dr verwest

Dr. Tim Verwest Re-Nominated for America’s Best Dentist 2020


The National Consumer Advisory Board re-nominated Dr. Tim M. Verwest, DMD as one of America’s best dentists for 2020. Dr. Verwest selection is based on a proprietary assessment of a dentist’s experience, training, continuing education, and commitment to excellence to ensure the most impartial unbiased review of all applicants.

He’s 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 Florida, Dr. Tim Verwest, DMD & Associates continues to provide pediatric dental care to children for over 28 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.

Pediatric Dentistry of Florida Opens New State of the Art Facility

Pediatric Dentistry of Florida opened their new office, located at 1035 Piper Blvd, Suite 103 in Naples. The practice expands on the previous beach themed Fort Myers location in hopes of providing world class pediatric dental care to children throughout Collier County.

Dr Verwest

The 4,000 square-foot space provides a pleasant visual experience, boasting a 16 foot-long whale shark and blue whale suspended from the ceiling inside the building. While describing the anticipated patient reactions to the new building Dr. Tim Verwest, DMD said, “We want to have an experience where children run towards the front doors in anticipation of their appointments.”

Dr Verwest

The beach theme and 3D Characters continue throughout the interior with an underwater shipwreck in the lobby for photo opportunities and other ocean sea-life including a coral reef, various species of tropical fish, stingrays and a mermaid.

The state-of-the-art kid friendly office provides three private treatment rooms, a six patient dental bay to serve children and teens, consultation rooms, administrative offices and a game area. There will be three board certified pediatric dentists to serve the needs of children in Collier County.

“Naturally the thought of visiting the dentist has a negative connotation. We want to give the children a distraction and reason to view visiting the dentist in a positive light. When parents tell their children they are visiting the dentist we want them to be excited and not be afraid of us – and we think this new Naples facility will be an extension of our commitment to that philosophy in Fort Myers,” said Verwest.

Pediatric Dentistry of Florida opened their first kid-friendly dental building during 2013 in Fort Myers.  They since have made a positive impact on tens of thousands of children during that span. “We found the impact of the Fort Myers location so positive, we thought it was a natural fit for our friends in the greater Naples community to enjoy,” said Verwest.

In conjunction with the opening the dental practice is hosting a grand opening celebration from 10 am to 2 pm, on July 20, 2019 at their new Naples office located at 1035 Piper Blvd, Suite 103, Naples FL 34110. There will be face painting, balloon twisting, along with meet and greet with staff members. For more information on the grand opening celebration, click here.

Pediatric Dentistry of Florida was founded by Dr. Tim M. Verwest in 1992. Dr. Verwest is a graduate of the University of Florida earning his specialty certificate in Pediatric Dentistry. With locations in Fort Myers and Naples, Pediatric Dentistry of Florida creates an entire underwater world for patients to enjoy when visiting the dentist.  For more information, visit DrVerwest.com, or (239) 482-2722.

Berger joins Pediatric Dentistry of Florida

Pediatric Dentistry of Florida, Dr. Tim M. Verwest, DMD & Associates hired Julie Berger as director of operations. Mrs. Berger will be responsible for daily operations and management of the multi-office practice.

She brings a wealth of healthcare practice management experience. More recently she was the surgical patient care coordinator for Farahmand Plastic Surgery in Fort Myers. Mrs. Berger brings patient centric care and organizational structure to the growing pediatric dental practice.

Mrs. Berger is a graduate of the Florida Gulf Coast University, B.S., in Health Science specializing in Health Service Administration.

Welcome her next time you are visiting our practice!

Pediatric Dentistry of Florida voted ‘Best Pediatric Dentist of Fort Myers’

FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 30, 2018) – Pediatric Dentistry of Florida, Dr. Tim M. Verwest, DMD & Associates has been voted the best pediatric dentist of Fort Myers by the 2018 News-Press Readers Poll. The News-Press 28th annual best of awards recognizes the top businesses in the community selected by their readers.

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 Florida, Dr. Tim Verwest, DMD & Associates continues to provide pediatric dental care to children for over 25 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.

