A close-up illustration of a dental crown being placed onto a tooth, showing the details of the crown and surrounding teeth.

Why Your Child Might Need a Dental Crown for a Tooth 

/in , /by

Dental crowns aren’t just for adults. In fact, some kids need them to help keep a tooth safe from severe damage. Our dentists in Jacksonville and St. Johns, FL, at Cochran, Soares, and Associates Pediatric Dentistry offer crowns for pediatric patients for any of the following reasons.

Chipped Tooth

Does your child have a chipped tooth? If the chip is large enough, we may recommend a crown to help restore the tooth. Otherwise, your child’s tooth might be at risk of further damage.

Cracked Tooth

Is there a large or deep crack in your child’s tooth? In this case, we might suggest a crown to help protect the tooth from bacteria and infections, along with additional harm.

Tooth Decay

We recommend dental crowns in Jacksonville and St. Johns, FL, for pediatric patients who have severe tooth decay. These coverings for teeth help reduce the risk of serious tooth infections and more advanced decay.

Sensitive Teeth

Does your child have a tooth that’s sensitive to hot or cold sensations? Placing a crown on the affected tooth helps protect it from exposure to heat and cold, reducing tingling and other signs of sensitivity.

Root Canal

Infections at the tooth root may require a root canal to stop bacteria from spreading and save the tooth from extraction. If your child has this treatment, we typically place a dental crown on the treated tooth to cover it and keep it safe from infections and decay.

Visit Us for Pediatric Dental Crowns

Does your child have a tooth that needs extra protection? We can help! At Cochran, Soares, and Associates Pediatric Dentistry, our dental team offers dental crowns in St. Johns and Jacksonville, FL, for younger patients with a damaged or decayed tooth.

A young child with short blond hair smiles while standing next to a light wooden table, wearing a light-colored outfit with a blue-trimmed collar.

When Can I Expect My Child’s First Tooth?

/in , /by

The first tooth is an early milestone for babies. When the first tooth grows in, it’s time to start brushing their teeth and thinking about going to the dentist in Jacksonville, FL, and St. Johns FL. For new parents, it’s important to know when to expect that first tooth. If you have questions about your baby’s teeth and the teething process, here’s what you need to know.

When Do Babies Get Their First Tooth?

Babies often get their first tooth between 4 and 7 months old. Some babies get their first tooth earlier, and some get their first tooth later.

What to Do When Your Baby Gets Their First Tooth

When your baby gets their first tooth, it’s time to start brushing their teeth every day. Use a baby-sized toothbrush and baby toothpaste. Put a tiny amount of toothpaste on the toothbrush, then brush their tooth.

If you’re having a hard time brushing your baby’s teeth, the dentist can show you what to do when you come in. Make a list of questions to ask the dentist during your first appointment.

Why Should I Bring My Baby to a Pediatric Dental Exam in Jacksonville, FL, and St. Johns, FL?

When you’re choosing a dentist for your child, take them to a pediatric dentist for their pediatric dental exam in Jacksonville, FL, and St. Johns, FL. Taking your child to a pediatric dentist helps ensure that your child will have a good experience with the dentist.

Pediatric dentists have lots of experience with babies and can help them feel comfortable. The dental professionals at Cochran, Soares, and Associates Pediatric Dentistry are here to help. Call today to make an appointment.

A dentist in gloves uses a dental tool to examine a boys teeth as he sits in a dental chair and looks forward.

Why Should Your Kids Get Dental Sealants for Their Teeth?

/in , /by

Are you concerned that your kids might end up with cavities? It’s an understandable worry with this dental problem being common among children. But our dentists in Jacksonville and St. Johns, FL, at Cochran, Soares, and Associates Pediatric Dentistry have a solution. We offer dental sealants and strongly encourage parents to consider this treatment for all of the following reasons.

They Offer Cavity Prevention

Sealants are special coatings we use to cover the surfaces of molars and pre-molars — the teeth with grooves that are hard for kids to clean. This makes it more difficult for bacteria to affect these teeth and cause decay.

They Last for Years

Dental sealants can last for several years before needing to be reapplied, especially with routine dental checkups and the right care. We usually recommend that kids get them when they’re between 6 and 14 years old.

It’s a Quick Process

Getting dental sealants in Jacksonville and St. Johns, FL, is a simple treatment that’s painless for your kids. We paint these coatings onto tooth surfaces.

It’s an Affordable Solution

The cost of dental sealants is much lower than the cost of having to get fillings or other treatment for cavities and tooth decay later on.

They Improve Oral Health Overall

Dental sealants make it easier for your kids to keep their molars and pre-molars clean, reducing the risk of tooth decay and other dental problems. This results in a healthier mouth overall.

Visit Our Dentists for Dental Sealants!

Are you ready to keep your kids’ teeth safe from cavities? We’re here to help you out! At Cochran, Soares, and Associates Pediatric Dentistry, we offer dental sealants in St. Johns and Jacksonville, FL, providing children with added protection from tooth decay for healthier teeth!

