Pediatric dentistry is a specialized field of dental care dedicated to caring for children, including those with special needs. Serving smiles from early infancy to young adulthood, pediatric dentists are responsible for partnering with parents to build a solid foundation for oral health care.
Through years of experience working with children, our Seaside Children’s Dentistry team in St. Augustine, FL, has dedicated ourselves to combining dental care with fun and excitement, taking the dental experience to a whole new level! If you’re looking for a dentist to care for your child’s smile, call our office today!
Pediatric Cleanings & Exams
The core components of a healthy smile consist of regular dental cleanings and examinations. For your child, this means routine visits to our office every six months, starting with your child’s first tooth. As your child’s teeth continue to grow and develop throughout the years, our team will keep a close eye on their overall oral health. This includes checking their smile for tooth decay, weakened enamel, or gum disease. At each appointment, we will also take the time to demonstrate a proper oral cleaning regimen to practice at home and answer any questions from parents. Children under the age of one will receive their examination at no cost.
During a cleaning, the following is to be expected:
- Your child gets to pick their favorite flavored toothpaste.
- We will brush and polish all of your child’s teeth.
- Dental floss will be used to clean between the teeth.
- Our team will provide personalized feedback to you and your child.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth, often referred to as the “third molars”, are the last set of teeth to begin developing and emerging, often coming in during the early years of adulthood (between 16-19). These four teeth are located in the back corners of the upper and lower jaws. Serving no actual purpose, wisdom teeth are often more likely to cause harm and are recommended for removal after being detected. When not removed, wisdom teeth can lead to the following:
- Damage to other teeth and bite alignment
- Cyst development below the gumline
- Sinus pressure and pain
- Localized gum inflammation
Our team is capable of detecting the presence of wisdom teeth and recommending a proper time for their removal. This can help eliminate the development of subsequent issues and protect your child’s smile for the future. Wisdom teeth will be removed surgically under the comfort of anesthetic and dental sedation. Our office does not perform this procedure; however, we are able to provide oral surgeon referrals if treatment is needed.
Education For Parents & Kids
As pediatric dental specialists, we believe it is of the utmost importance to establish a relationship with parents on the same basis as we serve children. With both of these priorities leading our mission to enhance children’s dental care, we find that our patient’s smiles flourish both at home and in our office!
A cornerstone of our practice is the value of partnering with parents to create brighter smiles for the future. We recognize that by working together to educate parents and children, we give our patients the resources and opportunities necessary to truly maintain their smiles for life. Allow our dental experts to share information regarding the following:
- Healthy diet: While you may be aware of sugary sodas and candy being bad news for your child’s teeth, did you know certain fruits and carbohydrates could be harmful as well? While citrus fruits provide a great source of vitamin C, contributing to your child’s gum health, they are also highly acidic! This means weakened enamel, leaving teeth susceptible to tooth decay. Salty snacks like potato chips and crackers can be damaging as well. Let our dental professionals help you find a healthy balance to support your child’s nutritional needs and smile success!
- Ideal cleaning regimen: Do you know how to teach your children about smile maintenance or how to care for their teeth and gums properly? How about what toothpaste or mouthwash they should be using, or the appropriate type of toothbrush? While the variety of product options may seem overwhelming in your local store’s dental care aisle, we can keep this simple for you based on your child’s age and personal needs. It’s our pleasure to assist you with your child’s dental care; ask us about this at your next visit!
- Building excitement: Getting your child excited about dental care is important in supporting their lifelong habit of maintaining their smile. We suggest allowing them to pick their toothbrush, toothpaste flavor, and flosser to make the activity fun. Depending on your child’s age, you can create a weekly chart for the bathroom and add a fun new sticker for each day they care for their teeth. Older children that struggle with meeting their oral care needs should be encouraged to speak with you, or with us, about making improvements with their oral health. We may suggest an electric toothbrush or water flosser to update their oral care regimen in these cases.
