Children’s Dentist in St. Augustine
If you are looking for a children’s dentist near you, you’ve come to the right place. We love taking care of young patients and know how to talk to them, so they are not afraid. A child that fears the dentist will become exhausted trying to avoid the dentist. The parent who brings the child in will also be exhausted. We want to help you avoid that!
A children's dentist is a dentist who obtained a four-year degree in dentistry and then completes a two-year residency program in dentistry for children. They learn how to make kids and their parents comfortable. Pediatric dentists also learn more about the unique problems that occur mainly in children. They also learn the skills necessary to show parents or caregivers how to take care of their child’s teeth at home and answer their questions about teething, normal development and more.
Our children's dentist in St. Augustine always strives to offer the best dental care for your precious one. Call today for an appointment.
When Should Children’s Dental Visits Start?
Take your child to a kid’s dentist by their first birthday. Most parents believe this seems early, but it isn’t. The dentist can ensure the teeth are emerging normally and there are no signs of decay in the couple of teeth they may have. It also gives you a chance to learn about how to clean your baby’s mouth and what to do to prevent decay, like not putting a toddler into bed with a bottle of milk or juice.
The earlier you get your child started with regular dental care, the more familiar they become with it and learn that it is a pleasant experience. You can sit in the chair and hold your baby during the exam so they will feel secure. You can even stop in before your appointment just to meet everyone and get your baby familiar with the office. We would love to meet your little one.
What Will Happen During Our First Visit to a Children's Dentist in St. Augustine?
If your child is having their first visit at age one, you can sit in the chair and hold your baby in your lap. It’s more like a meet and greet visit where you ask questions and learn about how to care for your child’s teeth at home. For older children, we offer the following kids dental care services:
- Children’s professional teeth cleaning: When your child can sit in the chair and open wide, we will start him or her on regular teeth cleanings.
- Fluoride treatments: Our children’s dentist may suggest a fluoride treatment to strengthen your child’s tooth enamel and help prevent cavities.
- Sealants: Dentistry for kids also includes other preventive treatments such as sealants. Sealants are a thin coating placed on the tops of back teeth. This area isn’t smooth and plaque easily builds up there. The sealant provides a physical barrier and helps prevent cavities.
- Dental bonding: Your dentist can use a composite resin to repair a chip or a small crack in your child’s tooth. It just goes on the surface of the tooth, so the procedure won’t hurt your child.
- Teeth fillings: Dental fillings are the traditional way dentists treat cavities in small children. Our dentist will make the process as stress-free and painless as possible for your child. Don't delay getting your child's cavity filled as the pain may get worse. Contact us today if you suspect your child has a cavity.
- Root canals: When children have a deep cavity where the pulp of the tooth becomes infected. Your child is likely to be in a lot of pain. A root canal will ease your child's pain and preserve the baby tooth. We prefer this to just extracting the tooth as baby teeth are necessary.
- Crowns: Pediatric crowns are necessary to restore teeth that have had a root canal or a very large filling. The tooth will be weak and needs the crown to function normally.
- Sports mouthguards: Children need to wear mouthguards if they are playing contact sports or engaging in recreational activities like skateboarding. It will not only protect their teeth but also your child’s lips and tongue.
Most Frequently Asked Questions About Children’s Dental Health
When do baby teeth start appearing? Baby teeth usually appear when your baby is between four and seven months old. They usually appear in pairs, with the first teeth to come in are the bottom two front teeth. After a month or two, the four front teeth will emerge. All 20 of their baby teeth will emerge before your child reaches age three.
When do baby teeth fall out? They usually start falling out around age six, but it could be as late as age seven. Often, teeth fall out in nearly the same order as they emerged.
Why do kids get toothaches? The main reason children get toothaches is decay. Your child could also have a hairline fracture in a tooth that you can't see. Try to gather as much information as you can from your child, like where it hurts and when the pain comes on.
Call our pediatric dentist today to make an appointment for your child.