Your Trusted Pediatric Dentist in Smithtown, NY is Here!

Many dental clinics treat patients of all ages, but they are not child-friendly. They do not take the time to make sure that the child is comfortable with them and the treatment. This leads to problems in the future. When the child becomes an adult, they are less likely to trust dentists and therefore may avoid treatments.

However, the team at Matthew Dental Group strives to create a child-friendly environment. Our lobby and exam rooms feature warm, relaxing colors as well as age-appropriate books and toys to help your child feel at ease. If you are in the area, we encourage you to stop by for a tour and to get to know the staff before your first visit. We believe that this can help reduce any nervousness when you come in for treatment.

We make sure that your child- and you, as the parent- understand what is happening and are comfortable with the treatments we offer. While the primary way to prevent cavities is with proper brushing and flossing, we can support this by offering fluoride treatments and sealants.

Special Care for Kids with Special Needs

The team at Matthew Dental Group understands that children with special needs often require special considerations. That is why we strive to ensure that your child is comfortable and relaxed during treatment. If needed, we can offer sedation to help.

Your child’s first tooth should erupt around 6 months of age. When this first tooth pushes its way through, you should start taking your child to the dentist every 6 months for an exam and cleaning. This will help to create a positive relationship between your child and the dentist, possibly reducing dental anxiety in the future, as well as help them to learn positive oral care habits.

Our pediatric oral health evaluation can help identify and treat oral health problems in children early before they progress. 

Some of the most common pediatric oral health issues include:

• Cavities

  Every day, bacteria collects around the teeth along the gumline. This is why brushing twice daily and flossing at least once is important. This removes the bacteria so that it doesn’t cause issues. However, if not addressed, bacteria will eat away at the tooth’s enamel, creating cavities- which can be painful for children. If caught early, a cavity can usually be treated with a dental filling.

• Tooth Erosion

  Tooth erosion is the result of mineral loss due to acidic foods/beverages. If not addressed, the enamel may erode, exposing the dentin. This can contribute to the development of cavities, as well as pain and sensitivity. The most common treatments for tooth erosion are dental fillings and dental crowns.

• Thumb-Sucking

  Thumb-sucking is a common habit among children- but if it goes past age 4, it can become a problem. If you need help breaking the habit, talk to the dentist for some tips. The best way to break a habit is with positive reinforcement rather than punishment.

• Misalignment

  When teeth are misaligned, your child can struggle with eating certain foods and speaking clearly. While orthodontic treatment is not recommended for children who still have primary teeth, the dentist will begin monitoring your child for this issue early.

• Gum Disease

  Gum disease is characterized by inflammation and infection along the gumline and is due to the accumulation of plaque. If left untreated, it can lead to gum recession, tooth loss, pain when chewing, and many more issues.

• Halitosis

  Halitosis is the result of bacteria accumulation in the mouth and is quite common among pediatric patients. There are several things that can cause this oral health issue including dry mouth, poor nutrition, inadequate brushing, and more. The good news is, it’s easy to identify and treat.