Pediatric dentistry fl

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.

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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    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

    Touch-A-Truck 2018 was a success!

    We want to give a huge thank you to everyone who came out to Touch-A-Truck this year! It wouldn’t be anything without the help out staff and participants to make it all happen, and of course with all the support from our amazing patients. We are grateful to have all of you apart of our family and look forward to making more fun memories in the future!

    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

    Teeth Grinding Is For All Ages

    What’s The Harm?

    Teeth grinding can cause fractring, loosening, or loss of teeth. It can even wear your teeth down to nearly nothing. In this case, bridges, crowns, or dentures may be needed to restore/replace the teeth. In addition, chronic grinding can also affect your jaw and cause a change in the appearance of your face.

    What Can I Do About It?

    An easy solution is asking your dentist to fit you with a mouth guard. This will protect your teeth while you sleep. In some cases your dentist may recommend taking a muscle relaxant before you go to bed each night.

    Teeth grinding is often caused by stress or sleep disorders. If you grind your teeth due to stress, ask your doctor about options to reduce stress. If you’re grinding due to a sleeping disorder, treating the sleeping disorder may eliminate or reduce your grinding.

    What If My Child Grinds His/Her Teeth?

    Teeth grinding is not unusual in children. It is not usually a damaging habit because children’s teeth and jaws change and grow so quickly. Typically, treatment for kids is not required.

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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

    10 Of The Most Interesting Facts About Teeth

    You may not think about your teeth much. You might even consider them boring. But here are 10 fun and interesting facts about your teeth that just might catch your attention.

    1. Teeth are like fingerprints; no two teeth are the same. Even identical twins have signature teeth that are individually special to the person.

    2. Saliva acts as a rinse to rid teeth of sugar and bacteria. We produce around one to two quarts of saliva a day, which adds up to two swimming pools worth of saliva in a person’s lifetime.

    3. About 73 percent of Americans would rather go grocery shopping than floss their teeth.

    4. Each year, approximately 5 million teeth are lost to sports related injuries.

    5. George Washington’s legendary wood dentures are a hoax. The President’s dentures were constructed from gold, lead, and elephant and hippopotamus ivory.

    6. Children between the ages of 5 and 6 usually have 20 teeth, while adults have around 32 permanent, including wisdom teeth.

    7. Newborn babies are generally perceived as toothless. However, 1 in 2,000 babies is born with a tooth.

    8. Before minty fresh toothpaste was invented, a concoction of charcoal, ash, chalk, lemon juice, tobacco, and honey was used to clean teeth.

    9. Teeth grills may have originated as early as 2,500 years ago, as some Native American tribes were infamous for teeth bedazzling, using resin to embed gems in their teeth.

    10. The plaque found on your teeth is composed of more than 300 species of bacteria. (Yuck!)