Summer is here again, and everyone wants to look their best. With so much to do and so many cool, breezy fashions to wear, what can someone get to keep themselves looking great all the time? The answer is simple—a bright, white smile. Whether you're at the beach, the park, or a house party, white teeth are an essential part of looking your best.
Many people think only celebrities can have a perfect smile, but that isn't true. There are several methods to achieve whiter teeth at home, including the age-old baking soda on a toothbrush, and a multitude of options available at the dentist. Read on to learn five easy ways to add a little shine to your smile.
1) Whitening Toothpaste.
Whitening toothpastes are probably the easiest way to whiten teeth. All you have to do is buy the toothpaste and use it twice a day! However, make sure the toothpastes are approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) and are proven to help whiten teeth. Second-rate brands of whitening toothpaste merely tear away the enamel from the teeth to expose the whiter part underneath, which can be very damaging.
2) Whitening Strips and Kits.
If you want to whiten your teeth on a budget, these do-it-yourself options may be the solution. Available at most drug and grocery stores, you apply them to your teeth once a day for however long the instructions say, usually a week. Results vary from person to person, but most people will see a brighter smile after a week. However, the whiteness will start to fade away, and after about a year, it will be gone.
3) Dental Checkups.
Going to the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings will, to a point, keep your teeth white. Regular dental checkups not only help to make the teeth whiter in the short term, they also remove the caked-on plaque that will only make the teeth worse as time goes on. If you are not currently seeing a dentist, make an appointment today. There are many dentists in Jacksonville who would be happy to take you on!
4) Power Whitening.
Power whitening is, in a way, an advanced version of the do-it-yourself whitening kit. Available at most cosmetic dentistry offices, it is up to three times more effective than home remedies. During the power whitening procedure, the dentist covers the teeth with a protective rubber guard or barrier gel and applies a peroxide solution. The peroxide solution is then activated by a light array. The process takes about an hour, and is very affordable.
5) Porcelain Veneers.
While some may consider them old-fashioned, porcelain veneers are a very useful tool when it comes to creating a great smile. Porcelain veneers are small, carefully crafted pieces of porcelain that the dentist will place over top of the existing teeth. As you may know, porcelain is a brilliant, shining white, and veneers made from porcelain have the additional benefit of reshaping a smile.
If you’re looking for dentists in Jacksonville who offer whitening services, look no further. The dentists at David and Associates Centre for Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry are experts in summer’s most versatile fashion accessory—a bright, white smile.For more details visit- www.drjoeldavid.com
David and Associates specializes in all aspects of dentistry including cosmetic, implants, whitening, basic care and Lumineers. We use the " Total Team Approach," which enables us to fix all your dental needs under one roof. Let one of our dental care specialists brighten your smile today.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Thursday, June 6, 2013
David & Associates, the Leading Jacksonville FL Dentists
Choosing a dentist in Florida can be difficult due to the wide selection of choices available to you. The most important factor is how the dentist and staff make you feel. A visit to a dentist’s office doesn’t have to be an anxiety-filled affair, and it’s important that you choose a place where you can feel comfortable and relaxed and be able to depend on the quality of service. Another important factor is the range of service. Many dentists are limited in that regard. Ideally, you want to choose a full-range dentist’s office so that you can go there for whatever your dental needs may be.
David & Associates
The dentists at David and Associates, the Centre for Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry, are among the very best Jacksonville FL dentists. David and Associates is one of the largest and oldest group practices in the state, and it’s one of the few Florida offices that has the full range of dental services under one roof. You and your family can go there for basic checkups and cleanings as well as all of your cosmetic, surgical and restorative needs.
Cosmetic Services
The most popular services at David and Associates are teeth cleaning and teeth whitening, and the center can often fit you in on short notice. The center also has the leading dentists in Florida for porcelain crowns and porcelain veneers, and the group offers one-hour, one-visit porcelain restorations at competitive rates. The services here are not just limited to dentistry, however. Two of the most popular non-dental services offered are Botox and Juvederm treatments, which are performed by professionals who specialize in those services.
Surgical Services
At David and Associates, you’ll find the leading Jacksonville FL dentists specializing in dental surgery as well. Their most common surgery is wisdom teeth removal. They also have a 3D CAT scanner on the premises, which allows them to perform surgeries in a very safe manner. The group also specializes in minimally invasive surgeries wherever possible. The group performs gum grafts, gum surgery and installation of dental implants and even has a popular service called Teeth in a Day.
