The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Dr. Aki Shirakura

Dental Care Timeline for a Lifetime of Healthy Teeth

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By Dr. Aki Shirakura

Good oral hygiene is critical – especially for children. Following this basic timeline can insure a lifetime of healthy teeth!

Baby Steps (0 – 6 mos)

RELAX, no need to worry yet.

Stop Teething Me! (6 mos – 1 year)

As soon as that first tooth breaks through, time to start brushing. Using a baby tooth brush with soft bristles and water, gently brush the teeth and gums.

Open Wide – First Trip to the Dentist (1 – 2 years)

Your child’s first trip doesn’t have to be traumatic. Leading up to the appointment prepare your little one, get them excited about it. This is what to expect:
• The dentist counts your child’s teeth, making sure everything is developing properly.
• Teeth can be cleaned to remove any plaque or stains – the kids usually enjoy this part!
• Fluoride treatment to strengthen teeth and prevent decay.

X-Ray Vision (6 years)

To make sure everything is progressing properly, the dentist will recommend a panoramic x-ray. This shows the entire mouth including future adult teeth.

Seal the Deal – Sealants (6 – 7 years)

To prevent cavities, we recommend sealing your child’s six-year-old molar teeth. The application is fast and comfortable and can effectively protect teeth for many years.

The Tooth Fairy Years (7–11 years)

These are the years of great changes. Every time you look in your child’s mouth, another wiggly tooth! Most of your child’s teeth will change from baby teeth to permanent.

Sign, Sealed, Delivered (12 – 13 years)

At about 12 years old, 2nd molars come out. They need to be sealed like 6-year-old molars.

Uncharted Areas – Periodontal Charting (17+)

Periodontal charting is a procedure to detect signs of gum disease. The gums are measured, watching for signs of inflammation, recession, and gum disease. Early detection of Periodontal or Gum
Disease is critical in treating it.

Most importantly, children and adults should always visit their dentist at least twice a year. With proper dental care, you can insure the health of your teeth and gums for a lifetime.

Dr. Aki Shirakura and Associates is located in the heart of Armonk Village at 40 Bedford Road. Call us today (914) 273-9280 to take the first step to a lifetime of healthy teeth for your whole family.

Keep smiling!

Keeping Your Pearly Whites Healthy

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The waiting room of Dr. Aki Shirakura’s dental office in a historic home in Armonk is warm and welcoming with cozy armchairs and sunlight peeking through the windows. On top of the coffee table is a binder with patient testimonials and as you peruse through it, you’ll see many comments on his friendliness, professionalism, patience and gentle touch.

Dr. Shirakura has been practicing in Armonk since 2008 and is currently a faculty member at NYU Lutheran in Brooklyn.

He attended dental school in Buffalo, New York, and also completed three additional intense years in Prosthodontics at Eastman Dental Center at the University of Rochester. He has extensive experience in restoring and replacing teeth through the fabrication of veneers, implants and dentures and has performed full mouth reconstruction. He refers to his dentistry work as an “art”–the teeth must be functional and also improve the patient’s smile. Prior to moving to the United States, he was a dental technician in Tokyo for more than two decades which gives him a unique perspective on what he does and how he helps his patients achieve truly beautiful, healthy smiles.

As a prosthodontist he has worked to restore or replace teeth on patients that have been in accidents, had oral cancer or cleft palates. He also does cosmetic dentistry to help those patients who may have damaged teeth due to age, poor dental maintenance or those who just want to enhance their smiles.

Shirakura and his staff of nine employees provide regular dental check-ups and take care of many Northern Westchester-based patients from young children (even babies) to senior citizens. He recommends that patients follow the American Dental Association guidelines that now suggest that babies be seen as soon as their upper and lower baby teeth erupt so that they are on a good track for preventative care.

Recent scientific research is starting to show a link between oral health and general health. Shirakura urges patients to maintain their oral health with regular check-ups every six months.

Being in the dental field for more than three decades, Shirakura is pleased to see that “implants are becoming more of the gold standard in dental care with some good dental insurances now covering it.”

An implant’s success rate is very high compared to older procedures like a bridge, which can cause tooth decay over time. He also uses a 3-D CT scan on patients, which is safer and more multi-dimensional than traditional X-rays. Shirakura’s office contains an in-house lab, which is a huge bonus if teeth need to be quickly repaired. The practice also offers Invisalign and teeth whitening services. Shirakura is proud to utilize his background in geriatric dentistry to conduct dental check-ups as a volunteer on residents at the Bristal, an assisted living facility in Armonk.

In addition, his practice is an active member of the Armonk Chamber of Commerce. This spring he hopes to teach local Byram Hills kindergarteners and first grade students about the importance of oral health.

Dr. Aki Shirakura and his staff