Healthy Smiles for Our Youngest Patients
Good dental habits start early. That’s why our Staten Island dentists recommend bringing your child to the dentist as soon as they develop teeth. While this may seem a bit early, there are a lot of benefits to starting dental visits this soon. Bringing your child to the dentist when they’re very young can help to reduce any fear of dentists they might otherwise develop, and it can instill good oral hygiene habits.
When we familiarize ourselves with your child early on, we can build a relationship of trust with them. When children trust their dentists, we can better help them prevent cavities, misaligned teeth, and other dental issues. By establishing trust and helping them feel safe, your child might be excited to see us twice a year for regular dental exams and cleanings.
Insurance
We accept a variety of different insurance carriers. Please contact one of our Insurance Coordinators to discuss your dental coverage plan. We’re more than happy to work with you if your insurance doesn’t cover the full amount.
(718) 948 5111
Open 7 days a week
Good Dental Hygiene Begins at Home
Aside from the obvious goal of a healthy mouth, our number one goal in these early years is to set the foundation for strong hygiene habits as they grow older. Along with bringing your child to our Staten Island dental office twice a year, the best thing you can do for your child is to instill good dental hygiene habits at home. As soon as your child is old enough, our dental team will provide some advice on proper brushing and flossing techniques. In the meantime, here are some ways you can help them at home:
- Make it fun– The main reason most children skip their oral hygiene routine is that they find it boring. Try to incorporate a song or a game so they will look forward to brushing their teeth.
- Floss– Teach your child flossing as well as brushing. Even young children should be flossing their teeth regularly.
- Healthy Eating— Limit sodas and other sugary drinks and foods that can damage your child’s teeth.
- Ditch the Binky–Try to wean your child from the pacifier by age three at the latest. This goes for thumb-sucking as well. The pressure from a pacifier or thumb can affect the alignment of their teeth and change the way their smile looks.
- Lead by example– If your child sees you brushing and flossing daily, they’ll be more likely to do it themselves.
Our Pediatric Dental Treatments
Our Staten Island pediatric dentists love working with kids, and we are always especially gentle with them. One of our top goals is to avoid dental anxiety and build a strong foundation for kids to have lifelong healthy habits. By creating a warm, welcoming environment, we can ease your child into their first experience with a dentist.
We can provide your child with the following procedures during their check-ups:
Oral Examinations — Our dentists examine your child’s teeth for signs of potential issues so they can be treated right away. By visiting our Staten Island office for regular checkups, your child can maintain a healthy smile well into adulthood.
Dental Cleanings — We’ll clean and polish your child’s teeth to ensure they have a healthy and beautiful smile. We’ll use special dental tools to remove plaque and tartar from areas of the mouth that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush.
Tooth Extraction — If a tooth becomes impacted or threatens your child’s oral health in any way, we’ll gently remove it to solve the issue. Rest assured, our pediatric dentists will apply an anesthetic to ensure a pain-free experience for your child.
Tooth Fillings — Cavities are a common dental problem for children, which can contribute to gum disease, tooth loss, and other health consequences. If your child has a cavity, our Staten Island dentists can restore the strength and appearance of their tooth with a customized filling.
Starting Off Right With Pediatric Dentistry in Staten Island
Children deserve the best chances they can get in life. This includes giving them a solid foundation for healthy, lifelong habits. We are ready to help build that relationship with your child as soon as they are. Set up an appointment for your little one by filling out this convenient contact form or by calling us at (718) 948-5111.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I care for my child’s teeth?
Before your baby’s teeth have erupted, you can use a soft, warm washcloth to gently wipe their gums. Once their first tooth comes in, use a minuscule amount of fluoride toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice) and a soft baby toothbrush to gently clean the tooth twice a day. You should also make an appointment at our Staten Island office as soon as their first tooth has appeared.
You can increase the amount of toothpaste to roughly the size of a pea as your child grows into toddlerhood. It’s also important that you encourage your child to brush their own teeth starting at a young age.
Is fluoride treatment safe for children?
Yes! The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has confirmed that fluoride treatments are not only safe for children, but they’re also an important means of preventing tooth decay. Just make sure that any fluoride applications for your child are performed by a qualified pediatric dentist.
What is a dental sealant?
We know children aren’t always the most diligent when it comes to their oral health, which is why we can use a dental sealant to help them out. A dental sealant is a painless, effective way to protect your child’s teeth from damage and decay.
This clear plastic coating is “painted” onto the biting surface of a tooth, creating a barrier that keeps bacteria, plaque, and acid out. With the help of sealants, your child can maintain a healthy smile well into adulthood.
Reviews
Excellent dental practice.
“Excellent dental practice – have been going here for many years. Drs Nasso, Olsen and Napolitano are superb, and the hygienists and staff are professional and helpful. I’ve recommended several friends over the years..”
— M.S..
The team of Nasso Olsen Napolitano are a powerhouse!
“The team of Nasso Olsen and Napolitano are a powerhouse. Their services are amongst the best Dental work I’ve ever had- comprehensive and most importantly safe and right the first time! Been to many dentists in my lifetime, and this team discusses options, impacts and the cost up front with patients. They focus on your comfort and follow up the day later to ensure no abnormalities from the work performed Highly recommended..”
— J.S.
Friendly, efficient staff…
“Friendly, efficient staff who thoroughly explained everything along the way and made me feel that my well being was important to them..”
— J.P.
Smile Profile
Make it a family affair.
We understand how hard it can be to manage several busy schedules when it comes your children. For your convenience our appointment coordinator schedule appointments for your entire family on the same day.