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5 Benefits of Visiting a Pediatric Dentist

The Difference

Let’s face it – for some in past years visiting the dentist wasn’t the most fairy tale experience.  Put your mind to ease by selecting a multi award winning practice and the most loved pediatric dentist in Southwest Florida, Dr. Tim Verwest, DMD & Associates who are specially trained and board certified for treating pediatric patients.

While general dentists can perform the same work, visiting a pediatric dentist provides a slew of extra benefits:

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We’ve got fun just about everywhere you look! From video games, to community initiatives and educational lobby experiences for children of all ages to enjoy!

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Better Training

Kids aren’t always the most cooperative of patients.  A pediatric dentist has at least two additional years of training beyond dental school solely focused on treating young patients.

In the additional training, the focus is on child psychology, growth/development, and learning all of the tips and tricks of the trade for examining and treating children.

Specialized Treatment

In the circumstance that your child needs more comprehensive dental treatment, pediatric dentists are specially trained to handle special needs and to children with extensive dental treatment needs.

Oral Health Care Education

Since Pediatric Dentistry of Florida’s staff work solely with kids,  we know how to engage in educational learning.  Even more, we have props and teaching tools that are appropriate for all ages. To become part of our dental family, please fill out the form below and we will contact you immediately as possible. Thank you and we look forward to serving you!

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    Why Tongue Scrapers and Cleaners are Important

    You may not always think of going the extra mile to clean your tongue but the benefits from doing so may be worth it.

    • The first advantage you get from keeping your tongue squeaky clean is a crisp, clean taste of every morsel you consume! Keeping your taste buds clean and clear can open up those pores ready to give you bursts of flavor in every bite.
    • It can also be advantageous for your immune system! The removal of bacteria keeps your and your mouth clean and away from any toxins from being reabsorbed back into your body.
    • The removal of bacteria and other toxins can also reduce the overall buildup of plaque, gum infections, tooth decay, and much more.

    How to scrape your tongue

    • Stick your tongue out as far as you can
    • Place the scraper as far back on your tongue as you can
    • Work your way up by gently scraping the surface of your tongue
    • Rinse the scraper and repeat until you feel rid of its coating

    Pediatric Dentistry of Florida named second best kid-friendly dentist in Florida

    Pediatric Dentistry of Florida, Dr. Tim Verwest, DMD & Associates is recognized as one of the 10 best kid-friendly dentists in Florida by Best Things Florida, finishing second best. Pediatric and general dentist in Florida were evaluated based on reviews, reputation, treatment and overall experience. Powered by American Towns Media, Best Things Florida highlights the best of everything Florida has to offer.

    Dr. Verwest honorary awards for 2017 include; America’s Best Dentist by the National Consumer Advisory Board, The City Beat News (CBN) Spectrum Award of Excellence in Customer Satisfaction, The Consumer Research Council of America inclusion in the Guide to America’s Top Dentists, HulaFrog’s Most Loved Dentist Award, and the Fort Myers News-Press 27th annual best of Southwest Florida award for Best Pediatric Dentist.

     

    What Makes Me Smile Art Exhibit

    – Pediatric Dentistry of Ft. Myers, Dr. Tim Verwest, DMD is offering children 18 years or under a chance to create works of art centered around the theme ‘What Makes Me Smile’. The exhibit is free of charge and will be hosted at Pediatric Dentistry of Ft. Myers, 8016 Summerlin Lakes Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33907 on Saturday, July 30 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm and is open to the general public.

    “Art can inspire those to do great things, it takes patience, practice, and persistence,” said Dr. Verwest. “It teaches us different viewpoints, understanding and mental growth valuable for development of children”.

    There will be one (1) $100 and one (1) $50 winner from each of four categories including, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and High School.  Any type of art will be considered. Winners will be selected by a panel of local arts and entertainment industry judges.

    The deadline for art submissions is Wednesday, July 20, 2016 and may be submitted to Pediatric Dentistry of Ft. Myers with your name, age, school, and why your art makes you smile.

