Regular dental visits during childhood do more than just keep teeth clean. They help build lifelong healthy habits, too. Pediatric cleanings & exams are essential for catching issues early, supporting proper development, and keeping smiles bright and cavity-free. At Small Smiles Pediatric Dentistry in Garden City, NY, we make every visit feel like a fun and nurturing experience for kids.
Our board-certified pediatric dentists, Dr. Manpreet Dhillon (Dr. D) and Dr. Ravneet Dhillon (Dr. Neet), provide expert care that’s tailored just for little ones, from toddlers to teens. Whether it’s your child’s first-ever cleaning or their regular six-month checkup, we’re here to make dental care stress-free, educational, and fun!
Why Choose Pediatric Cleanings & Exams at Small Smiles Pediatric Dentistry?
Choosing professionally led pediatric cleanings & exams means more than just plaque removal; it’s about creating a comfortable, safe dental home for both kids and parents. At Small Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we provide a family-first approach to preventive care. With a playful environment designed just for children, reward-based motivation, and in-chair entertainment, kids actually look forward to their appointments.
Parents find peace of mind knowing sedation services are available for more complex needs, and that care is always provided by board-certified experts. It’s a place where smiles grow, confidence blooms, and dental health becomes a family priority.
DID YOU KNOW?
Children should see a pediatric dentist every six months starting at age one!
The Benefits of Pediatric Cleanings & Exams
Prevention First
Regular cleanings help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other common dental issues. By removing plaque and tartar early, we keep oral health on track and reduce the chances of uncomfortable treatments later.
Developmental Monitoring
Pediatric exams allow our dentists to monitor how your child’s teeth and jaw are developing. Early detection means we can catch orthodontic issues or habits like thumb sucking before they become bigger challenges.
Positive Dental Experiences
Fun visits with friendly faces help kids build trust and comfort with dental care. That creates positive associations for the future, and takes the fear out of going to the dentist!
What to Expect From Pediatric Cleanings & Exams
A Warm Welcome & Kid-Friendly Environment
From the moment your family enters our Garden City office, you’ll notice we’ve created a space with kids in mind. Our team greets children with warmth and a smile, helping to ease any nerves. We’ll explain each step in child-friendly language, and your little one can enjoy games, coloring, and entertainment before heading to the exam room. We believe that trust starts at hello, and we work hard to help kids feel like dental visits are something to look forward to.
Gentle Cleaning & Expert Exam
During the cleaning, we gently remove plaque and tartar buildup using tools designed specifically for small mouths. Kids can even pick their favorite show to watch while we work! After the cleaning, Dr. D or Dr. Neet will perform a detailed exam, checking for signs of cavities, gum inflammation, and tracking tooth growth and bite alignment. We also provide fluoride treatments when needed and sealants for added cavity protection. Every step is handled with care and comfort in mind.
Education & Next Steps
After your child’s cleaning and exam, we take time to go over findings with you and your child. We talk about brushing habits, snacks, and how to build strong oral health routines at home. If follow-up care or treatment is needed, our team explains everything clearly and supports you every step of the way. Most importantly, kids leave feeling proud, with a shiny smile, a prize in hand, and confidence about coming back next time!
Before & Afters
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Dental Trauma Guide
What to do in the event of trauma to the teeth and mouth:
If bleeding occurs:
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- Apply pressure with a clean cloth or gauze
- Try to identify the source of the bleeding
- If the gums or teeth are bleeding see a dental professional
- If the lips or face are injured visit the emergency room
If a tooth is chipped
- If the tooth fragment that chipped off is found, store it in milk, saliva or saline. Do NOT store in alcohol, water or mouthwash
- Contact a dentist for an emergency appointment
If a baby tooth is knocked out
- Baby teeth are not advised to be re-implanted but should be brought to the dentist to be evaluated
If there is a shift in the position of a tooth/teeth
- This is urgent! Contact a dentist for an emergency appointment ASAP
- If injury occurs outside of business hours visit the emergency room
If an adult tooth is knocked out
- Handle the tooth by the crown, try to avoid touching the root
- Rinse the tooth with milk or saline, DO NOT SCRUB
- Place the tooth back into the socket if possible
- If not, store the tooth in milk, saliva or saline. Do NOT store in alcohol, water or mouthwash. Adult teeth can be re-implanted by a dentist
- This is urgent! Contact a dentist for an emergency appointment ASAP
- If injury occurs outside of business hours visit the emergency room
If unsure whether a baby or adult tooth is knocked out
- Store the tooth in milk, saliva or saline and allow the doctor to determine. Do NOT store in alcohol, water or mouthwash
- This is urgent! Contact a dentist for an emergency appointment ASAP
- If injury occurs outside of business hours visit the emergency room
In all cases, focus on controlling bleeding (with gauze/clean cloth and pressure) and managing pain with motrin/tylenol (follow manufacturers instructions for dosing). Some dental emergencies are more urgent than others but all cases of dental trauma should be evaluated by a dentist as soon as possible.
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How to Reduce the Risk of Dental Trauma
Dental injuries are very common amongst active children. Here are some tips to reduce your child's risk of experiencing serious dental trauma.
Safe Play Environments
- Check play areas for younger children for hard surfaces and sharp corners, try to child-proof or limit access to such areas
- Keep hard objects and toys away from young children especially when they are teething (ages 0-3)
Preventing Sports-Related Trauma
- Helmets, facemasks and mouthguards reduce both the frequency and severity of dental/facial trauma.
- Mouthguards are highly recommended for all collision and contact sports and help prevent injuries such as broken or displaced teeth, jaw-joint injury, lip/cheek/chin lacerations and even concussions
- Custom mouthguards made by a dental provider offer the highest level of protection and can be made for children of all ages
- Pre-formed stock mouthguards and boil and bite mouthguards are more affordable alternatives which offer a lower level of protection than custom mouthguards but still reduce the risk and severity of injury
Education and Preparation
- Even with safeguards in place injuries happen! Learning how to manage dental injuries will help the adults managing the situation stay calm and act fast
- Some children are more prone to dental injury depending on their unique dental anatomy. Regular dental check ups will help identify potential risks and a dental provider can offer personalized suggestions
Frequently Asked Questions
