SL_ChildrensDentalHealth_Profile_2_19_Profile 2 / 13 / 19 3 : 53 PM Page 2 Dr . Monteiro . It can also prevent conditions than later , after the damage has that may affect a child’s life in other ways , been done . ” such as dental - related pain that can cause e doctors recommend Th children to miss school and parents to call out children brush twice per day us - of work . In other words , he says , “ Parents ing toothpaste with fluoride , need to understand the risks associated with while also emphasizing the im - not portance of flossing . If a child establishing an early dental health routine has teeth that are touching each for their children because they’re ‘ just baby other , those teeth should be teeth . ’ ” flossed , regardless of the child’s age . Also , Dr . Monteiro says he Staying Cavity - free “ highly recommends ” electronic Sophia Yi , D.D.S . , who sees patients at CDH’s toothbrushes , particularly for West Philadelphia , South Philadelphia , and young kids who might resist Springfield locations , recommends children brushing . Many of these brushes see their pediatric dentist by their first birthday . now feature popul early as six months , she suggests , It can be as ar cartoon noting these early appointments are largely characters or superheroes that about educating parents . can inspire kids to brush . “ I am a pediatric dentist because it is in - “ If you can keep your child’s nately important to me , ” Dr . Yi says . “ Children mouth clean , ” he adds , “ it is s w do not have their own voice , so we ant to your best hot for keeping your make sure we care for them the best we can . child cavity - free . ” One danger we explain to parents is baby Additional tips include closely bottle rot , which happens when babies fall monitoring a child’s diet and Children’s Dental Health designed each of its offices with children in mind , from the equipment to the décor . as limiting the consumption of leep with a bottle in their mouths . It’s much sweets , better to addres s s oral health earlier rather uch as sugary candies undergone and planned depending on a and snacks , as well as flavored milks and child’s behavior — especially children who acidic juices . may have had a bad ex “ Sticky candies keep us in business , ” Dr . perience before — “ These things keep kids coming Montiero says . and the variety of treatment modalities , the in and out with lots of cavities . Vitamins , Fruit kinds of fillings for kids ’ teeth . ” Roll - Ups and similar snacks , things with high - fructose yrup — kids are bombarded corn s Putting Children First with sugar . I like to say , ‘ If it’s not chocolate , Children’s Dental Health designed each of you can’t have it . ’ Baby teeth are much more its offices with children in mind , from the susceptible equipment to the décor to the staff of dedi - to cavities , because enamel is cated pediatric dentists caring for kids , in - thinner in baby teeth . This is just another cluding those with special needs . The state - reason why we’re taking care of the teeth of - the - art facilities feature specialized tech - from an early age . ” nology such as digital imaging to address ime spent with a practitioner who has T Drs . Malay Mathur and Sophia Yi , with children’s specific dental needs . Dr . Yi been specially trained in pediatric dentistry notes Dr . Anthony Monteiro ( below ) can help to prevent problems from taking that the new office in Springfield features root , so to peak . As Dr . Yi points out , not s TVs in every room , and a spacious environ - only do pediatric dentists have specialized ment to accommodate strollers . knowledge of children’s teeth but they also The success f CDH’s model is evident o receive an addi in its steady growth and expansion . The tional two years of training in Wilmington practice will be the 20th location their field . under the CDH brand . In addition to featuring “ Having gone through the training myself , the advanced equipment , treatment protocols , there are so many things you don’t realize a you did now until you know them , ” Dr . Yi n’t k nd kid - friendly feel for which CDH has be - says . “ The functionality of a child’s teeth is w come known , the new office ill feature different ; kids get cavities easier , and baby multiple video game consoles , plus a greeting teeth re important because they are space area where children can enjoy prizes , coloring a maintainers for permanent teeth . When you books , and more . Uniquely , the ffice will o wait too long , or teeth fall out or have to be feature an open bay setup , which can be extracted t very helpful for soothing children who are oo soon , this can lead to space anxious or frightened . loss , which can lead to teeth getting stuck “ We are the experts under the bone or massive orthodontic treat - in treating kids , and ment . ” I have an affinity for working with special - The traini is not only thorough but also ng needs patients , ” Dr . Mathur says . “ When quite intense , according to Dr . Mathur . we can work with special - needs or young “ The work we do , many general dentists patients and get them to the point where just don’t get that kind of training , ” he says . they are able to sit calmly and relaxed for “ It involves learning more about baby teeth , treatments and checkups , there’s no better ? how to work with kids , the treatments to be feeling . It’s the best part of the job . ” For more information on Children’s Dental Health locations throughout the area , or to schedule D an appointment for a child , visit ChildrensDentalHealth.com or call ( 866 ) KIDS - DENTAL .