Restorative
David and Associates also has the top dentists in Florida that specialize in restorative procedures, including full mouth restoration. Common restorative services include implants, crowns, bridges and Swissedent dentures. David and Associates also offers one-visit root canals, and it uses state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure that these procedures are accurate, fast and as painless as possible. Many people associate root canals with great pain, and they’re amazed at how pain-free the dentists at David and Associates are able to perform them and other procedures.
Client Oriented
David and Associates is proud of its leading Jacksonville FL dentists and its support staff that is among the best in the industry. It’s proud of its full range of services and that the group is an innovative force within Florida dentistry and the greater dentistry community. What really separates David and Associates from all other Florida dental offices, however, is their great commitment to customer service. David and Associates will go to great lengths to ensure your comfort, long-term wellbeing and total satisfaction. www.drjoeldavid.com
Monday, May 20, 2013
Cosmetic Dentists in Jacksonville, FL
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you will get cavities and infections. You brush, you floss, and you rinse, but heredity and other factors contribute to weakening enamel and deterioration of your teeth. In many cases, these cavities and infections are minor and require only a filling or some periodontal work. In other cases, the faults in the tooth are more pronounced and require extra intervention. This is especially true if the dentist performs a root canal. Root canals remove diseased tissue and/or pulp, and leave a space which has to be filled with artificial material. Without the pulp to nourish the enamel crown of the tooth, the enamel becomes extremely brittle. Such teeth are much weaker than their neighboring teeth. One way the cosmetic dentists in Florida can help you if your weaker teeth splinter or crack is by crafting a crown.
A crown is a restorative prosthetic that is specifically shaped to fit a void in a particular tooth. They are generally formed from porcelain or metal. Most patients who select a metal crown prefer gold because of its pleasing appearance and easy workability. The dentist takes a mold of the patient's teeth and then crafts the crown to fit the space in the damaged tooth. Then, he or she fastens the prosthetic to the void in the tooth with a dental cement. Such cements are either acid-based or resin-based. They consist of basic powders mixed with acidic liquids. The resulting chemical reaction activates the bonding properties of the cement. Cosmetic dentists in Florida offer crowns fashioned from either material and attached with either type of cement.
Crowns, as with any other dental prosthetics, do not last forever. Dentists in Jacksonville FL like David & Associates, however, have spent many years perfecting techniques to sustain the crowns for as long as possible. They also take great pride in molding crowns of the highest quality. The life span of their crowns is generally at least 10 years; however, crowns that receive proper, personal dental care and hygiene will very likely last far longer than that.
According to almost all cosmetic dentists in Florida, proper oral hygiene is easy to maintain:
A crown is a restorative prosthetic that is specifically shaped to fit a void in a particular tooth. They are generally formed from porcelain or metal. Most patients who select a metal crown prefer gold because of its pleasing appearance and easy workability. The dentist takes a mold of the patient's teeth and then crafts the crown to fit the space in the damaged tooth. Then, he or she fastens the prosthetic to the void in the tooth with a dental cement. Such cements are either acid-based or resin-based. They consist of basic powders mixed with acidic liquids. The resulting chemical reaction activates the bonding properties of the cement. Cosmetic dentists in Florida offer crowns fashioned from either material and attached with either type of cement.
Crowns, as with any other dental prosthetics, do not last forever. Dentists in Jacksonville FL like David & Associates, however, have spent many years perfecting techniques to sustain the crowns for as long as possible. They also take great pride in molding crowns of the highest quality. The life span of their crowns is generally at least 10 years; however, crowns that receive proper, personal dental care and hygiene will very likely last far longer than that.
According to almost all cosmetic dentists in Florida, proper oral hygiene is easy to maintain:
- You should brush and floss daily.
- You should avoid excessive sweets.
- You should eat a balanced diet and avoid squishy foods that leave a lot of themselves behind on the surface of teeth and gums.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Dentists in Jacksonville FL a Great Choice for Botox and Juvederm
Botox Cosmetic and Juvederm treatments are two of the hottest cosmetic trends in Jacksonville, Florida because both processes shed the years away but are relatively inexpensive and only take 10-15 minutes.
Simple RejuvenationIn fact, you can walk into a cosmetic dentist in Jacksonville, like David and Associates, and return to your life within minutes feeling and looking rejuvenated without any discomfort at all. A David & Associates dentist in Jacksonville FL is an ideal choice for both Botox Cosmetic and Juvederm treatment because they are licensed and skilled in giving patients dental anesthesia. Due to the prevalence of the techniques and increasing technology, both processes are more affordable than ever. Furthermore, many service providers offer various forms of financing that make these options affordable for almost anyone.
