general dentistry St Pete Archives - Best St. Pete Dentist

Choosing the Best Dentist in St. Petersburg FL

If the thought of going to the dentist makes you nervous, you’re not alone. However, your dentist is your oral health partner. Routine dental examinations and treatment by your St. Petersburg FL dentist can help keep your teeth, mouth, and gums healthy and prevent dental disease. Furthermore, poor oral health can contribute to other health risks, such as cardiovascular disease. How do you go about choosing the best dentist in St. Petersburg FL for you? Here are some important considerations to bear in mind.

1. Obtain Referrals

Begin by compiling a list of potential dentists in St Pete. To do so, seek advice from family, friends, and other healthcare providers. Investigate the dentists’ credentials and experience on Healthgrades.com. As you narrow down your options, contact each dentist’s office and request a consultation appointment to meet and interview the dentist.

2. Examine the Dentist’s Credentials

When selecting a dentist, one of the most important factors to consider is board certification. It certifies that the dentist has the necessary training, skills, and experience to provide general dentistry care. Also, ensure that the dentist has no prior malpractice claims or disciplinary actions.

3.Think about the Dentist’s Experience

When it comes to oral health, experience counts. The more experience a dentist has with a condition or procedure, the better the outcome. Additional education is required for dental specialties such as orthodontics and endodontics. Inquire about the dentist’s experience treating patients with your specific condition. If you have dental anxiety, speak with your dentist about successful approaches he or she has used with other anxious patients. If you know you need a specific procedure, find out how many the dentist has performed and learn about complication rates—both the complications the dentist has encountered and your own risk of complications.

4. Capabilities of the best dentist in St. Petersburg FL

Dentists can use telecommunications technology, such as two-way video, smartphones, and email, to diagnose and treat some patients; this is known as telehealth explains the best dental camera manufacturer, Digital Doc. Inquire if the dentist provides telehealth services. Telehealth does not replace hands-on in-person office visits, but it does mean fewer trips to the dentist for many patients. Some conditions can be managed by sending symptoms and vital signs collected at home, as well as having a “virtual visit” with your provider. Telehealth is also useful for routine check-ups and minor complaints, making it a convenient option. Check to see if your health insurance covers telehealth services.

5. Assess Communication Style

Choose a dentist with whom you feel at ease talking and who understands your information needs. When you meet the dentist for the first time, ask a question and observe how he or she responds. Is he or she open to your questions and does he or she respond in a way that you can understand? Did you feel rushed or engaged when you left? Choose a St Petersburg dentist who is interested in getting to know you, will take your treatment preferences into account, and will respect your decision-making process.

7. Examine Patient Feedback

Reading what other people have to say about a dentist can give you an idea of how he or she practices general dentistry and runs his or her dental practice. Patient reviews typically reflect people’s experiences with scheduling appointments, wait times, the office environment, and the friendliness of the office staff. You can find out how well patients trust the dentist, how much time he or she spends with patients, and how well he or she answers questions.

Have you decided that 4th Street Family Dentistry is the right place for you? Contact us to schedule your appointment!

Must-Knows About Children’s Oral Health

February is National Children’s Oral Health Month! To celebrate, our St. Pete, FL family dentist is sharing oral health tips all month long. Creating good oral health habits at a young age is so important to prevent oral health-related illnesses. The American Dental Association recommends that children visit the dentist every six months after they turn one year old or after their first tooth erupts. On today’s blog, we’re sharing all the must-knows about children’s oral health.

Oral Health Tips #1: It’s Not Too Soon To Start Brushing

Many parents are surprised that it’s never too early to start brushing children’s teeth. However, you should handle brushing your infant’s teeth differently than you handle your own. Infant teeth and gum wipes can be used by parents to swab their child’s gums before teeth come in. This gentle practice helps maintain optimal gum health by slowing the development of bacteria in the mouth and tongue. Teeth and gum wines can be found at your local supermarket!

For brushing, you can start with a soft-bristled baby toothbrush once your child has at least one tooth. Our friend and pediatric dentist Bethlehem GA, Dr. Uyen recommends parent use a small grain-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste and a gentle brush after breakfast and after dinner.

Oral Health Tips #2: Try Fluoride Toothpaste

It is safer to begin brushing with fluoride toothpaste. Many of our parents grew up with a training toothpaste, something that was ‘healthy when swallowed.’ As soon as your baby gets his or her first tooth, you should start brushing with fluoride. Again, for your infant, use a grain-sized toothpaste dab. About the time the child reaches three, you can then use a pea-sized dab.

Oral Health Tips #3: Visit Your 4th Street Dentist Often

Around the time of his or her 1st birthday, your child should visit our St. Pete dentist, Dr. Leeson. Adults usually ought to visit the dentist twice a year, and the same applies to your children. An oral exam will be performed by a pediatric dentist and a dental history will begin. Are you prone to cavities? Your child might be as well, but if you start early and maintain regular dental appointments, this can help prevent cavities or other dental health issues.

Oral Health Tips #4: Help Your Child Focus On Their Brushing Technique

Usually, children are old enough to begin brushing their own teeth between the ages of 3 and 5. Two minutes of brushing with the bristles towards the gums in tiny circles for each tooth is a good rule. This will prevent plaque build up on the surfaces and spaces of your teeth. That means on the top right and left and on the bottom right and left for around 30 seconds each. 2 minutes may seem like a long time, especially for kids who don’t have all their teeth, it might not take a full 2 minutes.

Oral Health Tips #5: Make Flossing On a Regular Basis Fun

Most parents assume that before the permanent teeth come in, children do not need to floss. However, as soon as your teeth meet one another, you can start flossing. No matter how good you wash, when you touch your teeth, there are areas that cannot be reached. Disposable flossers that are intended for little children to perform well.

4th Street Family Dentistry knows how busy life can get. This year, make you and your child’s oral health a priority. Good dental care is critical for the growth and overall health of a child. If you have any questions or concerns about your family’s oral health, contact our dental office in St. Petersburg, FL.