Children’s Dentistry
Giving Little Smiles a Strong Start
As a trusted dental professional with more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Rosenfeld is pleased to provide exceptional services for younger, developing smiles. Children are often prone to tooth decay because of their novice oral hygiene habits; however, with regular professional care and proper tips for at-home brushing and flossing, our team can help you and your little one stay on the path to better oral health. Not to mention, our commitment to your child’s safety and comfort is evident during every visit. Offering ways to decrease anxiety and make each appointment enjoyable and exciting, it is our goal to change the way your child feels about going to the dentist and maintaining a healthier, more beautiful smile. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Why Choose East Islip Dental Care for Children’s Dentistry?
- 30+ years of clinical expertise
- Happy to treat toddlers, teenagers & everyone in between
- We accept & maximize most PPO dental insurance plans
Your Child’s First Visit to the Dentist
Our office regularly cares for the dental needs of children as young as three years old. However, if you notice that your child has a problem with his or her teeth or gums prior to this age, please schedule an appointment. You may also want to bring your child to your dental checkup when he or she is about two so that they can become familiar with the sights, sounds, and friendly helpers in our dental office. We call this a Happy Visit, as it allows us to build a relationship with you and your little one, helping them to feel more comfortable with us and our office.
Children’s Dental Hygiene
Your child's independent checkup at age three will involve a tooth-by-tooth inspection and periodontal exam. One of our dentists will check for proper development, as well as tooth decay and other areas of concern. These visits help remove hardened plaque and tartar that can cause gum disease and cavities as well as providing helpful tips and techniques to keep teeth healthy at home. From brushing twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, to incorporating correct flossing techniques at least once a day, to rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash, your child’s smile will remain damage- and decay-free between appointments.
Dental Sealants
It is often hard for little ones to reach the back of the mouth when brushing. Their manual dexterity is limited during these early years, making it difficult to ensure their molars and premolars are properly cleaned. Fortunately, with dental sealants, we can apply this thin layer over the chewing surfaces of these teeth, protecting the enamel from bacteria and food particles that might try to penetrate. Because these teeth have many pits and grooves, it is easy for plaque and acids to enter these areas and eat away at the enamel. Dental sealants create a barrier that can last years if properly maintained.
Fluoride Treatments
Similar to the benefits of dental sealants, fluoride is a natural mineral that is often found in city drinking water and most toothpaste brands. Designed to strengthen tooth enamel and protect against tooth decay, Dr. Rosenfeld can easily apply a small amount of fluoride to the surface of your child’s teeth during a regular checkup and cleaning visit. Taking only a few minutes to complete, your child will need to avoid eating or drinking anything for at least 30 minutes following the application.
Tooth Fillings
No matter how hard you may try to help them maintain good brushing, flossing, and rinsing techniques, a cavity can still form. When this happens, our team can recommend a tooth-colored filling that uses composite resin, which is non-toxic and better for the environment. Instead of traditional amalgam that can bring attention to your child’s dental work, these malleable fillings are placed in one visit to our office, effectively filling the tooth, sealing it off from further infection, and blending in beautifully with the rest of your child’s smile.
Sportsguards for Children
If your child enjoys playing contact or non-contact sports, it’s time to consider a custom-made sportsguard to protect their smile. These unique oral appliances are designed to fit comfortably and correctly in your child’s mouth, unlike the store-bought, “one-size-fits-all” solutions. Whether they are playing football, basketball, baseball, lacrosse, tennis, or engaging in other physical activities, these oral appliances can minimize the effects of a hard hit or sudden fall, keeping teeth and soft tissues firmly intact.