    Pediatric Dentistry of Ft Myers, Dr. Tim Verwest, DMD, continues to provide pediatric dental care to children for over 26 years. Areas of service include comprehensive dental exams, cleanings, composite fillings, dental hygiene education, extractions, fluoride treatments, sealants, sedation dentistry, space maintainers, x-rays and tooth nerve treatment. For more information, visit www.DrVerwest.com or (239) 482-2722.

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    Local Dentist Recognized as America’s Best Dentist for 2016

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    The National Consumer Advisory Board has named Pediatric Dentistry of Ft. Myers, Dr. Tim M. Verwest, DMD one of America’s Best Dentist for 2016. Selections are done based on a proprietary assessment of a dentists experience, training, continuing education, and commitment to excellence to ensure the most impartial unbiased review of all applicants.

    Dr. Verwest is a board certified Diplomat of the National Board of Pediatric Dentistry with professional interests in the areas of pediatric pharmacology, biomaterials, and pediatric anesthesia.  He believes in lifelong learning and continues his education by taking courses in pediatric sedation, pediatric oncology, sealants, prosthetics, pediatric cosmetic dentistry, pediatric materials, childhood growth and development, and more.

    Pediatric Dentistry of Ft Myers, Dr. Tim Verwest, DMD, continues to provide pediatric dental care to children for the last 26 years. Areas of service include comprehensive dental exams, cleanings, composite fillings, dental hygiene education, extractions, fluoride treatments, sealants, sedation dentistry, space maintainers, x-rays and tooth nerve treatment. For more information, visit www.DrVerwest.com or (239) 482-2722.

    Dentist donates over 15,000 toothbrushes in 2015

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    Pediatric Dentistry of Ft. Myers, Dr. Tim Verwest, DMD gave away over 15,000 free toothbrushes during dental presentations in 2015. Children in Lee, Collier, and Charlotte County were the primary recipients of the toothbrushes. Over the last two years Dr. Verwest has given away over 35,000 toothbrushes.

    “We’re really making a difference”. The way our community outreach has been received by the schools has been fantastic,” said Dr. Tim Verwest, DMD of Pediatric Dentistry of Ft. Myers.

    Pediatric Dentistry of Ft. Myers provides free dental health and oral hygiene presentations to preschools, elementary, and private schools throughout Southwest Florida. Children learn the importance of healthy eating habits, dental facts, and the proper instruction on brushing their teeth, free of charge. This educational presentation equips the children with the necessary tools and guidance to confidently understand the importance of dental health.

    Pediatric Dentistry of Ft Myers, Dr. Tim Verwest, DMD, continues to provide pediatric dental care to children for the last 26 years. Areas of service include comprehensive dental exams, cleanings, composite fillings, dental hygiene education, extractions, fluoride treatments, sealants, sedation dentistry, space maintainers, x-rays and tooth nerve treatment. For more information on dental presentations, visit www.DrVerwest.com or call (239) 482-2722.

    Baby pacifiers: Pros and cons

    Should parents let their infant use a pacifier? According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), there are benefits as well as a downside to baby pacifiers.

    On the positive side, pacifiers provide a source of comfort to infants. Pacifiers can also assist in reducing the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, according to the AGD. Because babies with pacifiers sleep less deeply than those who sleep without pacifiers, they can be aroused from a deep sleep that could result in the stopping of breathing.

    The downside of pacifiers is the effect they can have on the growth and development of the teeth and mouth. Prolonged pacifier use can cause changes in the shape of the roof of the mouth, prevent proper growth of the mouth and create problems with tooth alignment. Parents who give their baby a pacifier should consider these points:

    • Restrict pacifier use to when the infant needs to fall asleep.
    • Look for a pacifier with ventilation holes in the shield, as they permit air passage. This is important if the pacifier accidentally becomes lodged in the child’s throat.
    • Always clean the pacifier before giving it to a child.

    Breaking the pacifier habit

    The AGD recommends that children stop using pacifiers by age two. (Up until that age, any alignment problem with the teeth or the developing bone is usually corrected within six months after pacifier use is stopped.)

