Building A Lifetime Of Bright Smiles In Tarrytown, NY

As your pediatric dentist in Tarrytown, we understand that each stage of your child’s growth brings unique oral health milestones. From infancy—when those precious first teeth emerge—to the preschool years of building healthy brushing habits, and through the school-age transition to permanent teeth, our dedicated team is here to guide you every step of the way. By focusing on preventive care, early detection, and positive dental experiences, we help ensure a lifetime of bright, healthy smiles.

0-1 Years Old

Infant Dental Care

In your child's first year, you'll witness the exciting milestone of teething and their first tooth emerging. However, dental care starts even before that first tooth appears. Beginning around 3 months old, gently clean your baby's gums with a soft gauze or infant toothbrush to remove bacteria and acclimate them to oral hygiene routines.


While most babies get their first tooth around 6 months, it can happen earlier or later. It's recommended to schedule your child's first dental visit by their first birthday or as soon as their first tooth emerges. Be mindful of avoiding sugary drinks in bottles and limit swapping saliva with your baby to prevent baby bottle tooth decay.


Once that first tooth arrives, regular dental check-ups every 6 months are crucial for maintaining optimal oral health. Trust in your dentist to guide you through each stage of your child's dental development.

A woman is brushing a baby 's teeth with a finger toothbrush.
A woman is brushing a baby 's teeth with a finger toothbrush.

0-1 Years Old

Infant Dental Care

In your child's first year, you'll witness the exciting milestone of teething and their first tooth emerging. However, dental care starts even before that first tooth appears. Beginning around 3 months old, gently clean your baby's gums with a soft gauze or infant toothbrush to remove bacteria and acclimate them to oral hygiene routines.


While most babies get their first tooth around 6 months, it can happen earlier or later. It's recommended to schedule your child's first dental visit by their first birthday or as soon as their first tooth emerges. Be mindful of avoiding sugary drinks in bottles and limit swapping saliva with your baby to prevent baby bottle tooth decay.


Once that first tooth arrives, regular dental check-ups every 6 months are crucial for maintaining optimal oral health. Trust in your dentist to guide you through each stage of your child's dental development.

A little girl is brushing her teeth with a toothbrush in a dental office.

1-3 Years Old

Toddler Dental Care

Once your child reaches their first birthday, it's time for their inaugural dental visit, marking an important milestone in their oral health journey. Additionally, it's crucial to bid farewell to the baby bottle by this stage to mitigate the risk of tooth decay and support proper mouth development.


Furthermore, weaning your child off the pacifier promptly is advisable, as prolonged use can lead to alterations in the palate, speech difficulties, and bite issues. Remember to brush your child's teeth with fluoride toothpaste, using only a tiny smear the size of a grain of rice, until they reach three years old. These early habits lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

3-6 Years Old

Child Dental Care

Once your child turns 3, you can increase the amount of fluoride toothpaste you use to brush their teeth to a pea-sized amount. Since your child should have all of their primary teeth at this point, they will need to floss once a day.


You should be weaning your child off of pacifiers by the age of 3 to prevent long-term oral health and orthodontic problems. Young children need help brushing their teeth because they do not have the proper amount of dexterity until they are about 7 to 9 years old.


However, you should still show them the proper method of brushing and how long they should brush while encouraging them to try to do it themselves, even if they need guidance.

A little girl is sitting in a dental chair and smiling.
A little girl is sitting in a dental chair and smiling.

3-6 Years Old

Child Dental Care

Once your child turns 3, you can increase the amount of fluoride toothpaste you use to brush their teeth to a pea-sized amount. Since your child should have all of their primary teeth at this point, they will need to floss once a day.


You should be weaning your child off of pacifiers by the age of 3 to prevent long-term oral health and orthodontic problems. Young children need help brushing their teeth because they do not have the proper amount of dexterity until they are about 7 to 9 years old.


However, you should still show them the proper method of brushing and how long they should brush while encouraging them to try to do it themselves, even if they need guidance.

Little girl smiling, laying in a dentist chair.

6-13 Years Old

Child To Pre-Teen Care

During this stage of development, your child's first permanent molars emerge, making it essential to safeguard them against cavities. We strongly advise applying dental sealants to these molars as they are prone to trapping food particles and bacteria due to their deep pits and grooves.


Considering children's penchant for snacks and sweets at this age, it's crucial to limit their intake and encourage the consumption of fluoridated water for added dental protection. Additionally, if your child is active or participates in sports, investing in a mouthguard is advisable to shield their teeth from potential dental injuries.


Monitoring your child's bite development is paramount. If you observe signs of crooked teeth or misaligned bites, scheduling an orthodontic screening around the age of 7 is recommended. Early orthodontic intervention can address such issues effectively, potentially minimizing the need for extensive orthodontic treatment later in life.

13-18 Years Old

Teen Dental Care

Embarking on your child's inaugural dental adventure is a special milestone, and we're delighted to accompany you every step of the way. Making oral hygiene a playful part of your daily routine can set the stage for a positive dental experience. Turn toothbrush time into a joyous occasion by adding their favorite song to the mix and sharing smiles as you polish those pearly whites together. Introducing fun dental-themed books and videos can also help spark their curiosity and anticipation for their upcoming dental visit. By transforming dental care into an exciting journey, you'll pave the way for your child to eagerly embrace their new dental friends!

A young boy is sitting in a dental chair while a dentist looks at a tablet.
A young boy is sitting in a dental chair while a dentist looks at a tablet.

13-18 Years Old

Teen Dental Care

Embarking on your child's inaugural dental adventure is a special milestone, and we're delighted to accompany you every step of the way. Making oral hygiene a playful part of your daily routine can set the stage for a positive dental experience. Turn toothbrush time into a joyous occasion by adding their favorite song to the mix and sharing smiles as you polish those pearly whites together. Introducing fun dental-themed books and videos can also help spark their curiosity and anticipation for their upcoming dental visit. By transforming dental care into an exciting journey, you'll pave the way for your child to eagerly embrace their new dental friends!