Dr. Tim Verwest, DMD with News-Press Readers Poll Best of Fort Myers 2018 Award

Healthy Teeth Photo Contest

Pediatric Dentistry of Florida, Dr. Tim Verwest, DMD is hosting an Instagram healthy teeth photo contest for children (18 years or under) through August 1, 2018.  To enter your child into a chance to win $100 target gift card parents must submit a picture of their child as they brush their teeth and post on Instagram. GET CREATIVE!

Here’s how to enter: 1.) Follow @DrVerwest on Instagram
                                               2.) hashtag #CleanSmiles
                                               3.) Tag DrVerwest in the photo

“Our goal is to make sure the kids are brushing their teeth over the summer,” said practice owner Dr. Tim Verwest, DMD. (1) Instagram healthy teeth photo contest winner will be selected on August 2, 2018. One submission per person. Happy Brushing!

Dr. Tim Verwest, DMD donates 1,148 lbs. of food for Harry Chapin Food Bank

Pediatric Dentistry of Florida, Dr. Tim Verwest, DMD collected 1,148 lbs. of can-food donations for Touch-a-Truck Fort Myers 2018.  All food collected will benefit the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida.

Pediatric Dentistry of Florida, Dr. Tim Verwest, DMD & Associates are celebrating its 26th anniversary this year and provides a full complement of pediatric dental care to children throughout Southwest Florida. For more information, visit www.DrVerwest.com, or (239) 482-2722.

 

 

Mouthguards And Teeth

Love being active in the sport you enjoy? Then keep on reading! Whether you are just mastering a sport or have tons of experience, sport mouth guards should always be a must in order to protect your pearly whites during games and even practices. You never know what can potentially come in contact with them that can cause a cracked, broken, or even lost tooth.

The Mouthguard Checklist:

  • Comfort
  • Reliability
  • Doesn’t interfere with speech or breathing
  • Immune to tearing

Mouthguard Types

Stock mouth protectors– these pre-made mouthguards are ready to go once purchased. Although they might not have a snug, custom fit, they won’t hurt your wallet and can be found at most sporting goods stores. Keep in mind that these may not be the most effective of the bunch.

Boil and bite mouth protectors– stemming from its name, you must boil the mouthguard in water in order to shape it accordingly to your mouth from biting into the warm, soft plastic. These guys can also be found at most sporting goods stores.

Custom-made mouth protectors– these are the best of the bunch! These mouthguards are crafted in a dentist’s office or laboratory Although they are the most expensive, they are made to fit your teeth perfectly with maximum comfort and reliability.

Mouthguard Maintenance

It is best to get a new mouthguard after every season to get the most out of them. For maximum effectiveness, you must also make sure there is no bacteria-buildup by doing the following:

  • Make sure your mouthguard container is always clean
  • Keep mouthguard away from hot temperatures
  • Keep them out of reach of children and pets
  • Brush and rinse with toothpaste after every use

Wisdom From Wisdom Teeth, Anyone?

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to come in during young adulthood. It is easiest to remove wisdom teeth when the patient is a young adult (late teens to early twenties) because the roots are not fully developed. Wisdom teeth are removed to correct a problem or prevent a problem in the future. The way in which the teeth are growing in determines whether or not a person needs to have them removed, but not all people need to have their teeth removed. It is possible to never have to remove wisdom teeth or to only have to remove one. Wisdom teeth removal can be done by your general dentist or an oral surgeon in office as an outpatient procedure.

Reasons to Remove:

Wisdom teeth may partially break through the gum causing the gum to grow over the teeth, which allows for food and germs to get trapped.
Wisdom teeth may grow in at an awkward angle, which needs surgery to remove so that the tooth does not interfere with the kar or other teeth.
Prevents crowding of the back teeth
Impacted tooth in the jaw

Extraction Process

During the removal process, your dentist/surgeon will use a local anesthetic to numb the area around where the tooth will be extracted. When dealing with multiple tooth extractions you will be placed under general anesthesia, causing your whole body to be asleep during the procedure. In most cases the removal of the teeth goes very smoothly: the dentist opens up the gum tissue around the tooth and pulls the tooth out. Sometimes the tooth is harder to extract and the dentist must break the tooth into pieces to extract it piece by piece. After the tooth is removed, the dentist will stitch up the gum with dissolvable stitches.

