When should my child first visit the dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit the dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing. Early dental visits help establish good oral health habits and allow dentists to monitor proper dental development. These initial visits also help children become comfortable with dental care in a positive, non-threatening environment.

Are dental X-rays safe for children?

Modern digital X-rays expose children to extremely low levels of radiation, comparable to natural background radiation exposure. Pediatric dentists use X-rays only when necessary for diagnosis and treatment planning, following strict safety protocols including protective aprons and collars. The diagnostic benefits of X-rays far outweigh the minimal radiation exposure risks.

What should I do if my child has a dental emergency?

Contact your pediatric dentist immediately for guidance on handling the specific emergency. For knocked-out permanent teeth, try to place the tooth back in the socket or store it in milk while seeking immediate dental care. Apply cold compresses for facial swelling and use over-the-counter pain medication as directed for discomfort.

Is it a dental emergency if baby teeth are knocked out before they're ready?

Having a baby tooth knocked out before the “adult teeth” are ready to come in can cause pain and alignment issues. The teeth in your child’s mouth may shift into the space left behind if a knocked-out tooth is ignored. It’s important to seek dental advice to avoid the need for early orthodontic treatment.

How can I help my child overcome dental anxiety?

Start by maintaining a positive attitude about dental visits and avoiding negative language about dental procedures. Read books about dental visits, role-play dental appointments at home, and choose a pediatric dentist experienced in child behavior management. Many practices offer comfort measures like nitrous oxide or sedation for particularly anxious children.

When is the best time to start orthodontic treatment?

Most children benefit from an orthodontic evaluation by age seven, when permanent teeth begin erupting and jaw growth patterns become apparent. Early evaluation allows orthodontists to identify potential problems and determine optimal treatment timing. Some issues benefit from early intervention, while others are best addressed during teenage years.

What foods should children avoid to prevent cavities?

Limit sugary and acidic foods and beverages, including candy, soda, fruit juices, and sticky snacks that cling to teeth. Encourage water consumption between meals and promote nutritious snacks like cheese, vegetables, and fruits. If children do consume sugary treats, encourage immediate rinsing with water and proper brushing.

How do I choose the right toothbrush and toothpaste for my child?

Select age-appropriate toothbrushes with soft bristles and comfortable grip sizes for small hands. Use fluoride toothpaste in appropriate amounts: rice-grain size for children under three and pea-sized amounts for older children. Electric toothbrushes can be effective for children who enjoy the vibration and find it more engaging than manual brushing.

Children’s Dental Services | Pediatric Dentist Near You

Nurturing Beautiful, Young Smiles Since 1970 at Our Dental Offices Near You

Dental Care Group Kids has been the trusted choice for pediatric dental care in Aventura and Pembroke Pines for over five decades. Our state-of-the-art facilities deliver exceptional dental services in a friendly, professional environment designed specifically for children and families. With two convenient locations in Aventura and Pembroke Pines, we make quality dental care accessible to families throughout the region.

Ready to schedule your child’s next dental visit? Contact our Aventura dental office at 305-935-1613 or our Pembroke Pines dental office at 954-430-2300. Our caring dental team is ready to welcome your family with open arms.

Dental Care Group’s Kids’ Commitment to Young Smiles: Our Special Annual Free Dentistry Day

As part of our commitment to community service, Dental Care Group Kids proudly hosts an annual free dentistry day. This special event provides essential dental care to families in need throughout our South Florida community. We believe every child deserves access to quality dental care, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.

Our free dentistry day represents our core values of compassion, community service, and dedication to children’s health. Local families can receive comprehensive dental services, including cleanings, exams, fluoride treatments, and necessary restorative work at no cost. This community outreach program reflects our deep commitment to improving oral health access for all children in our area.

The event requires advance registration due to high demand and limited appointment availability. Families interested in participating should contact our offices early to secure appointments for this valuable community service opportunity.

Complete Pediatric Dentistry Services Near You

Children’s dental health requires specialized attention and care. Our experienced pediatric dentists understand the developmental stages of young smiles and provide age-appropriate treatments that set the foundation for lifelong oral health. Every child receives personalized attention in our welcoming, kid-friendly environment where comfort and safety are our top priorities.

Comprehensive Exams and Cleanings

Regular dental exams and cleanings form the cornerstone of preventive pediatric care. Our thorough examinations assess your child’s oral development, identify potential issues early, and establish healthy habits from an early age. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup that daily brushing might miss, keeping your child’s teeth and gums healthy.

During each visit, our gentle hygienists use child-friendly techniques to make cleanings comfortable and educational. We teach children proper brushing and flossing techniques while making the experience fun and engaging. Regular cleanings every six months help prevent cavities and gum disease while allowing us to monitor your child’s dental development closely.

Our South Florida pediatric dental practice is always welcoming new patients. We speak both Spanish and English at both of our locations, so families in the region can feel comfortable and understood when choosing Dental Care Group Kids. Contact us at 305-935-2797 for our dentists in Aventura and 954-430-2300 for our dentists in Pembroke Pines.

