Dr. Yury Slepak, DDS
Board-certified pediatric dentist, Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
Ages 6 Months to 3 Years
Baby's First Dentist and Toddler Dentist in Brooklyn, NY
First visits set the tone for life, so we keep them gentle and easy. We recommend a first checkup by age one, watch for early decay, and show you how to care for those first teeth, with a parent welcome to stay through the whole visit.
✓ Medically reviewed by Dr. Yury Slepak, DDS, Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry | 20+ Years Experience | Last Updated: April 2026
"the dental hygienist was so great with my toddler"
Shamirah Bedard
Why the First Visit Matters
Bringing your child in by their first birthday lets us spot early decay, check that teeth and jaws are developing on track, and stop bottle and sippy-cup decay before it starts. Just as important, an easy first visit builds comfort, so the dentist becomes a normal, friendly place instead of something to fear. We keep it short, gentle, and hands-on for parents.
Baby and Toddler Dental Guides
From a baby's very first tooth through the toddler years, the steps you take early on shape a lifetime of healthy smiles. Explore the guides below to learn what to expect at each stage and how Dr. Slepak supports families across Brooklyn.
Baby Teeth Guide
Teething is a major milestone in your baby's development. These tiny teeth, also known as baby teeth or primary teeth, play a crucial role in helping your child learn to chew, speak, and smile. Understanding the timing and stages of tooth eruption can help you prepare for what's ahead and care for your baby's developing smile effectively. For personalized guidance or professional dental care, visit us at 2464 Coney Island Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11223.
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Bottle Decay
One of the most overlooked threats to your child's oral health is early tooth decay caused by feeding habits and insufficient oral care routines. Prolonged use of bottles, especially with sugary liquids, can create an environment where harmful bacteria thrive, leading to cavities in young children. To ensure your baby's teeth stay healthy, visit us at 2464 Coney Island Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11223, for personalized dental care.
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First Teeth
Every parent eagerly awaits the arrival of their baby's first teeth. Beyond creating an adorable smile, these tiny teeth play an essential role in helping children chew, speak, and form the foundation for healthy adult teeth. Understanding their significance is the first step in ensuring your child's long-term oral health. Located at 2464 Coney Island Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11223, we offer comprehensive insights into your child's dental health to support early oral development.
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Tooth Loss
A child's dental health plays a crucial role in their overall development, affecting everything from speech to nutrition. While losing baby teeth is a natural part of growing up, premature tooth loss caused by cavities, injuries, or other factors can disrupt this process. It's essential for parents to understand the risks and take steps to protect their child's oral health. If you're concerned about your child's dental health, schedule a consultation with us at 2464 Coney Island Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11223.
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Toddler Care
Every parent wants their child to have a healthy, happy smile, and protecting their teeth from cavities is a big part of that. At Bite Squad Dental of NYC, we make cavity prevention simple and stress-free with fluoride varnish applications. This safe treatment provides an added layer of protection for your child's teeth. Stop by our clinic at 2464 Coney Island Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11223, or call us to learn more about how we can help protect your child's teeth from cavities!
Read more →Caring for Your Child's Smile From the Start
Good oral health begins long before the first tooth appears. Wiping your baby's gums with a clean, damp cloth after feedings clears away bacteria and helps your child get used to having their mouth cared for. As soon as that first tooth erupts, usually around six months, it is time to start brushing twice a day with a soft infant brush and a rice-grain smear of fluoride toothpaste.
The toddler years bring more teeth, more independence, and new habits to watch. Limiting juice and sugary drinks, avoiding bottles in bed, and easing off the pacifier all help protect those new teeth. Regular checkups let us catch early decay before it becomes a problem and keep your child comfortable with the dental chair, so visits stay positive as they grow.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first dental visit by age one, or within six months of the first tooth, whichever comes first. Starting early gives your child the best foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Baby and Toddler Dentist Near Me in Brooklyn, NY
Looking for a baby and toddler dentist near me in Brooklyn, NY? Bite Squad Dental of NYC is located at 2464 Coney Island Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11223, and welcomes families from Sheepshead Bay (11235), Brighton Beach (11235), Coney Island (11224), Gravesend (11223), Bensonhurst (11214), Midwood (11230), Flatbush (11226), Borough Park (11204), Canarsie (11236), and Bay Ridge (11220). Dr. Slepak provides baby's first dentist appointments, infant dental care in Brooklyn, and toddler first dentist visits from the moment your child's first tooth appears (around 6 months) through age 3 and beyond. Call 718-998-2424 to schedule your child's first visit in a calm, kid-friendly setting designed for the smallest patients.
Ready for your child's first visit?
Call us to schedule a gentle baby or toddler dental appointment.
Meet Our Dentists
Dr. Jessica Borukhova, DDS
Board-certified pediatric dentist
Dr. Yelena Gofman, DDS
Schedule Your Child's Dental Visit
Call (718) 998-2424 or request an appointment online.
Request a Free Consultation
Frequently Asked Questions
When should my baby see a dentist for the first time?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first dental visit by age 1 or within 6 months of the first tooth erupting, whichever comes first. At Bite Squad Dental of NYC, Dr. Slepak performs gentle "lap exams" for infants under 12 months, where the baby sits on the parent's lap during the check-up to keep them calm and comfortable.
What happens at my baby's first dentist appointment in Brooklyn?
A baby's first dentist appointment is short, gentle, and parent-led. Dr. Slepak counts erupting teeth, checks gum health, looks for early decay, and reviews bottle and pacifier habits. Parents get one-on-one guidance on cleaning baby teeth, fluoride needs, and what to expect with teething. The whole visit usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.
How is a toddler dentist visit different from an older child's visit?
Toddler visits (ages 1 to 3) focus on building trust and getting comfortable with the dental chair. Dr. Slepak uses tell-show-do techniques, sized-down instruments, and short appointments. We screen for early childhood caries, check tooth alignment as more teeth erupt, and apply fluoride varnish if appropriate. Cavity prevention starts here.
How do I prevent cavities in baby teeth and toddler molars?
Wipe gums with a clean cloth before teeth erupt. Brush twice daily with a rice-grain smear of fluoride toothpaste from the first tooth, increasing to a pea-sized amount at age 3. Avoid bottles in bed and limit juice. Dr. Slepak applies fluoride varnish every 3 to 6 months and may recommend dental sealants on toddler molars when they erupt around age 2 to 3.
Do you see babies and toddlers with special needs or dental anxiety?
Yes. Dr. Slepak holds active hospital privileges at 3 facilities and routinely cares for infants and toddlers with sensory sensitivities, autism, developmental delays, or significant dental anxiety. For children who cannot tolerate an in-office visit, hospital-based care under general anesthesia is available, often within 24 to 48 hours.
When should my baby first see a dentist?
By their first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth coming in. Early visits are short and gentle, and they help prevent problems rather than react to them.
✓ Medically reviewed by Dr. Yury Slepak, DDS, Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry | 20+ Years Experience | Last Updated: April 2026
Medical Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please schedule a consultation with our team to discuss your individual needs.