Botox CosmeticBotox Cosmetic is a procedure that can smooth the lines between the brows that are often associated with advanced age. The process works for people as young as 18 and as old as 65. The procedure is nonsurgical and administered by a physician. It generally only requires 10 minutes and involves a brief series of tiny injections.
Botox Cosmetic is the only procedure of its kind that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved. The effect from the Botox Cosmetic treatment will be noticeable within days, and it generally last for four months or even longer. However, it is important to note that results vary and depend entirely on the body chemistry of the individual. Botox Cosmetic is a perfected procedure performed on millions of people in the U.S. every year, and it is completely safe and effective.
Juvederm TreatmentsJuvederm is gel made from hyaluronic acid, which is a substance that naturally occurs in human skin and helps hydrate it and add volume to it. The Juvederm gel is injectable, and when a trained professional injects it under the skin, it immediately restores volume and hydration. The great benefit of this increased volume and hydration is that it alleviates facial wrinkles, particularly nasolabial folds. Nasolabial folds, often called parentheses or smile lines, are the creases that run from the bottom of the nose to the corner of the mouth.
The Juvederm gel and treatment is approved by the FDA, and it is the first hyaluronic acid-based, as opposed to collagen-based, dermal filler to receive such approval. Juvederm is effective for more than 90 percent of adults, and it is safe and proven effective for all people of color. The injection process requires approximately 15 minutes, and best of all, the results are immediate, and there is no downtime or recovery.
David and AssociatesIf you are in the Jacksonville area and want Botox Cosmetic, Juvederm treatments or both procedures, then contact David and Associates, the Centre for Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry. A dentist in Jacksonville FL is the right choice for both Botox Cosmetic and Juvederm treatments because of their expertise in dental anesthesia. Furthermore, David and Associates is not just any dentist’s office; it is the leading cosmetic dentist in Jacksonville and surrounding areas, and it has an impeccable reputation for client satisfaction and safety. Visit www.drjoeldavid.com for more information.
Friday, April 26, 2013
How Dentists in Jacksonville FL Help Patients Overcome Dental Fear
For some patients, dental visits may mean experiencing pain and discomfort that eventually develops into dental phobia. Dental fear is a commonly recognized psychiatric disorder listed in the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition.” Dental anxiety is the result of not knowing what to expect during the dental visit. Dental fear is a reaction to a known fear that happens because of a bad past experience during a dental visit.
Many people have a legitimate traumatic reason that triggers the dental fear or phobia. Perhaps these patients experienced extreme pain after a visit to a dentist as a child. Later as adults, these same patients were embarrassed because the dentist didn’t understand why the patient developed a fear of routine dental office visits. Other reasons for dental fears and phobias include the whining noise of a dental drill, getting teeth scraped during a cleaning, experiencing a tooth extraction, embarrassment of unhealthy teeth, lack of control and allergies. Pain, injury and side effects from an anesthetic injection may be another reason for these fears. Some patients may be afraid that they will cry in front of a dentist because of their fear and others may experience panic attacks. Dental office visit sounds and smells are two other experiences contributing to dental fears or phobias.
Patients seeking to overcome the fear of going to the dentist should find an understanding dentist willing to reassure you that no harm will come while the dentist is performing routine oral hygiene services. The first step in overcoming dental fears would be to ask friends and family members if they can recommend a caring and sympathetic dentist. You may also search for dentists in Jacksonville FL in advertisements placed in newspapers, online or in a telephone directory. A dentist in Jacksonville FL with a practice specially geared to offering dental services and solutions that will include sedation, hypnosis and much reassurance is an indication that this dentist will be interested in helping you overcome dental fears. David & Associates, a highly-respected dental practice in Jacksonville, has many years of experience helping fearful patients take care of their oral health and find comfort during visits.
Anyone who suffers from dental fear should schedule a consultation with the dental practice. The dentist would not perform dental work during this initial visit. You would be able to interview the dentist to determine if he or she would address any dental fears. If the dentist is not willing to take the time to address patient concerns from the beginning, then it is time to find another dentist.
