Children’s Dentistry Dix Hills
Fostering Young Smiles for a Bright Future
We are dedicated to offering comprehensive care for patients of all ages, and that means your children receive the personalized care they need to achieve and maintain optimal oral health for a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles. Thanks to the expertise of our in-house, board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Shubha Soni-Gaur, there’s no need for you and your little one to go to separate dental offices for high-quality care. Give us a call today to learn more!
Why Choose Dix Hills Family Dentistry for Children’s Dentistry?
- Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist with 10+ Years Experience
- Seamless Continuity of Care: We Treat All Ages!
- Insurance Accepted & In-House Financing Options
Kids Dental Checkups & Cleanings
The foundation of good oral health is preventive dental checkups twice per year. During these visits, we will examine and clean and polish your child’s teeth, as well as educate them on how to maintain their smiles. It’s also a great time to discuss any questions you may have about caring for your child’s smile at home and our other pediatric dental services.
Dental Sealants
In addition to providing preventive cleanings, our dental team also offers dental sealants. This is a thin plastic barrier between teeth and harmful bacteria, preventing cavities from forming. Treatment with dental sealants takes just a few minutes but offers long-lasting protection as well. Sealants are ideal for young people who aren’t as thorough in their at-home hygiene routine. If you have questions about dental sealants, let us talk to you about them at your next appointment.
Learn More About Dental Sealants
Silver Diamine Fluoride Treatment
Stopping the spread of tooth decay in children is critical to their oral health, but young patients do not always have the patience to sit still in the dentist’s chair for a long period of time. That is where silver diamine fluoride treatment comes in. This unique treatment is quick and comfortable, and it can stop early cavities in their tracks.
Learn More About Silver Diamine Fluoride Treatment
Traditional Fluoride Treatment
We also offer traditional fluoride treatments at our Dix Hills office. Applied in just minutes during a routine visit, fluoride strengthens enamel, which is the outer layer of the teeth that guards against decay. Rest assured, in addition to being a quick treatment, it’s also very gentle and 100% painless!
Learn More About Traditional Fluoride Treatment
Athletic Mouthguards/Sportsguards
Kids who participate in sports should protect their smiles with sportsguards. At Dix Hills Family Dentistry, we’re proud to offer high-quality, custom-made athletic mouthguards for your child’s optimal comfort and protection.
Pulp Treatment
When tooth decay reaches the inner pulp of a child's tooth, a pulp treatment can save it from extraction and keep the surrounding teeth properly aligned while the adult tooth develops underneath. Similar to a root canal but adapted for younger patients, the procedure relieves any discomfort caused by infection and restores the tooth so your child’s dental health is kept right on track.
Emergency Pediatric Dental Care
Unfortunately, accidents do happen. Our team is here to help guide you through any dental emergency you or your little one may face. If your child is experiencing dental damage, pain, or any other concern, give our office a call right away.
Space Maintainers
If your child’s baby tooth has been extracted early due to decay, damage, or some other reason, we may recommend placing a space maintainer. This appliance will help to prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting into the open space, which in turn helps ensure the permanent adult tooth that belongs there has enough space to erupt.
Special Needs Dentistry
In addition to preventive dental care for your child, our board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Soni, has the education and experience to provide more advanced dental care for growing and developing smiles. Dr. Soni has extensive training in treating children and individuals with special needs. To learn more about how we can accommodate your child, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Nitrous Oxide for Children
Before treating your child, we may determine that nitrous oxide sedation is necessary to protect them and offer maximum comfort throughout treatment. Inhaled through the nose, nitrous oxide allows your child to relax and remain calm. The effects of nitrous oxide sedation are mild and wear off quickly, so your child is free to resume regular activities directly following treatment.
Pediatric Dentistry FAQs
Is It Normal for My Child to See a Dentist Every Six Months?
Yes, just like adults, children should regularly see their pediatric dentist in Dix Hills every six months. It is possible that, depending on your child’s oral health, they may be required to come in more frequently, but their initial visit should occur when their first baby tooth erupts or by the time they reach the age of one. This will allow your child to become more familiar with the sights, sounds, and smells of a dentist’s office as well as help us to build a positive relationship with them from the very beginning.
How Harmful are Non-Nutritive Habits (i.e. Thumb-Sucking or Pacifier Use)?
When your child is an infant, these comfort tactics are completely normal. Many babies turn to sucking their thumb or finger or using a pacifier in an effort to soothe themselves when upset. It can help them feel safe and comfortable. However, as your little one grows, the continued use of a pacifier or thumb-sucking can have a negative impact on their oral health and jaw development.
It is best to cease these non-nutritive habits by the time they are between two and four years old. If you need help to identify ways to stop these bad habits, we will be happy to assist.
What is the Best Way to Prevent Cavities?
When helping your little one develop proper oral hygiene habits at home, you may realize that curbing the potential for cavities is much harder than you think. Because they have minimal dexterity when it comes to brushing those hard-to-reach areas, you should consider talking to your child’s pediatric dentist in Huntington about fluoride treatments and dental sealants. Designed to protect against tooth decay, they can also strengthen tooth enamel and keep teeth better protected between dental appointments.
Are Baby Teeth Really All That Important?
Yes! Your child’s baby teeth serve as the foundation for their adult teeth that will likely begin to erupt starting around the age of six. While it is true that baby teeth will eventually just fall out, they must remain in place as long as possible. Should your child experience severe decay and have a primary tooth come out too early, it can cause nearby healthy teeth to shift out of alignment. This can create problems with their permanent teeth once they begin to erupt. This is why we offer space maintainers to prevent adjacent teeth from shifting out of alignment and causing more problems in the long run.