Answers About Pediatric Dentistry in Rockaway Beach
Got questions about your child’s dental care? You’re not alone! At Rockaway Beach Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, we’re here to make things simple, clear, and stress-free.
Dr. Nieku Manshadi has answers to the most common questions parents ask—so you can feel confident about every step of your child’s smile care.
We recommend bringing your child in when their first tooth appears—or by their first birthday.
It might seem early, but starting this young helps your child get comfortable with the dentist and lets us catch any early signs of concern before they grow into bigger problems.
Most kids should come in every six months for a check-up and cleaning. These regular visits keep their teeth healthy and help build good habits from the start.
If your child needs a little extra care, we might recommend a different schedule—Dr. Manshadi will let you know what's best.
Your child's visit will include a gentle cleaning, a thorough exam, and maybe a few pictures (X-rays) if needed.
We'll look for signs of cavities or anything out of the ordinary and make sure everything's growing the way it should.
Start brushing as soon as that first little tooth shows up! Use a soft-bristled brush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice).
Brush gently twice a day. And don't worry—you'll be doing most of the brushing for a while. Kids usually need help until they're around six to eight years old.
Yes! Baby teeth help kids chew, speak, and smile with confidence. They also hold space for the adult teeth that come in later. Keeping them healthy helps avoid pain, infections, and even issues with how adult teeth grow.
That's totally normal, and we're great at helping kids feel safe and comfortable. Dr. Manshadi takes time to explain everything in a kid-friendly way—no surprises, no pressure.
X-rays help us see things we can't spot with just our eyes—like tiny cavities between teeth or issues with how teeth are coming in.
We only take X-rays when needed, and we always use kid-safe, low-dose digital technology to keep the process quick and comfortable.
Yes! Fluoride is a safe and easy way to strengthen your child's teeth and protect against cavities. We often recommend it during regular check-ups. It's especially helpful if your child is still learning to brush or has a higher risk for tooth decay.
These habits are totally normal in babies and toddlers. But if they continue past age three or four, they can start to affect how the teeth and jaws grow.
Dr. Manshadi can offer gentle, positive tips to help your child stop when the time is right—no stress, no scolding.
If your child has a knocked-out tooth, swelling, or severe pain, call us right away at 718-924-2091. We'll walk you through what to do and get you in as soon as possible.
We work with many insurance plans and offer flexible options to help make care affordable. If you have questions about coverage, just give us a call—we're happy to help you understand your benefits and find a plan that works for your family.