Pediatric Dentistry in Fleming Island

Doctors Lake Family Dental provides pediatric dentistry in Fleming Island, Florida. Call 904-264-6700 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist.

Pediatric dentistry refers to dental services for children. When it comes to dental care and oral health, children have specific needs that differ somewhat from adults. Children have primary teeth that are gradually shed when the permanent teeth are ready to come in. The primary teeth serve an important role in dental health and need to be cleaned and treated by a pediatric dentist just as much as the permanent teeth. 

One of the main goals of pediatric dentistry is to establish good oral hygiene habits for healthy smiles at an early age that set the tone for early dental care and a lifetime of dental health. Children should have their teeth cleaned and examined by a pediatric dentist every 6 months starting around age one.

We offer the following pediatric dental services: 

• Comprehensive Oral Evaluation. Children should have a comprehensive oral evaluation every 6 months to assess the condition of their teeth and the soft tissues of the mouth. This includes an oral cancer screening to check for dental health abnormalities. 

• Digital X-Rays. Dental X-Rays are now digital, using a fraction of the radiation to create high quality images of the teeth, roots, and jaw. This allows the pediatric dentist to view what is under the soft tissues of the mouth and identify any potential problems, such as cavities. 

• Teeth Cleaning. A thorough teeth cleaning performed by a pediatric dentist should also be done every 6 months to remove plaque and calculus from the teeth. This helps to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. 

• Dental Sealants. A tooth that has deep crevices is at a higher risk of decay. Dental sealants are composite materials that are applied to the teeth to fill in crevices and protect the tooth from decay and maintain oral health. 

• Fluoride Treatment. Fluoride is a mineral that naturally strengthens tooth enamel. Fluoride treatments are applied to the teeth to strengthen the enamel and prevent tooth decay. 

• Mouth Guards. Children who play sports of any kind should wear a mouth guard to protect their teeth and mouth from injury. We provide custom mouth guards that fit more comfortably and provide better protection than store-bought mouth guards. 

A family dental practice treats patients of all ages, making it convenient for the whole family to receive dental services at one location. Doctors Lake Family Dental treats your family like family, providing the highest quality dental care that we would want for our own loved ones. We provide compassionate care for all patients from the youngest to the oldest. Our goal is to help our patients keep their teeth healthy and in place for their lifetime. When children get a healthy start to oral health through dental care, they are more likely to maintain good oral hygiene habits that lead to a lifetime of dental health.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first dental checkup with a pediatric dentist around the age of 12 months or within 6 months of the eruption of their first tooth, whichever comes first. The first appointment is usually just a quick checkup and introduction to the experience of going to the dentist. Appointments should be scheduled every 6 months going forward for the highest quality care.

We recommend that children brush their teeth twice a day and floss once a day for optimal dental health. Young children should have help with brushing and flossing until they are able to do it effectively themselves. It is easy for children to miss spots that could lead to cavities.

Digital X-Rays have been proven safe for children. Significantly less radiation is used in digital X-Rays than the film X-Rays of the past. As an extra safety precaution, a protective apron is placed over the child’s body while X-Rays are being done.

We create custom mouth guards for children that are made specifically to fit their teeth and mouth. They are more comfortable and provide more effective protection that can prevent dental injuries. Custom mouth guards are especially helpful for patients who have braces.

To learn more, call 904-264-6700 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.