When you have found a dentist in Jacksonville FL that the you are comfortable with, like David & Associates, then it is time to make an appointment for a routine cleaning. For this first visit, you might want to go with a trusted friend or relative for reassurance and encouragement. It is also helpful to listen to music while wearing headphones or occupy time with another distraction to avoid thinking about what the dentist is doing. After a couple of successful, low stress experiences with dentists in Jacksonville FL, you just may be able to say goodbye to your fear of the dentist.
For more information about dental services in Jacksonville, and David & Associates’ history making smiles better, please visit www.drjoeldavid.com.
Many people have a legitimate traumatic reason that triggers the dental fear or phobia. Perhaps these patients experienced extreme pain after a visit to a dentist as a child. Later as adults, these same patients were embarrassed because the dentist didn’t understand why the patient developed a fear of routine dental office visits. Other reasons for dental fears and phobias include the whining noise of a dental drill, getting teeth scraped during a cleaning, experiencing a tooth extraction, embarrassment of unhealthy teeth, lack of control and allergies. Pain, injury and side effects from an anesthetic injection may be another reason for these fears. Some patients may be afraid that they will cry in front of a dentist because of their fear and others may experience panic attacks. Dental office visit sounds and smells are two other experiences contributing to dental fears or phobias.
Patients seeking to overcome the fear of going to the dentist should find an understanding dentist willing to reassure you that no harm will come while the dentist is performing routine oral hygiene services. The first step in overcoming dental fears would be to ask friends and family members if they can recommend a caring and sympathetic dentist. You may also search for dentists in Jacksonville FL in advertisements placed in newspapers, online or in a telephone directory. A dentist in Jacksonville FL with a practice specially geared to offering dental services and solutions that will include sedation, hypnosis and much reassurance is an indication that this dentist will be interested in helping you overcome dental fears. David & Associates, a highly-respected dental practice in Jacksonville, has many years of experience helping fearful patients take care of their oral health and find comfort during visits.
Anyone who suffers from dental fear should schedule a consultation with the dental practice. The dentist would not perform dental work during this initial visit. You would be able to interview the dentist to determine if he or she would address any dental fears. If the dentist is not willing to take the time to address patient concerns from the beginning, then it is time to find another dentist.
When you have found a dentist in Jacksonville FL that the you are comfortable with, like David & Associates, then it is time to make an appointment for a routine cleaning. For this first visit, you might want to go with a trusted friend or relative for reassurance and encouragement. It is also helpful to listen to music while wearing headphones or occupy time with another distraction to avoid thinking about what the dentist is doing. After a couple of successful, low stress experiences with dentists in Jacksonville FL, you just may be able to say goodbye to your fear of the dentist.
For more information about dental services in Jacksonville, and David & Associates’ history making smiles better, please visit www.drjoeldavid.com.
Monday, March 11, 2013
The Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry in Jacksonville
Crooked teeth, stained teeth, cracked and broken teeth are all problems that plague people every day. You don’t have to be unhappy with your smile. Cosmetic surgery and teeth whitening can make your teeth worth showing off.
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is dental work focused on giving patients better-looking teeth and a better-looking smile. Procedures in cosmetic dentistry can be as simple as teeth whitening, to more complicated procedures like removals, crowns or dental implants.
What are the Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry?
Having stained, broken or missing teeth can cause a person to have lower self-esteem and confidence. Some people even refrain from smiling or talking just so they don’t have to show people their teeth. It’s not good for anybody to stay in shame of something, especially when it can be fixed. Getting cosmetic dentistry in Jacksonville can fix even the worst dental problems, and it can allow people to finally show off their beautiful smiles.
What can Cosmetic Dentistry do?
The cosmetic dentistry in Jacksonville covers a wide range of dental issues. Missing or rotten teeth can be taken care of with removals, crowns or tooth implants. Tooth defects and stains can be covered by porcelain veneers. Veneers can also be used in place of crowns in certain situations. Cracked or broken teeth can be fixed with fillings or bonding. Finally, discolored and stained teeth can be taken care of with teeth whitening.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Whitening is the process of treating the exterior of the teeth to turn white or appear as if it is white. If you have stained or yellow teeth, you may have already tried to whiten them on your own using whitening strips or trays at night to bleach your teeth. However, the procedures that professionals use are much more thorough and effective.
A professional bleaching will usually involve special strips, gel, whitening pens or other applicators. The bleaching solution will then be carefully applied to all of your teeth and left to set for a bit. Even professional bleaching may take a few visits, but it would be more than worth it in the end.
