Back to School Check-Up

As kids go back to school, potential problems with their oral health become even more important. At Dr. Joseph Dallessandro’s Upper East Side dental practice, we believe nobody should have to endure a toothache, which is why if a child has missed a dental appointment, we want parents to know why now’s a good time for one.

While healthy teeth may be sensitive when they first erupt, children’s toothaches are still cause for concern. Children get dental infections at higher rates than adults, usually as a result of bad brushing. We can show them better brushing techniques and recommend slide-on handles for toothbrushes if they’re having trouble with motor control. It’s also possible that they’re brushing too hard, which could cause their gums to bleed. Children also have high rates of sinus infections, which could result in pain being deferred into the upper teeth.

Dental visits provide us with a chance to provide sealants to reinforce the teeth’s enamel and eliminate crevices in the molars where food gets stuck. They also allow us to plan for extractions or referrals to orthodontists if the adult teeth aren’t coming in straight. Toothaches cause children to miss meals and sleep and to have delayed speech development, so don’t let them disrupt your child’s education.

Joseph S. Dallessandro, DDS, and Jiah Choi, DDS, operate at 360 E 72nd St, Ste B, New York, New York, 10021. To set up an appointment, call 212-988-1089, or visit Joseph Dallessandro DDS and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

At the Upper East Side dental practice of Dr. Dallessandro, we are dedicated to helping parents maintain their children’s oral health. You’ve probably noticed that dental information for children tends to focus on tooth decay caused by sugar. That’s because cavities are the dental problem children most commonly suffer from, but those too young to take an active role in their own health commonly suffer from a decay pattern we call Baby Bottle Tooth Decay.

When babies suck milk or formula from a bottle, the residue tends to accumulate on the fronts of their front teeth. With no water to wash the residue away, the sugar remains stuck there until it is eaten by bacteria, creating plaque.

Preventing tooth decay always requires regular brushing, but preventing it in babies requires some extra precautions. Babies should only be given bottles at set times and should not be allowed to suck on them for hours, as this is how their teeth remain exposed to sugar for too long. They should be given water to drink, and should not be given even more sugary drinks, such as juice, until they are old enough to drink from cups.

Joseph S. Dallesandro, DDS, and Jiah Choi, DDS, operate at 360 E 72^nd St, Ste B, New York, New York, 10021. To set up an appointment, call 212-988-1089, or visit JosephDallessandroDDS.com, and fill out a contact sheet.