Children's Dentistry in Malta, NY

FIRST VISIT

Cocozzo Family Dentistry provides children's dentistry in Malta, New York — cleanings, exams, fluoride and dental sealants — for children from their first tooth through their teenage years, in the same practice that treats their parents and grandparents. Christina Cocozzo, DDS, sees children as early as age one, and the office opens at 7:00 AM Monday through Friday, so a child's appointment can happen before the school day starts.

Around age one, or within six months of the first tooth — whichever comes first. That is the schedule the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends, and the one Dr. Cocozzo works from.

A first visit at that age is short and mostly about looking. She checks the teeth that have arrived, looks at how the jaw is developing, and answers the questions that come up at that stage — bottles, thumbs, pacifiers, brushing a toddler who would rather not. No full cleaning is required that day. Cleanings usually begin around age two or three, and some children are ready earlier or later.

THE APPOINTMENT

What Happens at a Child's Dental Visit Here?

A cleaning, an exam, and a check on how everything is developing. The hygienist removes plaque, polishes the teeth and applies fluoride varnish where appropriate. Dr. Cocozzo then checks how the permanent teeth are coming in, looks for signs of decay, and explains what she finds while the child is still in the chair. If X-rays are needed, she says why first.

The practical details: PBS is on the treatment-room TV, and every child leaves with a prize-machine token. Appointments are booked with enough time that nothing has to be hurried — a child who sits in the chair, looks at the instruments and does nothing else that day has had a successful visit. Tell the front desk if you want it planned that way.

PREVENTION

What Actually Prevents Cavities in Children's Teeth?

Three things, on top of brushing and flossing at home.

Dental sealants. Most childhood cavities start in the deep grooves on the chewing surface of the back molars, which are hard to clean however careful the brushing. A sealant is a thin coating over those grooves that blocks food and bacteria from settling in. No drilling, no needle: the tooth is cleaned, dried, coated and set with a light. Dr. Cocozzo typically recommends them as the permanent molars come in, usually between ages six and twelve. The CDC treats sealants as one of the most effective preventive measures for school-age children.

Fluoride. Professional varnish is a higher concentration than toothpaste and strengthens enamel against the acids that cause decay. It is applied at the end of a cleaning here, takes a few minutes and sets quickly. The only aftercare is no food, drink or rinsing for about 30 minutes.

Coming in often enough that a problem is still small. Which is the next question.

CHECKUP INTERVAL

How Often Should a Child Be Seen?

Twice a year is the usual starting point, and for most children that is where it stays.

Some children come in more often — one who is cavity-prone, or one where Dr. Cocozzo is watching how something is developing. That recommendation is made after the first exam, for that child, rather than applied as a general rule. The same is true of fluoride: children at higher cavity risk may be scheduled for it more frequently than twice a year.

The interval is what makes the rest of this page work. Sealants are checked at every visit and reapplied if they have worn. Fluoride is applied at the cleaning. And if something does need treating, Dr. Cocozzo shows you on the intraoral camera rather than asking you to take her word for it.