A healthcare professional conducts a vision test for a smiling young girl sitting on a womans lap in a clinic setting.

4 Questions New Parents Ask During the First Dental Visit

/in /by

Your child’s first visit with the pediatric dentist in Jacksonville, FL and St. Johns, FL should be a productive one. When you visit the dentist, it’s the perfect opportunity to get answers to your questions. Coming to your appointment with your questions in mind can help ensure you’ll get the answers you need while you’re with the dentist. Here’s what to know.

1. When should I start brushing my child’s teeth?

Start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth has erupted from the gums. Many children start teething between 4 and 7 months old. If your child already has teeth, you should brush their teeth every day.

2. How can I tell if my baby’s teeth are healthy?

It’s common for babies to have healthy teeth from the time they grow in. Your dentist will tell you if there are any problems with your baby’s teeth. As long as you’re bringing your baby to the dentist for check ups in Jacksonville, FL and St. Johns, FL, you won’t have to worry about the health of your baby’s teeth – the dentist will keep you informed.

3. How should I brush my baby’s teeth?

Brush your baby’s teeth with a baby-sized toothbrush. Use baby toothpaste. The dentist can recommend a baby toothpaste brand.

4. What advice do you have to help me keep my baby’s teeth healthy?

Brush your baby’s teeth twice daily and avoid giving your baby bottles at bedtime. Also, keep bringing your baby to the dentist for pediatric dental exams in Jacksonville, FL and St. Johns, FL. At Cochran, Soares, and Associates Pediatric Dentistry we can help your baby maintain healthy teeth and gums.

A young girl wearing a pink shirt sits on a dental chair in a clinic, smiling at the camera. Dental equipment is visible in the foreground.

Top 4 Benefits of Choosing Special Needs Dentistry for Your Child 

/in /by

Do you have a child with a medical or behavioural condition that makes dental visits a challenge? We understand how difficult it can be to ensure your child receives the right care. At Cochran, Soares, and Associates Pediatric Dentistry, our dentists in Jacksonville and St. Johns, FL, offer special needs dentistry to accommodate pediatric patients with all kinds of conditions. Choosing this option gives you and your child all of the following benefits.

Supportive and Caring Environment

Whether your child has a developmental condition or a medical one, we’re able to provide the care they need. Our dentists take special measures as needed to ensure your child gets regular dental care.

Comfortable Surroundings

We provide patients with an environment that helps them feel at ease, whether they have sensory issues or other challenges. This helps our patients feel more relaxed during their appointments.

Gentle Dental Services

With special needs dentistry in Jacksonville and St. Johns, FL, you can count on your child receiving care that they’re comfortable with. We take steps to help minimize discomfort for cleanings and other kinds of dental care.

Experienced Dentists with the Right Training

Our dentists have expertise and training in working with children who have special needs. This allows us to provide exceptional care to help our patients maintain healthy teeth and gums during childhood, setting them up for good oral health throughout their lives.

Schedule an Appointment for Special Needs Dentistry

Are you looking for a dental office that accommodates children with certain conditions? Our dentists at Cochran, Soares, and Associates Pediatric Dentistry offer special needs dentistry in St. Johns and Jacksonville, FL, to help all of our patients feel comfortable and receive the care they need in a compassionate environment!

A dentist and a young girl sitting in a dental chair both give a thumbs-up, with dental equipment visible in the background.

3 Tips for Taking Your Special Needs Child to the Dentist

/in /by

When taking any child to the dentist in St. Johns, FL can be a chore in and of itself, the problems can quickly multiply if you have a special needs child. Here, we’ll look at what you can do, so you don’t end up avoiding this much-needed part of your child’s overall oral health. 

1. Take the Time to Prep 

Taking your child to the office to not only look at the practice but meet the staff can give them more positive feelings about what’s ahead. While you’re with them, explain to your child what they can expect. If you can’t take your child into the exam rooms beforehand, consider showing them photos online. 

2. Support Them During the Visit 

From picture books to baby blankets to sunglasses, there are an array of items that can help calm your child down during the worst parts of the visit. Or you can always talk to your child during the visit, offering praise or incentives to stay calm. For instance, you might offer your child a special outing if they can make it through the appointment. 

3. Choose the Right Dentist in St. Johns, FL 

A special needs dentist in St. Johns, FL has received special training to help them handle nearly every conceivable situation. Whether your child needs mini-breaks, sedation, or just a hand to hold, the right team can make a huge difference when it comes to your results. 

If you’re looking for a staff that can make it easier to keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy, contact Cochran, Soares, and Associates Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about how we work with children from all backgrounds! 

A young child with a towel wrapped around their head brushes their teeth in front of a bathroom mirror.