Advanced Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride treatments provide powerful protection against tooth decay in developing teeth. Our professional-grade fluoride applications strengthen tooth enamel and help reverse early signs of decay. These quick, painless treatments are especially beneficial for children at higher risk of cavities or those with dietary habits that may increase decay risk.

We offer various fluoride treatment options, including flavored gels and varnishes that make the experience pleasant for young patients. These treatments take just minutes to apply and provide months of additional protection against harmful bacteria and acid attacks that cause cavities.

Protective Dental Sealants

Dental sealants offer outstanding protection for your child’s permanent molars. These thin, plastic coatings are painted onto the chewing surfaces of back teeth, creating a barrier against food particles and bacteria that cause decay. Sealants are particularly effective for children who may struggle with thorough brushing of hard-to-reach back teeth.

The sealant application process is quick, comfortable, and completely painless. Most sealants last several years with proper care, providing long-term protection during the cavity-prone years of childhood and adolescence. Studies show that sealants can reduce the risk of decay in treated teeth by up to 80%.

Gentle Dental Fillings

When cavities do occur, our gentle approach to dental fillings helps children feel comfortable throughout the treatment process. We use high-quality, tooth-colored composite materials that blend seamlessly with natural teeth while providing durable, long-lasting restoration. Our pediatric dentists take time to explain each step in age-appropriate language, helping children understand and feel at ease.

Modern filling techniques allow us to preserve more natural tooth structure while effectively treating decay. We prioritize minimal discomfort and maximum comfort, using appropriate sedation options when necessary to help anxious children relax during treatment.

Safe Tooth Extractions

Sometimes tooth extractions become necessary due to severe decay, overcrowding, or injury. Our skilled pediatric dentists perform extractions with the highest level of care and comfort. We thoroughly explain the procedure to both children and parents, addressing any concerns and providing detailed aftercare instructions.

Post-extraction care is vital for proper healing and comfort. Our team provides comprehensive guidance on pain management, dietary recommendations, and healing expectations to support a smooth recovery process.

Specialized Pulpotomy Procedures

Pulpotomy treatment saves severely decayed primary teeth by removing infected pulp while preserving healthy tooth structure. This procedure allows children to keep their natural teeth longer, maintaining proper spacing for permanent teeth and supporting normal chewing function. Our gentle approach minimizes discomfort while effectively treating deep decay.

Following pulpotomy treatment, we typically place a protective crown to strengthen the treated tooth and prevent further damage. This comprehensive approach helps preserve your child’s natural smile while addressing serious dental issues.

Cosmetic Restorations

Children deserve to feel confident about their smiles. Our cosmetic restorations address chips, cracks, discoloration, and other aesthetic concerns that may affect your child’s self-esteem. We use advanced materials and techniques to create natural-looking restorations that blend seamlessly with existing teeth.

Cosmetic treatments can address various concerns, from minor chips to more significant aesthetic issues. Our goal is to restore both function and appearance, giving children the confidence to smile, laugh, and speak freely in social situations.

Professional Orthodontic Services

Comprehensive Braces for Kids

Early orthodontic intervention can prevent more complex problems later in life. Our pediatric orthodontic services include traditional metal braces designed specifically for growing children. We monitor dental development closely and recommend treatment at the optimal time for each individual child.

Children’s braces require special attention to oral hygiene and dietary considerations. Our team provides thorough education on proper care, including brushing techniques, food restrictions, and emergency procedures. Regular adjustment appointments allow us to monitor progress and make necessary modifications throughout treatment.

Adult Braces and Comprehensive Care

Many adults seek orthodontic treatment to correct long-standing alignment issues or address changes that occurred over time. Our traditional metal braces for adults are designed with your active lifestyle in mind.

Adult orthodontic treatment often progresses differently from childhood treatment due to fully developed jaw structure and bone density differences. Our experienced orthodontists develop personalized treatment plans that consider individual goals, lifestyle factors, and time constraints.

Advanced Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign® offers a virtually invisible alternative to traditional braces for eligible patients. Adults and children can benefit from this revolutionary, discreet orthodontic treatment. These clear, removable aligners gradually shift teeth into the proper position without the dietary restrictions and visibility concerns associated with traditional braces. Invisalign treatment requires discipline and commitment to wearing aligners as directed.

The Invisalign process begins with digital impressions and 3D treatment planning that shows expected results before treatment begins. Regular check-ups monitor progress and provide new aligner sets as teeth gradually move into their final positions.

If your child needs orthodontic intervention, don’t wait. Misalignment can make dental hygiene difficult, causing more problems down the road. Call the Dental Care Group Kids’ Aventura dental office at 305-935-2797 or their Pembroke Pines dental office at 954-430-2300.

Emergency Dental Care When You Need It Most

Dental emergencies can happen at any time, causing pain and anxiety for both children and parents. Our emergency dental services provide prompt, compassionate care when unexpected dental problems arise. We understand that dental emergencies can be frightening for children and work quickly to provide relief and reassurance.

Common pediatric dental emergencies include:

Knocked-out teeth
Severe toothaches
Broken or chipped teeth
Soft tissue injuries

Our emergency protocols prioritize pain relief and stabilization while addressing the underlying problem. We provide clear instructions for handling dental emergencies and offer after-hours guidance when needed.