    Breaking the habit is not always easy. Here are a few suggestions for helping a child wean from the pacifier:

    • Dip the pacifier in white vinegar.
    • Pierce the top of the pacifier or cut it shorter to reduce sucking satisfaction.
    • Leave it behind on a trip.

    Always throw away a used pacifier; it is not sanitary for another child to use or to save.

    Holiday sweets can be tough on teeth

    The winter holidays are known for sweet treats and tempting goodies, but that doesn’t mean that you have to end up at the dentist with cavities in January.

    How do sweet foods and drinks cause cavities?

    When you eat sugary foods or drinks, naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth feed on the sugar and create acids as a by-product. These acids then wear down the tooth enamel, making it weaker and more susceptible to tooth decay as well as a host of other problems, including gingivitis.

    Snacking on sweets throughout the day or during an extended period of time (such as at a holiday party) is especially harmful, since damaging acids form in the mouth every time you eat a sugary snack and continue to affect the teeth for at least 20 minutes afterwards.

    “Snacking on sweets and sugary beverages throughout the day can increase the chance of tooth decay and gum disease,” said Dr. Kevin Sheu, managing dental consultant for Delta Dental. “Brushing and flossing after snacks definitely reduces bacteria.”

    5 tips to stay cavity-free

    Keep cavity-causing bacteria in check by adding these strategies to your holiday routine.

    • Balance out your sweets with other foods. Eating sugary and carb-rich foods as part of a balanced meal can lessen their impact on your teeth.
    • Choose sweets that don’t stick around. Instead of sticky foods that get on and in between your teeth, go for items that dissolve quickly, limiting their contact with your enamel. For example, swap out caramels and candy canes with plain dark chocolate.
    • Brush afterwards. Always keep a toothbrush to brush away foods and plaque after you eat. If you’re consuming foods or beverages that are high in acid, like oranges and wine, make sure to wait 30 minutes. Acid can soften the enamel, so brushing too soon can actually damage your teeth.
    • Stay prepared. You’ll have no excuse to skip brushing and flossing if you always keep a toothbrush, travel tube of toothpaste and container of floss in your bag or car.
    • Rinse to refresh. When you can’t brush, rinse your mouth with tap water to wash away food particles and bacteria.

    Use your holiday vacations to spend more time brushing your teeth. If you’re relaxed or have more free time during the day or with your morning or nightly routine, you can use the time to brush more thoroughly and develop better oral care habits.

    It isn’t necessary to brush vigorously to get your teeth clean. What’s important when brushing your teeth is not how hard you scrub, but that you use the proper technique and that you do a thorough job. And that takes time. Dentists recommend that you brush your teeth for two to three minutes to get the most thorough cleaning.

    If you get into the habit of brushing for two to three minutes every morning, every night and after every meal during the holidays, you may keep those good habits when your regular routine resumes.

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    Sealants Critical to Children’s Oral Health

    Sealants are plastic coatings that protect those difficult to reach pits and grooves on the chewing surfaces of the teeth from the bacteria that cause tooth decay. A quick and painless procedure done in your dentist’s office, sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces of permanent molars as soon as possible after they fully erupt in the mouth, usually between the ages of six to eight for first molars and 10 to 12 for second molars. While sealants are not necessary for all children, they are particularly beneficial to children who are at higher risk for tooth decay. But, how do you know if your child is at higher risk?Although overall oral health risk is a combination of genetics, personal habits and diet, history of decay is a good predictor for future risk of decay. Your child is considered to be at higher risk if he or she has had a cavity filled in the past three years. The good news is you may be able to help prevent future cavities by making sure your child receives preventive care, including having sealants applied to first and second molars.

    Although approximately 60 to 70 percent of cavities can be prevented by placing
    sealants on children’s teeth, a recent study by Delta Dental shows that 60 percent of
    children age 6 to 9 who are at higher risk of tooth decay did not receive sealants on
    their first molars, and 80 percent of children age 11 to 15 did not receive sealants on
    their second molars.1

    These figures are particularly striking when you realize that many dental plans cover preventive care, like sealants, at as much at 100 percent of the cost. As a parent, you want your child to be as healthy as possible, and that includes protecting their teeth.