Pediatric Dentist in Bradenton, FL
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Benefits of a Pediatric Dentist in Bradenton, FL
Early education for parents is important to help prevent cavities and allows us to address bad habit correction or improve dental alignment that may affect your child’s development and speech.
- Familiarity with professional dental care. Beginning dental visits with a pediatric dentist in Bradenton, Florida early improves the chances your child will view the dentist’s office as a regular part of their life
- Parental help and support: Parents should brush their children’s teeth up to the age of 9 due to manual dexterity and brain/hand coordination and our pediatric dentist in Bradenton, Florida can discuss ways to prevent tooth decay, giving you the tools to stop cavities before they start.
- Treating cavities early: Cavities can form in baby teeth at any age; should your child develop cavities, early treatment with our pediatric dentist in Bradenton will prevent potential infections, abscesses, and damage to the developing permanent teeth.
- Early monitoring for dental disease or developing dental problems. The sooner we notice a problem in tooth alignment or supporting structures, the sooner our pediatric dentist in Bradenton can adjust it and prevent the need for braces (or more importantly removing teeth) for the sake of a perfect smile.
As with other areas of childhood development, starting off on the right foot with oral care can make all the difference to your child’s future dental health. The sooner you begin regular dental visits with your toddler, the better their chances for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
In accordance with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, we recommend that every child should be seen by a Pediatric dentist near you within 6 months of the eruption of his/her first tooth or before his/her first birthday and then have their teeth cleaned by the Pediatric dentist in Bradenton and examined by the dentist at least every six months.
Your Child's First Visit at a Pediatric Dentist In Bradenton
What we do at the first visit will depend on your child’s age and cooperation. We strive to make the first visit an easy, fast, positive experience, so your child will want to return in the future. Parents are welcome to accompany their child throughout the entire visit with our Pediatric dentist in Bradenton, often sitting them on your lap during the treatment.
What can you expect at your first visit with Parkwood Dental’s Pediatric dentist in Bradenton:
Meet our Pediatric dentist in Bradenton and our staff
A tooth cleaning with our trained & friendly staff
- A comprehensive exam and treatment plan
- X-rays (if needed)
- Fluoride treatment
- Diet and oral hygiene education (for kids and parents)
- Take-home toothbrush and flavored paste
Our dental hygienists will clean and polish your children’s teeth which removes plaque, bacteria and tartar (calculus) which has accumulated on their teeth and gums. We recommend children under the age of 9 be seen in the morning when they are fresh and have excused absence forms for you to bring to your child’s school if needed.
In preparing your child for their first visit at Parkwood Dental’s pediatric dentist in Bradenton, please be positive and explain that it will be a fun visit where we will brush and count his/her teeth and leave the rest of the details to us. The Pediatric Dentist in Bradenton, Florida will gladly answer any further questions he/she has about the appointment.
If you are returning for a cleaning visit, we are excited to see you again!
Our Pediatric dentist in Bradenton, Florida will also show you and your children how to properly clean your teeth and gums based on patterns noted during the cleaning appointment. Also, our advanced dental care in Bradenton can suggest avoiding certain foods or drinks if she sees patterns developing (e.g. avoiding excess soda consumption if demineralization of enamel is noted).
Dental Sealants by Pediatric Dentist in Bradenton, FL
In addition to good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, there are other ways to protect teeth from decay. Dental sealants can protect teeth and seal them off from acids and decay-causing bacteria.
Sealants are made of plastic and are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to prevent decay. The plastic fits into the deep depressions and grooves of teeth that toothbrush bristles often can’t reach. Sealants are “painted” onto the deep grooves on the biting surface of the tooth and bonded and hardened by the use of a special curing light.
Decay can begin early in life so sealants are applied to children’s and teenagers’ premolars and molars to protect them. Sealants can protect an adult’s teeth too.
Pediatric Dentist Near Me FAQ
Your child should see a dentist within 6 months of their first tooth coming in, or no later than their first birthday. This helps catch problems early and helps your child get comfortable with dental visits.
Baby teeth help children chew, speak clearly, and hold space for adult teeth. Cavities in baby teeth can lead to pain, infection, and problems for developing permanent teeth if left untreated.
The first visit is designed to be easy, fast, and positive. It may include meeting the dentist and staff, a gentle cleaning, a dental exam, X-rays if needed, fluoride treatment, oral hygiene education, and a take-home toothbrush and paste.
Yes. Parents are welcome to come back with their child during the visit. For younger children, parents may even hold the child on their lap during treatment.
Most children should visit the dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and exam. Regular visits help prevent cavities, monitor development, and build comfort with dental care.
Keep it simple and positive. Tell your child the dentist will count and brush their teeth. Avoid scary words like “pain,” “shot,” or “drill,” and let the dental team explain the details in a kid-friendly way.
Yes. The goal is to make the visit calm, friendly, and positive so children feel comfortable coming back. The team focuses on gentle care, simple explanations, and helping children feel safe during the appointment.
Dental sealants are thin protective coatings placed on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. They help block food, plaque, and bacteria from getting stuck in deep grooves where cavities often start.
Many children benefit from sealants once their molars come in because back teeth have deep grooves that are harder to clean. A dentist can check your child’s teeth and let you know if sealants are recommended.
Yes, fluoride is commonly used to help strengthen teeth and prevent cavities. For children under 2, parents should ask a dentist or doctor about fluoride toothpaste use. For younger children, only a small amount of toothpaste should be used and brushing should be supervised.