fun dental facts

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:

Office Decor 

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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    Smiling Can Go A Long Way

    Smiling is something most people do without even thinking about it most of the time. You might smile at a familiar face, something that you find funny, or for no reason other than you’re in a good mood. There is actually more to smiling than just a reaction to your surroundings. Smiling can actually make you happier, healthier, relaxed, and much more!

    Smiling makes you happier

    Most people smile when they’re happy, but smiling also makes people happy. Your body knows that smiling is associated with happiness. Endorphins are released in your body when you smile. Endorphins are the chemicals in your body that make you feel happier. Smiling even if you don’t feel happy will make your mood happier to match your smile.

    Smiling relaxes

    The same endorphins that make you happier can also make you less stressed. These endorphins spread around your body easing tension and acting as a natural pain killer for your body in any stressful situation. Smiling also reduces the activity of cortisol which is a hormone that is more active when you are stressed. The less cortisol, the less negative feelings which means more positive feelings.

    Smiling boosts productivity

    You’re more apt to work when you’re in a good mood. If you were in a bad mood and you needed to do something that wasn’t that enjoyable, you probably wouldn’t be as motivated as you would be in a good mood. we know now, smiling boosts your mood so smiling while working will make work more enjoyable for you.

    Smiling is contagious

    Everyone wants to make the world a better place, why not start with a smile? University of Wisconsin-Madison Ph.D. student in psychology, Adrienne Wood, studied the effects of smiling on other people. She concluded that sensorimotor simulation in our brains is what causes us to smile at other people that smile without even realizing it. The researchers concluded that we trigger the same emotional state in ourselves as the person we are mimicking, which allows us to make an appropriate social response.

    Smiling creates trust

    Imagine you’re on a street with vendors on it. One looks bored and uninterested while the other is making eye-contact and smiling; which one do you think you would go to? It goes without saying you would be more attracted to do business with the one that is smiling and looks happy. If you smile, other people are more likely to trust you because trust and happiness are usually related.

    Although there are many reasons to smile:

    “We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do” – Mother Teresa

    FAQ’s: Dental Talk

    Questions about your teeth probably pop into your head while you’re brushing and flossing or even when you least expect it. But then at your dental visit, the dentist asks, “Any questions?” Your mind then goes blank. Still, we know you have questions, so rest assure; here are the answers to the most common of the bunch!

    Is there any reason to visit the dentist more than twice a year?

    Every mouth is different, so some may need to see the dentist more often than others. If you have a high risk for tooth decay or gum disease, you may need to visit the dentist as often as every three months. A person with good oral hygiene is usually OK with only seeing the dentist twice a year.

    Is an electric toothbrush better than a manual?

    The great debate: electronic versus manual. If a manual toothbrush is used appropriately, it can be just as effective as an electric brush. This means brushing for at least two minutes, twice a day with proper techniques. Electric toothbrushes are not necessarily “better,” but they do provide some ease to the process. If you are not sure, ask us during your next visit and we will help you pick the right one.

    What is plaque and why is it bad for you?

    Plaque is a sticky film, made of bacteria, that constantly grows on your teeth. As the plaque collects and hides from your brush or floss, it becomes hard and turns into tartar. If not treated, tartar build up will lead to gum disease.

    What causes bad breath?

    Bad breath originates in your mouth most of the time. A low level of saliva and dry mouth are common reasons why you may have bad breath. You need to control the bacteria in your mouth and neutralize the sulfur compounds that form from the bacteria build up.

    I have a cavity. Why doesn’t it hurt?

    Symptoms are not common with dental problems. You may not experience any pain with a cavity until the condition becomes severe. Don’t wait for the pain to get it checked out though. The longer you wait, the more difficult and expensive it will be to have it fixed.

     

    Tooth-Harming Habits To Ditch

    We can’t stress enough of how important it is to have hardy and strong chompers. There could be some habits you go-about on a daily basis that can harm your teeth more than help them. That being said, we want to bring about some of the most common habits that make your teeth run for the hills!

    1. Ice chewers- beware!: Although ice is frozen water and contains no sugar, it can potentially crack your teeth over time due to the pressure from biting down on the hard surfaces of the ice.
    2. Teeth grinding: Grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw frequently can cause your teeth to wear down. If you happen to have this problem, a mouth guard can help prevent anymore friction from occurring.
    3. The sugary stuff: Common tasty pleasures that are full of sugar such as cough drops and soda can cause cavities or tooth decay from sugar building up over time that can make its way to some of your bacteria-free teeth.
    4. Coffee lovers: Lets face it, some of us need that caffeine kick in the morning to get through the day. But since our helper of the day contains acidic properties that can stain teeth, it is best to have this guy in moderation or look up whitening options to combat any yellow shades that may come about onto your precious pearly whites.
    5. Snacking: The more you snack, the less saliva you produce which can cause more food to be stuck on your teeth for the day. If you decide to snack, snack healthy and try avoiding any foods that are sugary or starchy.

     

    If you happen to currently have any of these habits- don’t stress. Its not mandatory to eliminate all of these forever. However, it is crucial to provide the best care for your teeth that you possibly can. By gradually getting rid of any of these habits, you can be on your way to a set of teeth to die for!

    What Dentist Appointments And Oil Changes Have In Common

    Ever get your teeth cleaned and feel like you’re getting a tune-up on your pearly whites? If so, you’ve made the right correlation. Getting your teeth checked is like getting your tires rotated or having your car serviced. After a certain number of miles, your car will need to be checked, just as you teeth need to be checked after not visiting the dentist after a certain amount of time. This way, you can make sure that there are no cavities, tooth decay, or other problems that may develop down the road for your teeth. Just as your car, you would need a checkup every few months to make sure everything is running smoothly to prevent it from breaking down. Be sure to care for your teeth and visit a dentist at least twice a year. This can avoid hitting any bumps in the road for a smooth ride to a better smile!

    Here’s The Scoop On The Tooth Fairy

    One of the most exciting things about losing baby teeth is placing each tooth under a pillow before going to bed for the tooth fairy to collect in exchange for a token of her appreciation to find when you wake up. Our classic American Fairy was introduced all the way back in 1927 from a book called “The Tooth Fairy” by Esther Watkins Arnold.

    What did everyone do before the tooth fairy?

    During the times of witches and dark magics, it was a common practice to burn baby teeth as they fell out. This was to protect the child from being exposed to any dark magic or “bad luck”.

    “A token of her appreciation”

    Almost a century later, the Tooth Fairy is still paying a visit to the youngins and replacing their lost teeth with money. Commonly, the amount of money is based upon the size of the tooth. The larger the tooth, the larger the reward. But what started out as a small silver token in the tale has evolved into children earning cash!

    When would these rewards come to an end?

    This all depends on age and, most importantly, when all your permanent teeth have grown in. It is most common to stop seeing visits from the tooth fairy when all baby teeth are gone. I mean, after all, she is there to collect them, isn’t she?

    Is a Pediatric Dentist Right For Your Child?

    What exactly is a pediatric dentist? A pediatric dentist treats children from infancy through teenage years. A pediatric dentist is just like a general dentist when it comes to preventative dentistry, regular cleanings, and treatments. Although they are both similar, we have a few general differences that are present between the two in order to get a better idea of what works for you and the family.

    Common Dentist

    1. Caters to the entire family
    2. Provides cleanings twice a year along with X-rays
    3. Repair tooth cavities
    4. Treat oral conditions that are related to any diseases

     

    Pediatric Dentist

    1. Acquired two to three additional years of training with emphasis on child psychology, growth and development
    2. Caters to a certain age group (1-18)
    3. Provides habit counseling (pacifier and thumb sucking)
    4. Handle dental development difficulties
    5. Contain orthodontics

     

    There is no right or wrong practice when it comes to using a general dentist or a pediatric dentist. However, there are benefits to using a pediatric dentist and then switching to a general when the time comes. It all depends on personal preference! So whichever dentist you may choose, either one will be just fine for the youngins.

    Teething: What To Know And How To Take Action

    So first thing is first, what is teething? Teething is when your first set of teeth break through the gums. Pressure from the teeth poking through under the gums causes discomfort. This is the culprit for all that constant urge for babies to chew, chew chew! So when does all this chewing start to happen? Teething usually occurs between 6 to 24 months of age. Since each child is different and there is no exact set time on when teething will stop, we have a few suggestions to ease any aches and pains for the time being.

    Pressure

    Don’t think that your little one can get enough chewing. Let them have at it! This helps them relieve any discomfort and distracts them from the sensation of pain that the teeth are causing. Be sure to provide safe objects for chewing, such as teething rings.

    Painkillers

    Check with a doctor to see what particular medication is right for your little one. A common pain reliever, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Children’s Motrin), can reduce inflammation in the gums and reduce any pain for babies who are at least six months old. Keep in mind that aspirin is off-limits to anyone under the age of 19.

    Hard Foods

    Gnawing on hard food can soothe any pain temporarily. Be sure to keep an eye out for any choking hazards from consuming larger pieces of food!

    Cold Objects or Foods

    Cold water in a bottle or cold purees can do the trick for relieving any soreness; just make sure nothing is too cold or coming from the freezer which can cause more aggravation for the gums.

    Gum Massages

    Gently rubbing a clean finger over the sore gums can provide the same relief and distraction as chewing on objects for teething by counteracting the pressure from the gums.

    Are You Brushing Too Much?

    All you smile lovers out there strive to keep your teeth healthy and bacteria-free, am I right? But how much cleaning is too much cleaning? We have the answers on when to clean, how much to clean, and if you need to lessen your teeth cleaning schedules.

    First, lets establish some downfalls of brushing too much:

    1. Over-brushing can cause tooth enamel to wear down, which can cause higher risks of tooth decay
    2. It can cause damage to your gums, exposing the root area
    3. Teeth become more sensitive and prone to cavities when being brushed more than they should

     

    So now to avoid these problems, how often should you brush every day? The answer: Two times a day for two minutes each time. Preferably one time in the morning and one time before heading to bed. That’s it! Simple as that. Be sure to use gentle strokes and not vigorously brush off the enamel that acts as a shield for tooth decay. So no worries, you and your smile will have brighter and brighter days yet to come!

    What To Do When Gingivitis Strikes

    So first off, what is Gingivitis? This is when gums are tender and inflamed due to bacteria buildup and can easily bleed when performing oral procedures. It is estimated that 90% of adults have these Gingivitis symptoms! But no need to worry, it is easily curable and we have some simple tips to follow in order to keep your gums in tip-top shape:

    1. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: As mentioned in the previous post, soft bristled toothbrushes provide a gentle brushing experience that can avoid any irritation to the gums.
    2. Consider using electric toothbrushes: These guys remove even more bacteria than manual toothbrushes, avoiding any inflammation all together.
    3. Monitor your flossing techniques: Make sure to target your teeth when flossing, not your gums! This can be done by flossing in a “C” shape against each tooth, sliding it under the gumlines.
    4. Consider the use of special treatments: This can include prescription fluoride, mouthrinse, or routine cleaning to avoid as much bacteria as possible.
    5. Exercise!: Get that heart beating and blood pumping to get your body to respond more effectively to Gingivitis.
    6. Eat healthy: This can benefit your immune system while providing a satisfying stimulation for your gums while you chew.