Preventative Dentistry
Our primary focus as pediatric dentists is to stop or slow the development of oral diseases such as cavities and gingivitis. Here are some of the treatments we offer to help achieve this goal for your child.
Dental Cleanings
Pediatric dental cleanings are vital because they remove stubborn plaque and tartar that regular home brushing misses, directly preventing painful cavities and early childhood tooth decay. Every cleaning is tailored to your child's individual needs depending on their age, cavity risk and dental needs.Â
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Fluoride is the most well-researched cavity prevention tool in every dentist's toolkit. Our doctors use fluoride in multiple forms (such as fluoride varnish, silver diamine fluoride, Curodont) to either prevent, reverse or arrest decay. We also provide personalized recommendations for home use of fluoride toothpastes and supplements.Â
Fluoride Treatments
Sealants
Pediatric dental sealants are a safe, painless preventative treatment specifically designed for children. These are thin, protective coatings applied to the most cavity-prone teeth- molars and premolars. Sealants create a barrier that prevents food and bacteria from getting stuck in these hard-to-reach areas, significantly reducing the risk of tooth decay.Â
Pediatric Dental Exams and Cleanings
Early dental visits are the best way to set your child up for a lifetime of healthy strong teeth! 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.
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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. As children grow their teeth, jaws and gums go through changes that pediatric dentists have spent years training to understand. Your child's first dental cleaning should occur by 1 year of age or as soon as their first baby teeth grow in. 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!
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens teeth and protects against cavities by rebuilding weakened tooth enamel. When oral bacteria produce harmful acids, fluoride replaces lost minerals to harden the tooth surface and make it more resistant to future decay. This protective process can even reverse the earliest stages of a cavity before permanent damage occurs and protects the tooth against future damage. Incorporating fluoride into your daily routine through tap water, toothpaste, or dental treatments is a simple and proven way to maintain a healthy smile.
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Here are some fluoride treatments we routinely use at Small Smiles:
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Topical fluoride varnish- a concentrated fluoride treatment done at the end of every dental cleaning which can sometimes be used in high cavity risk patients to prevent small cavities from growing
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Silver Diamine Fluoride-Â non-invasive liquid medication containing silver, fluoride, and ammonia that is painted onto teeth to stop active decay and relieve sensitivity
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Curodont-Â non-invasive, drill-free dental gel that uses a unique peptide formula and fluoride to attract natural minerals from saliva, stopping and reversing early-stage cavities from within without staining the tooth
Sealants
As the name suggests, pediatric dental sealants are a preventive dentistry treatment specifically designed for children. These are thin, protective coatings that dentists apply to the back teeth (molars), which are most prone to cavities. The sealant quickly bonds into the grooves and depressions of the teeth, forming a protective shield over the tooth enamel. This barrier prevents food and bacteria from getting stuck in these hard-to-reach areas, significantly reducing the risk of tooth decay. Pediatric dental sealants are safe, painless, and completed in a single visit to your pediatric dentist in Garden City, NY.
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Pediatric dental sealants are a critical component of preventive dental care for children. The back teeth have deep grooves and pits where food particles and bacteria can hide, making them difficult to clean effectively. Over time, this can lead to the formation of cavities. By getting dental sealants, you provide an extra layer of protection for your child's teeth against decay. Moreover, the sealants are clear or tooth-colored, making them virtually invisible. They are also less costly and less invasive than dealing with cavities and tooth decay later on.