If your teeth are too stained, veneers may be the next option. Veneers are thin coverings usually made of porcelain that are meant to cover imperfections in teeth such as stains. Unlike crowns, veneers are less expensive and they’re not cemented into the gums like crowns are. Instead, they’re cemented onto the front of the teeth to simply cover minor issues in the teeth.
Why Should I Professionally Whiten My Teeth?
Having a whiter and brighter smile can make you happier and more confident. Imagine being able to smile and laugh as much as you want without having to worry about people looking at your stained teeth. Instead, they would be complimenting you on your bright smile. Imagine going for a job interview with a big white smile, feeling confident and showing that you care about your personal appearance. Teeth whitening and all forms of cosmetic dentistry can drastically improve your self-esteem, confidence and your quality of life.
If you’re interested in cosmetic dentistry in Jacksonville Florida, consider us at David and Associates. We not only offer teeth whitening in Jacksonville FL, but also a wide range of cosmetic dentistry options. Contact us today if you’d like the confidence and happiness that comes with a bright and clean smile. www.drjoeldavid.com
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is dental work focused on giving patients better-looking teeth and a better-looking smile. Procedures in cosmetic dentistry can be as simple as teeth whitening, to more complicated procedures like removals, crowns or dental implants.
What are the Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry?
Having stained, broken or missing teeth can cause a person to have lower self-esteem and confidence. Some people even refrain from smiling or talking just so they don’t have to show people their teeth. It’s not good for anybody to stay in shame of something, especially when it can be fixed. Getting cosmetic dentistry in Jacksonville can fix even the worst dental problems, and it can allow people to finally show off their beautiful smiles.
What can Cosmetic Dentistry do?
The cosmetic dentistry in Jacksonville covers a wide range of dental issues. Missing or rotten teeth can be taken care of with removals, crowns or tooth implants. Tooth defects and stains can be covered by porcelain veneers. Veneers can also be used in place of crowns in certain situations. Cracked or broken teeth can be fixed with fillings or bonding. Finally, discolored and stained teeth can be taken care of with teeth whitening.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Whitening is the process of treating the exterior of the teeth to turn white or appear as if it is white. If you have stained or yellow teeth, you may have already tried to whiten them on your own using whitening strips or trays at night to bleach your teeth. However, the procedures that professionals use are much more thorough and effective.
A professional bleaching will usually involve special strips, gel, whitening pens or other applicators. The bleaching solution will then be carefully applied to all of your teeth and left to set for a bit. Even professional bleaching may take a few visits, but it would be more than worth it in the end.
If your teeth are too stained, veneers may be the next option. Veneers are thin coverings usually made of porcelain that are meant to cover imperfections in teeth such as stains. Unlike crowns, veneers are less expensive and they’re not cemented into the gums like crowns are. Instead, they’re cemented onto the front of the teeth to simply cover minor issues in the teeth.
Why Should I Professionally Whiten My Teeth?
Having a whiter and brighter smile can make you happier and more confident. Imagine being able to smile and laugh as much as you want without having to worry about people looking at your stained teeth. Instead, they would be complimenting you on your bright smile. Imagine going for a job interview with a big white smile, feeling confident and showing that you care about your personal appearance. Teeth whitening and all forms of cosmetic dentistry can drastically improve your self-esteem, confidence and your quality of life.
If you’re interested in cosmetic dentistry in Jacksonville Florida, consider us at David and Associates. We not only offer teeth whitening in Jacksonville FL, but also a wide range of cosmetic dentistry options. Contact us today if you’d like the confidence and happiness that comes with a bright and clean smile. www.drjoeldavid.com
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Jacksonville FL Dentist Helps Kids Get Over Fear
Jacksonville FL dentist Dr. Joel David and his team know that it is not unusual for children to fear going to the dentist. The practice of David & Associates, where patients receive comprehensive dental care from oral hygiene to orthodontics to cosmetics, strives to serve families and takes into consideration even the youngest family members. Those seeking a family dentist in Jacksonville FL will be pleased to find that David & Associates gives special consideration to its pediatric patients.
Why some children fear the dentist
Young children who have never been to the dentist before may worry because they don’t know what to expect. They may perceive the chair, the dental tools, the staff wearing gloves and masks as intimidating and threatening. Older children may base their fears on what peers have reported, or on previous poor experiences.
Parents, also, without realizing it, can instill fear of the dentist in a child. Children are always watching their parents’ reactions to people and events and gauging their responses accordingly. If a parent expresses negativity about receiving dental care, whether through words or non-verbal behavior, the child will pick up on it. A kid may then internalize what he or she has learned from the parent: To fear going to the dentist.
