Dedicated to healthy teeth for bright futures, our caring, professional team believes in prevention first and foremost. Preventing decay, infection and other dental problems is our primary goal. Targeting healthy habits is a group effort between our team members, you and your child. We work hard to ensure that your child understands the importance of good oral hygiene so they can smile with confidence as they grow. In our fun, patient-centered environment, we strive to make it relaxed and enjoyable, while providing the following preventative care and dental treatments.
Routine Exams (checkups) are generally recommended every six months to allow for future prevention of dental disease. Regular visits also allow us to develop a positive relationship with your child and reinforce healthy habits that are sometimes harder for parents to enforce. We encourage the families of St. Johns, Jacksonville, and our nearby communities to schedule dental visits for their children at least every six months.
If your child knocks out a tooth, pick up the tooth by the crown, gently rinse it under cold water to remove any debris then reposition the tooth back into its socket. If you can’t do this, place the tooth in milk, saline or saliva (just not water!) and call our office immediately.
If your child complains of a toothache, rinse his or her mouth with warm water and inspect the teeth to be sure there is nothing caught between them. If pain continues, use a cold compress to ease the pain. Do not apply heat, aspirin or any kind of topical pain reliever directly to the affected area, as this can cause damage to the gums. Children’s pain relievers, ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may be taken orally. Contact us to schedule an appointment immediately.
If your child has a bitten lip or tongue severe enough to cause bleeding, clean the bite gently with water and use a cold compress (a cold, wet towel or washcloth pressed firmly against the area) to reduce or avoid swelling. Give us a call to help determine how serious the bite is.
If a fractured jaw is suspected, try to keep the jaws from moving by using a towel or handkerchief, then take the child to the nearest hospital emergency room.
You can help your child avoid dental emergencies. Child-proof your house to avoid falls. Don’t let your child chew on ice, popcorn kernels, or other hard foods. And if your child plays contact sports, have him or her wear a mouthguard. Ask us about creating a custom-fitted athletic mouthguard for your child. Finally, prevent toothaches with regular brushing, flossing, and visits to our office.
Please visit our FAQ page for more information on emergency care.