Recovery

The recovery process generally only lasts a few days, which includes taking the pain medicine prescribed, rinsing mouth out, and using the gauze to absorb all the excess blood. In order to minimize the pain, try using an ice pack on the outside of your cheek/cheeks. Apply the ice pack for 15-20 minutes at a time for the first 24 hours, after the first day use a warm wrung-out towel for the next few days. Contact your dentist or surgeon if the pain begins to get worse around the fourth day, which may be a sign of complications.

Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Happy National Oral Cancer Awareness Month from your friends at Pediatric Dentistry of Florida! We enjoy looking out for anyone of all ages and hope to raise awareness, along with having friends and family being conscious of this topic as well.

Oral Cancer

Oral Cancer includes any and all cancers of the mouth such as the tongue, the cheeks, and lips as well as the throat, sinuses, and other parts within the head and throat. The cancer, which often appears as a growth within the mouth, is caused by a mutation and growth in cells that can often then spread into other parts of the body.

By the Numbers

  • Approximately 45,750 people will be newly diagnosed in 2015
  • Of the 45,750 people diagnosed only about half will survive the next 5 years
  • 1 person dies from oral cancer every hour of every day
  • 115 people are newly diagnosed each day
  • IF DETECTED EARLY, a person’s survival rate increases to 80-90%

Who is at Risk?

Oral Cancer is twice as common in men as in women. In addition, those who chew or smoke tobacco, drink alcohol excessively, or are exposed to sunlight for long periods of time are more likely to develop Oral Cancer. While the average age for diagnosis is 62, this cancer can affect all ages. In addition, scientists have recently connected poor diet habits such as those without consistent fruit and vegetable intake to be at higher risk for developing this cancer. While it is certainly important to consider these risks, it’s also important to note that one in four of those diagnosed with Oral Cancer did not fall into any of the above risk factors.

The Power of Prevention

“Historically the death rate associated with this cancer is particularly high not because it is hard to discover or diagnose, but due to the cancer being routinely discovered late in its development.” – Oral Cancer Foundation

A Closer Look On Baby Teeth Care

There they are one day: your baby’s teeth! Now what?

As your baby begins to develop teeth, you may notice changes to more than just his or her mouth. Your baby may become more irritable or restless. In addition, you will need to begin caring for his/her teeth to keep them healthy. Prepare for your baby’s teeth by knowing what to expect, how you can help, and how to take care those baby pearly whites.

What can I expect?

Baby teeth usually begin appearing between 4-7 months, although all children are different. The first teeth to come in are usually the bottom front teeth. Sometimes teething may hurt and cause the baby to be fussy and drool more than usual.

Teething does not cause a fever. A fever usually indicates another issue. If your baby has a fever you should see a doctor to determine the issue.

What can I do to help?

You can help alleviate teething pain by:

Giving a cold teething ring or wash cloth to suck on.
Rubbing your baby’s gums with a clean finger.
Asking your doctor about infant’s acetaminophen. (Do not give your infant aspirin. Aspirin can cause serious illness in infants.)
Asking your doctor about using teething gels.

How can I take care of my baby’s teeth?

You can start cleaning your baby’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears. You should use a damp wash cloth to wipe away plaque twice a day until the child is one year old. If left unchecked, plaque can damage babies’ teeth as they come in.

After one year of age, you should begin using a soft baby brush and a small dab of toothpaste that does not have fluoride in it. The non-fluoride toothpaste should be safe for your infant to swallow. Choose a brush that has soft bristles, a small head, and a large handle. Be on the lookout for signs of tooth decay such as brown or white spots on the tooth. Take your baby to the dentist after his/her first birthday.

If you give your child a bottle or sippy cup be sure not to leave it with your baby in the crib. Falling asleep with milk or juice in the mouth can cause decay. You can start using a sippy cup at 6 months old and should stop using a bottle at 1 year of age. Avoid sugary juices and flavored milks as these can lead to decay.

If your baby shows signs of tooth decay schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible!