pediatric dentist fort myers

Crystal Harrington Employee Spotlight!

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Crystal Harrington continues to learn many valuable career skills in arguably the busiest pediatric dentist practice in Fort Myers. As most senior in her position, Crystal quickly found herself in a leadership role for the ever-growing team of five detail oriented front office staffers. She credits Pediatric Dentistry of Fort Myers for allowing her the opportunity to develop leadership, customer service, and billing expertise.

Look no further than Orlando Business Journal’s 2016 Rising 50’s: Anna Bond, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Rifle Paper Co., someone Ms. Harrington admires as a model of success. The stationary and gift brand is represented in over 4,000 stores around the world.

Crystal owns an Etsy shop where she sells her own original acrylic paintings.  She always had a taste for the arts employed at an art studio before joining the practice. She would have loved to see the completion of the Taj Mahal especially with her boyfriend Brian.

The biggest enjoyment of her day comes when a parent provides positive remarks regarding their child’s experience while at the practice. Within the last three years Dr. Verwest and the staff of Pediatric Dentistry of Fort Myers has received over 1,200 reviews of 4.8 or higher on websites such as, Healthgrades, Google and Facebook.

“Kindness goes a long way,” Crystal says in regards to the quality of patient care and responsibility of each family as if it was their own.

Next time your visiting this pediatric dentist practice ask Crystal about her day, perhaps even the Etsy shop, or her dream of someday riding a dirt bike.

Dr. Verwest donates to foster care children in Lee County

FORT MYERS, Fla. (October 6, 2016) – Pediatric Dentistry of Ft. Myers, Dr. Tim Verwest, DMD donated toothbrushes to foster care children in Lee County. The donations will go to the Donate4Kidz Foundation. They provides care packages for foster care children in need. Sarde Howell, a seven year old home-school student reached out to the pediatric dentist for a community service project.

“We deeply care about children in our own community and want to help out as many as we’re able to,” said Dr. Verwest. “We thank Sarde for letting us be part of his community project”.

Pediatric Dentistry of Fort Myers regularly donates to improve community health and hygiene. In 2014 the office donated over 20,000 free toothbrushes to children in Lee, Collier, and Charlotte County.

Pediatric Dentistry of Ft Myers, Dr. Tim Verwest, DMD, 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.

 

Pediatric Dentistry of Ft. Myers voted “Best of Southwest Florida” 2016


For the second consecutive year Pediatric Dentistry of Ft. Myers, Dr. Tim M. Verwest, DMD & Associates has been voted best pediatric dentist of Southwest Florida 2016 by the Ft. Myers News-Press readers. The News-Press 26th annual best of Southwest Florida awards recognizes the top businesses in the community selected by their readers. Earlier this year Dr. Verwest was named for inclusion in the Consumer Research Council of America 2016 Guide to America’s Top Dentists.

His professional affiliations include The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American and Florida Dental Associations and West Coast Dental Association, the Florida Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the Lee County Dental Association.  He is often a guest lecturer for various organizations and has taught classes at Florida Southwestern State College.

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 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.

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Dr. Verwest receives 2016 Spectrum Award

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The City Beat News (CBN) awarded Pediatric Dentistry of Ft. Myers, Dr. Tim M. Verwest, DMD the 2016 Spectrum Award of Excellence in Customer Satisfaction.

The Spectrum Award was established to spotlight companies providing exceptional service and experiences to their customers. Research is done annually and is independent and unbiased. Spectrum Award winners are rated using exclusive research and proprietary algorithms.

CBN draws upon many information sources and weighs and distills them into a single score for the year to identify top companies across the country. Only those businesses earning CBN’s highest ratings are honored with the City Beat News Spectrum Award for Excellence in Customer Service.

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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Pediatric Dentistry of Ft. Myers sponsors Future of Art 2016

Gallery Alliance for the Arts

For the second consecutive year Pediatric Dentistry of Ft. Myers, Dr. Tim Verwest, DMD will be the exhibit sponsor for Future of Art at the Alliance for the Arts. Works of art created by elementary and middle school students across Lee County will be on display beginning April 6 with an opening reception on Wednesday, April 6 from 5-7PM. Work created by high school students will then be exhibited with a second opening reception on Wednesday, April 20 from 5-7PM and will remain on display until April 30.

“The Alliance for the Arts really has done a wonderful job over the last 24 years with this project, we’re lucky to be involved with the last two,” said Dr. Verwest.

This is the 24th year the Alliance has partnered with the Lee Arts Educators Association (LAEA) to provide students with an opportunity to display their artwork in a formal exhibit. This annual show features more than forty schools and hundreds of pieces of art in a wide variety of mediums.  Judges will select winners in several categories and award a Best in Show.

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.

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.

Caring for your children’s teeth

Start dental visits during infancy

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends bringing your child to the dentist before his or her first birthday. At this initial visit, the dentist will:

  • check your child’s teeth for decay and signs of early developmental problems;
  • explain how to care for your child’s teeth; and
  • answer any questions or concerns you might have.

Children should see a dentist every six months. To help your child develop a positive attitude about the dentist:

  • Take your child with you when you go in for a checkup so he/she can get used to the office and its staff.
  • Avoid using negative words such as “needle” and “hurt.”
  • “Play dentist” to familiarize your child with what takes place during a visit.
  • Ask your dentist how he or she explains procedures to children.
  • Answer your child’s questions honestly and sensitively.

Caring for an infant’s teeth

Cleaning a child’s teeth should begin when the first tooth is visible, because teeth are susceptible to decay as soon as they appear in the mouth.

Wipe the baby’s teeth and gums clean after every feeding with a soft, damp washcloth or gauze pad. A leading cause of tooth decay among young children is known as “baby bottle syndrome.” When an infant is allowed to drink from a nursing bottle containing milk, formula or fruit juice during nap time or at night, the baby often falls asleep with the bottle in his or her mouth. Exposure to the sugars and acids in these liquids that pool around the teeth can cause discoloration and decay.

Since breast milk contains sugar, decay also can occur when a baby falls asleep while breast-feeding. To prevent damage to the teeth, clean your child’s teeth after each feeding and, if necessary, give him or her a bottle filled only with water at bedtime or during a nap.

Eating and drinking habits are key to healthy teeth

Studies have shown that children who drink fluoridated water from birth have up to 65 percent fewer cavities, and by the time they become teenagers, many of them still have no tooth decay.

If you live in a community without a fluoridated water supply, you can make sure your kids get their fluoride by using tablets, drops or gel and by having topical fluoride treatments applied at the dental office (to check whether your drinking water contains fluoride, call your local water company or health department). Using a fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse is also effective.

A balanced diet is also an important contributor to healthy teeth and gums. Children especially need calcium, which helps build strong teeth. Good sources of calcium are milk, cheese and yogurt. Research shows that eating cheese after meals seems to inhibit the effects of decay-causing acids. Avoid snacks containing sugar or starch.

By age 3

Children should be brushing their own teeth under adult supervision. Only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste is necessary. Start flossing your child’s teeth daily when all the primary teeth are in or when teeth are touching each other.

By age 8

Children should be able to brush and floss by themselves, with occasional checks. Turn brushing and flossing into a daily routine — make it fun by giving your child a colorful toothbrush and bubble gum-flavored floss.

With a parent’s guidance and proper personal and professional care, children have a good foundation for maintaining healthy teeth.

Caring for teeth with braces

Braces are often placed in patients between 10 and 14 years of age to correct crooked or overcrowded teeth. “The benefits of braces are many,” says Ken Sutherland, DDS, Delta Dental senior dental consultant. “Straight teeth, an attractive smile, improved dental function and, often, improved overall health are all results of wearing braces.”

Below are some answers to questions about staying comfortable and healthy while wearing braces.

Why is good oral hygiene with braces so important? Food and plaque can get trapped in the tiny spaces between braces and wires, causing decay and enamel stains. Food can also react with the bacteria in your mouth and the metal in the braces to produce a bleaching effect, which can cause small, permanent light spots on the teeth.

How should teeth and braces be cleaned? It is best to brush after every meal and use a floss threader or special orthodontic floss (available at drug stores) at least once a day to clean between braces and under wires. Check your teeth in a mirror to make sure all food particles are gone. If you don’t have your toothbrush with you, rinse your mouth vigorously with water.

How do braces feel? The wires that are used to move teeth into position are usually tightened at each visit to the dentist or orthodontist. This causes pressure on the teeth and some discomfort. Eating soft foods and taking a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®, for instance), can help. Also, braces can rub against the inside of the lips. If this is a problem, a special wax can be placed on the wires to keep them from chafing (available from your dentist or orthodontist and at drug stores).

How long do braces have to be worn? It depends on how complicated the spacing or occlusion (bite) problem is. Most braces are worn for 18 to 30 months. After the braces are removed, the patient wears a retainer, which is used to maintain the position of the teeth while setting and aligning the tissues that surround the newly-straightened teeth.

Should any foods be avoided? Yes. Sweets, soda and other sugary and starchy foods can promote tooth decay and gum disease. Sticky and chewy foods (caramel, taffy, chewing gum, dried fruits) can stick to braces and be difficult to remove. Biting and chewing hard foods, such as some candies and nuts, ice, beef jerky and popcorn, can break wires and loosen brackets. Avoid damaging wires on the front teeth by cutting carrots, apples and other crunchy, healthy foods into bite-sized chunks before eating them.