introducing cleaning

Dental cleanings typically begin in the toddler years when more baby teeth have emerged.

Addressing anxiety

There may be some tears, and that’s okay. Our pediatric specialists will do everything possible to calm your child’s fears during their exam.

After the exam

Once the exam is completed, you’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions about your child’s oral health, including the recommended preventive care plan and any upcoming dental procedures. With our patient-centered approach, we want to ensure parents leave the office well-informed (and smiling, too!).

We will book any necessary follow-up appointments and can book your child’s next exam and cleaning for you as well.

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At what age should my child visit a pediatric dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child's first visit to the dentist should occur by twelve months of age. This visit will enable our pediatric dentists to evaluate your child and discuss proper oral hygiene. Early education and guidance about diet, fluoride, tooth eruption and finger/pacifier habits can help ensure optimal dental health.

How often should my child visit a pediatric dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that most children visit the dentist at least twice a year. Some children need more frequent care and teeth cleanings because of increased risk of tooth decay, unusual growth patterns, or poor oral hygiene. Our pediatric dentists will help determine the best teeth cleaning schedule for your child.

Does your child use a pacifier or suck his/her thumb?

This type of sucking is completely normal for infants and young children. It provides security and relaxation. Most children stop sucking their thumb or pacifier between two and four years of age with no harm to their teeth or jaws. However, children should cease these habits prior to the eruption of their permanent teeth.

What are dental sealants and who can benefit from them?

The chewing surface of children’s teeth is most susceptible to cavities and least benefited from fluoride. Sealants are adhesive coatings that are applied to the tops of teeth and can be very effective in preventing tooth decay. Molars are the most decayed teeth because plaque accumulates in the tiny grooves of the chewing surfaces. Sealants prevent the cavities that fluoride cannot effectively reach.

If my child gets a cavity in a baby tooth, should it still be filled?

Yes! Primary or “baby” teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also hold space that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt. Pain, infection of the gums and jaw, impairment of general health and premature loss of teeth are just a few problems that can happen when baby teeth are neglected.

What is baby bottle tooth decay and how can I prevent it?

Baby bottle tooth decay is a pattern of rapid decay associated with prolonged nursing. It happens when a child goes to sleep while breast-feeding or bottle-feeding. During sleep, the flow of saliva is reduced and the natural self-cleansing action of the mouth is diminished. Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting anything other than water in their bedtime bottle.

What can parents do to help make dental experiences positive?

If parents have their own fear or anxiety about the dentist, they should not share those with their child. Dentistry has changed over the years, and it is important to allow their child the opportunity to like their dentist and their dental home. Parents can refer to the dentist and team as helpful and as friends. If the parents show they trust the dentist their child will too.

What do you recommend for busy families so they are making good dietary choices on a daily basis?

Diet plays a really important role for the development or risk for cavities. Eliminating chocolate milk or any juice all together is great, but moderation is key. Stay away from the sports drinks like Gatorade, Powerade and even sodas because they have a lot of acid. Mostly importantly stay away from sticky snacks like gummy vitamins, fruit snacks, things that stick in the grooves of your teeth.

Aren't they just baby teeth?

Yes, but most children get their first teeth by age 1 and lose their last baby tooth by age 13. Early care and prevention are crucial. Baby teeth shape the mouth, allow for chewing, appropriate speech, and help guide permanent teeth into the mouth correctly. Cavities are a bacteria that if left untreated can cause significant pain and spread to neighboring teeth, surrounding bone and throughout the body.

A lot of young children like to suck on their fingers, thumbs and pacifiers, can these have adverse affects?

You’re right! Sucking on thumbs, fingers and pacifiers is very normal and actually provides security for the very young child. Most children will stop this habit on their own between the ages of 2 and 4. Our guidelines recommend stopping that habit around 3 years of age to prevent any issues with the developing jaw and the way the teeth are positioned.

What can a parent do to help stop oral sucking habits?

Most children do stop on their own, but some require additional help from their parents or pediatric dentist. For patients with a pacifier habit, the most successful way to stop is to simply take the pacifier away. For thumb/finger habits, we recommend using a rewards calendar. Your pediatric dentist may recommend placing an appliance that does not allow the patient to suck on their thumb or finger.