Some children look up to action figures. Young Numar Akhtar’s hero was his dentist.
As a child and teenager, he struggled with significant dental problems that eventually led to severe tooth pain. His first major visit to a dentist came at age 16, an experience that left an impression.
He had eight cavities, four of them quite large and requiring extensive fillings. What stood out most to him, however, was the relief his dentist was able to provide; the pain was gone.
That moment, combined with his love of working with his hands and a passion for science, helped guide him to a career in dentistry. Today, Dr. Akhtar encourages parents to take simple steps to protect their children’s teeth and avoid the kinds of problems he experienced growing up.
“Parents should avoid letting infants and toddlers fall asleep with a bottle containing sugary drinks, including milk,” he advised. “After feeding, a child’s mouth should be cleaned to help protect their teeth and gums.”
One need only spend a few minutes with Drs. Akhtar and Dr. Syed to recognize their passion for dentistry and their commitment to patients. For them, and the team at Contemporary Dental Associates, oral health and giving back to the community are priorities.
With a whole-body, comprehensive approach to dental care, they strive to apply the most advanced, modern diagnostic methods and state-of-the-art technology to patient care. Graduates of New York University’s College of Dentistry, they have seen firsthand the consequences of untreated, or poorly managed, dental health issues.
Raised in Nassau County, Dr. Syed has also lived abroad and speaks knowingly of the historic consequences of poor oral hygiene and care, citing the example of Egyptian King Amenhotep II, whose abscessed tooth led to an infection that proved fatal.
“Not all dental infections hurt,” he said, “but one that progresses enough can kill you. Children in the United States have died from untreated dental infections.”
Considering that it can take a mere 24 to 48 hours for an infection to grow to an abscess, any sign of facial swelling is an immediate cause for concern. “Go to a dentist or an emergency room immediately.”
Both doctors agree that the best way to prevent the risk, and the expense, of an acute situation, is prevention. Regular checkups, following recommended treatment plans, and follow-up care after an abscess, are crucial. The more regular your dental visits, the sooner you address any issues, the less cost to health and finances.
Other recommendations include avoiding alcohol, including mouthwashes that have a high volume of it and any kind of smoking or vaping, all of which may increase the risk of developing oral cancer.
Their office uses the most up-to-date technology for state-of-the-art care: intraoral scanners; 3D printing; advanced materials for bonding and dental restorations. And both doctors regularly attend weekend courses in major American cities for the most current practices to maintain the highest degree of patient care.
As Dr. Syed observed, there is a great deal of overlap within a patient’s dental health and his or her systemic physiology. One’s oral health is a window into the rest of the body. Caring for one means caring for both.
Not sure you can afford a recommended dental procedure?
“Teaching hospitals with dental schools provide excellent care,” he said. “There are lots of checks and balances and each procedure is closely supervised so it may take longer.” For patients interested in seeking care at a dental school we are also fortunate to have Stony Brook University’s School of Dental Medicine nearby.
Contemporary Dental Associates offers appointments Monday through Thursday at their Moriches office, where you can book online or by phone: (631) 878-4488.
To encourage good oral hygiene in children, the American Dental Association’s web page offers guidelines and resources for parents as well as activities for children, including posters and coloring pages in English and Spanish. (ada.org)
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