In general, children have two primary concerns. They harbor anxiety over what will happen next, often blowing up their expectations into unrealistic scenarios, and they worry that dental procedures will cause them pain. Application of force and coercion, rather than information and understanding, only exacerbates the child’s fright and, sometimes, panic.
Helping a child overcome fear of the dentist
While this resistance to dental care causes frustration for parents, it can be overcome. The first step is for parents to self-monitor and make sure they are providing positive cues about the dentist’s office. Starting visits for routine cleanings at an early age helps prevent development of fears, as well. Talk about the upcoming dentist appointment in non-threatening terms. There is no need to go into detail, but never surprise a fearful child with a dentist appointment.
If the child is old enough, invite him or her to observe your dental appointment. Ask the dentist to explain what he is doing and to let your child sit in the chair, look at the tools and ask questions. The process of desensitizing a child by letting him or her ‘explore’ the dentist office and/or watch a parent or sibling receive care prior to an appointment can help alleviate nagging uncertainties.
Furthermore, giving a child a sense of control at the outset can be very beneficial. Allowing the patient to signal with a lifted finger or a blink of the eyes that he or she needs a brief break goes a long way in building confidence and trust between patient and doctor. Topical anesthetic and, in more extreme cases, sedation dentistry enable a truly terrified youngster to manage the experience. With each successful visit, the need for these interventions should become less and less.
Finding the right dentist is vitally important. Whether seeking a dentist in Jacksonville FL or another city, take your child to a kid-friendly office. Dr. Joel David is a Jacksonville FL dentist who appreciates the importance of helping children feel at ease in the dentist chair. He and his team at David & Associates have created a relaxing spa-like atmosphere. Each room is outfitted with a television to aid in distracting the child from the procedure. They use equipment specially designed for pediatric patients. As your child grows more comfortable in their care, fears will be replaced with a beautiful smile.
Why some children fear the dentist
Young children who have never been to the dentist before may worry because they don’t know what to expect. They may perceive the chair, the dental tools, the staff wearing gloves and masks as intimidating and threatening. Older children may base their fears on what peers have reported, or on previous poor experiences.
Parents, also, without realizing it, can instill fear of the dentist in a child. Children are always watching their parents’ reactions to people and events and gauging their responses accordingly. If a parent expresses negativity about receiving dental care, whether through words or non-verbal behavior, the child will pick up on it. A kid may then internalize what he or she has learned from the parent: To fear going to the dentist.
In general, children have two primary concerns. They harbor anxiety over what will happen next, often blowing up their expectations into unrealistic scenarios, and they worry that dental procedures will cause them pain. Application of force and coercion, rather than information and understanding, only exacerbates the child’s fright and, sometimes, panic.
Helping a child overcome fear of the dentist
While this resistance to dental care causes frustration for parents, it can be overcome. The first step is for parents to self-monitor and make sure they are providing positive cues about the dentist’s office. Starting visits for routine cleanings at an early age helps prevent development of fears, as well. Talk about the upcoming dentist appointment in non-threatening terms. There is no need to go into detail, but never surprise a fearful child with a dentist appointment.
If the child is old enough, invite him or her to observe your dental appointment. Ask the dentist to explain what he is doing and to let your child sit in the chair, look at the tools and ask questions. The process of desensitizing a child by letting him or her ‘explore’ the dentist office and/or watch a parent or sibling receive care prior to an appointment can help alleviate nagging uncertainties.
Furthermore, giving a child a sense of control at the outset can be very beneficial. Allowing the patient to signal with a lifted finger or a blink of the eyes that he or she needs a brief break goes a long way in building confidence and trust between patient and doctor. Topical anesthetic and, in more extreme cases, sedation dentistry enable a truly terrified youngster to manage the experience. With each successful visit, the need for these interventions should become less and less.
Finding the right dentist is vitally important. Whether seeking a dentist in Jacksonville FL or another city, take your child to a kid-friendly office. Dr. Joel David is a Jacksonville FL dentist who appreciates the importance of helping children feel at ease in the dentist chair. He and his team at David & Associates have created a relaxing spa-like atmosphere. Each room is outfitted with a television to aid in distracting the child from the procedure. They use equipment specially designed for pediatric patients. As your child grows more comfortable in their care, fears will be replaced with a beautiful smile.
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