We Care About Your Child
Dr. Gravino, and his expert team, are committed to your child having a positive dental experience. Whatever it takes for that to happen, we will accomodate. Longer time, calm environment, music, books, puzzles, glove balloons, prizes, etc. We believe strongly in children growing up with healthy, positive dental experiences.
At about age two-and-a-half, we look forward to seeing your child for a “chair ride.” This enables them to become acquainted with the team, and equipment, in a more casual atmosphere. Then at age three, we see them for their first dental wellness visit.
Using advanced techniques that greatly reduce chair time, coupled with compassion and a little fun, most all of our young patients look forward to their visit to the dentist!
We screen for Sleep Apnea in Children. Why?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) not only occurs in adults but is very common among children. This newly emerging science is improving the quality of lives for children today, and Dr Gravino is dedicated to utilizing its benefits on every child, at each visit.
Our expert hygienists will assess areas such as head and neck size, shape and development of the oral cavity, tonsil and adenoid health, the child's medical and dental history, and more!
Parents are often the first to notice signs of airway obstructions which can lead to OSA. Some symptoms may be:
- Snoring
- Clenching/grinding
- Mouth breathing
- Choking/coughing fits at night
- Night time restlessness
- Bed Wetting
- Day time irritability
- Difficulties concentrating
We have found that children with the following risk factors may be more succeptible to having airway obstructions and possibly developing OSA:
- Enlarged tonsils and adenoids
- Trouble breathing through the nose
- Large tongue
- Narrow Dental Arch/Palate
- Teeth crowding/ Poor bite (Occlussion)
- Attention deficient disorder
- Obesity
Once diagnosed, Dr Gravino will work with you, and your child, to develop a plan of action so that proper breathing and sleep can be achieved. The science supports the critical importance that undisturbed sleep has on behavior, mood, physical abilities and more.
A Lifetime of Good Dental Habits
Many factors contribute to your child’s teeth being very susceptible to cavities when they’re young. Children don’t have the necessary coordination to brush correctly on their own. Because of this, it is vital for parents to assist in their child’s daily hygiene. This encourages both thorough cleaning and the learning of proper dental habits.
Little kids often “graze” – eating frequently throughout the day. This results in an extended exposure to food acids, which may create more cavities. And, of course, the well-know enemy that is Sugar! The good news is recognizing poor dietary and hygiene habits, along with applying a fluoride varnish and dental sealants, can drastically reduce the odds of your child incurring a cavity.
Preventing Tooth Decay with Sealants
Dental sealants help to protect those hard-to-reach brushing areas that can escape both children and adults. When first molars emerge, we recommend this preventative coating that seals deep grooves giving teeth an extra layer of protection from damaging bacteria.
In about the same time as a cleaning, our expert hygienist will have the sealants applied, and have you on your way. Sealants are one of the best things that can be done to prevent damage and safeguard natural teeth!
