Our team has decided to temporarily close the offices to ensure the health and safety of our patients, team members and communities during the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We currently plan to reopen the office on April 7th, 2020.
If you need treatment for a dental emergency and/or if you are in pain, our team is here to help and can provide treatment at another office in the area. Please call the following phone number and we will be happy to help you schedule an appointment for essential treatment. All appointments should be scheduled in advance.
Offices that remain open for essential treatment:
Massachusetts
Chelsea, MA (617) 887-2100
East Boston, MA (617) 567-13009
Plymouth, MA (508) 746-5800
Lowell, MA (978) 452-3000
Billerica, MA (978) 330-3400
New Jersey
Clifton, NJ (973) 531-4444
Connecticut
Enfield, CT (860) 745-8800
New Haven, CT (Amity) (203) 389-9600
New Haven, CT (Church St) (203) 850-7900
Stamford, CT (203) 327-1100
New Hampshire
Manchester, NH (603) 232-2266
We are currently scheduling appointments for any non-essential treatment, including hygiene appointments, for after April 6th.
The safety of our patients, team members and community are paramount. As the Coronavirus pandemic evolves, we will continue to actively monitor the local situation and follow CDC recommendations.
We are hopeful these proactive changes will contribute to helping our community get past the Coronavirus situation soon. We are committed to serving our community and are here to help.
Thank you for choosing our practice as your family’s dental provider.
The term “preventive dentistry” is often correlated with adolescents and adults. After all, the very act of willingly taking a plan of action against cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems requires discipline, goal-setting, some extra work, and some advanced planning – all of which aren’t exactly kid-friendly habits and behaviors.
But that doesn’t diminish the importance of preventive dentistry for children. Documented cases of toddlers with tooth decay aren’t the stuff of urban legend. Consider the following statistics:
Given the rather dire (yet unreported) oral health situation with kids today, preventive dentistry for children is less a luxury and more a smart, practical way to avoid problems like gingivitis, tooth decay, and much more.
Dr. Dental’s own preventive dentistry methods focus on the entire family – children included. This includes regular checkups, positive reinforcement of good dental health habits, and the application of a fissure sealant to the molars (rear teeth), which helps prevent cavities and tooth decay.
When it comes to preventive dentistry for children, some upfront work today will mean a brighter smile tomorrow.
Starting Your Own Preventive Dentistry Program for Children
To promote positive dental care habits with children, remember the golden rule: many kids won’t stick with a preventive dentistry schedule if you make it sound like preventive dentistry. The moment it seems like actual work (with the reward way out into the future), children will likely channel their focus elsewhere.
What’s the second golden rule with preventive dentistry for children? Repeat and memorize the first golden rule!
Let’s look at some ways you can start your own preventive dentistry plan for your own family. Start healthy habits now, and a lifetime of rewards await!
- Encourage regular brushing & flossing. Try to tie in your kids’ daily brushing and flossing with homework or other regular activities. If they’re not in school yet, lock in a regular time each morning and night. Flossing can be tricky at first, so go with a kid-friendly flavor (bubble gum, cherry, etc.) to encourage positive habits.
- Be involved. Preventive dentistry for children is all about a guiding hand – and often times, that means a hands-on approach. Take your child shopping to pick out a toothbrush (we recommend soft bristles) and floss. Brush your teeth with them. Supervision is important at this critical time, so be patient as you’re involved. At some point – before your child turns three years old – go ahead and give them permission to brush and floss on their own.
- Make it fun. Preventive dentistry for children doesn’t have to be a (literal) chore. Some creative incentives can help your kids stick to a regimented dental care plan – and it can even be fun! Much like an allowance, have your children keep track of their brushing habits with a weekly or monthly chart, and assign a small monetary value to each. Once they’ve completed their daily dental chores, they can check off each task (brushing, flossing, rinsing, etc.). At the end of the week or month, it’s time for the parents or guardians to pay up with some extra money for a job well done! That’s just one way to increase the fun factor. Another popular method is playing their favorite song during brushing and flossing.
Dr. Dental: Your Partner in Preventive Dentistry for Kids
With more than three dozen offices located in New Jersey, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Connecticut, Dr. Dental is here to help with preventive dental care for all ages, from toddlers to senior citizens.
Our dental services are affordable – we accept many insurance plans, and patients with no insurance – and we’ll also work with you budget-friendly payment plans. And don’t forget about our popular dental deals and discounts, including a cleaning special for new patients.
If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, or you’d like to learn more about our preventive dentistry for children, stop by today. Thanks for visiting the Dr. Dental blog – check back for more helpful articles about dental care for you and your entire family!
Investing in Kids’ Smiles: Preventive Dentistry for Your Children was last modified: January 27th, 2020 by