Top 5 Tips for Reducing the Risk of Dental Emergencies 

/in , /by

Are you worried about having to take your child to the dentist for an emergency? Teeth can get knocked out. Kids can get sudden toothaches or fall and crack a tooth. You can’t completely prevent these situations from happening. But you can take steps to lower the chance of dental emergencies. Our dentists in Jacksonville and St. Johns, FL, at Cochran, Soares, and Associates Pediatric Dentistry offer the following advice on reducing this risk.

Don’t Miss Routine Dental Exams

Bring your child in every six months for a cleaning and exam, so we can check for cavities or other problems and treat them early.

Make Sure Your Child Brushes and Flosses Daily

Either do this for your child or teach them how to if they’re old enough. Regular dental care at home helps them maintain healthy teeth.

Don’t Let Your Child Use Their Teeth as Tools

Biting or tearing objects can easily lead to cracked teeth or other damage. Offer them the tools needed to perform these tasks instead.

Have Your Child Wear a Mouthguard While Playing Sports

A custom mouthguard can protect your child’s teeth from being knocked out or broken during athletic activities. Encourage them to wear other protective gear, like helmets, too.

Lower the Risk of Slip and Fall Accidents Around Your Home

Keep floors and walkways free of clutter or objects that can lead to falls and put your child at risk of losing a tooth or two.

Visit Our Pediatric Dentists for Emergency Care

Is your child having an urgent dental problem? Our dental team at Cochran, Soares, and Associates Pediatric Dentistry offers treatment for dental emergencies in St. Johns and Jacksonville, FL, to ensure that your child receives immediate care for toothaches and other serious dental issues.

A young girl sits in a dental chair, touching her cheek and talking to a dentist wearing a white coat, gloves, and a face mask in a modern dental office.

Common Pediatric Dental Emergencies

/in , /by

Dental emergencies can scare both parents and children, and getting to your dentist in Jacksonville or St. Johns, FL, quickly will help you take the proper care of your child. Yet not all dental problems are true emergencies. At Cochran, Soares, and Associates Pediatric Dentistry, we’re here to help with dental emergencies, and here are some times when you’ll want to get in ASAP.

Knocked Out Tooth

With children, a knocked out tooth can be a dental emergency or no big deal, depending on the type of tooth. If it’s a baby tooth that’s nearing the time it needs to fall out naturally, you don’t have to do anything. However, if it’s an adult tooth or a tooth that isn’t likely to fall out for a while, you need to get dental attention. Keep the tooth moist in milk, and visit Cochran, Soares, and Associates Pediatric Dentistry as quickly as possible.

Cracked Teeth

If your child cracks a tooth and is experiencing pain, a quick appointment with the dentist in Jacksonville or St. Johns, FL, as quickly as possible. These teeth may need caps to limit pain, and fixing the crack will also help prevent cavities from forming in that newly exposed area.

Toothache

A major toothache is something that needs immediate attention, as long as you can’t see a problem like food stuck between the teeth that’s causing the issue. Like adults, children can have problems with severe decay that require more than just a filling. Children can also develop infections and abscesses that cause severe pain. For these issues, you’ll need emergency treatment.

If your child’s dealing with one of these emergencies, visit the dentist in Jacksonville or St. Johns, FL, right away. Cochran, Soares, and Associates Pediatric Dentistry can often see you the same day to ensure your child’s need is taken care of. Call for an appointment today.

My Child Grinds Their Teeth – Is That A Problem?

/in , , /by

Teeth grinding is a common problem that many children and adults experience. If your child grinds their teeth, you may be concerned about their dental health. The pediatric dentist in Jacksonville and St. Johns, FL can help! We can help you determine whether your child is grinding their teeth, and we can also give you advice to help you take care of your child’s teeth. Here’s what you need to know about teeth grinding.

What’s Wrong With Teeth Grinding?

Teeth grinding can cause a variety of dental problems including cracked teeth, chipped teeth, and tooth sensitivity. If your child continues to grind their teeth all their life without wearing a night guard, they may wear down their tooth enamel and experience more cavities and dental pain than other people.

How Can I Tell If My Child Is Grinding Their Teeth?

Some parents can tell their child grinds their teeth by observing them when they sleep. Teeth grinding makes a specific sound that you may hear when your child is sleeping. You may hear your child’s teeth squeaking!

If you bring your child to the dentist, the dentist will also be able to look for signs your child is grinding their teeth. They may see your child has dental injuries that are consistent with teeth grinding.

What Should I Do If My Child Is Grinding Their Teeth?

If your child grinds their teeth, they should wear a mouth guard while they sleep. The dentist can help with this. Your child’s pediatric dentist can treat teeth grinding in Jacksonville and St. Johns, FL, with a custom-made night guard that can prevent injuries. Call today to make an appointment.

Can Babies Get Cavities?

/in , /by

Babies can get cavities just like other people. If your baby has teeth, they can get cavities! Your child’s pediatric dentist in Jacksonville and St. Johns, FL, can help you avoid this problem. Knowing what causes cavities in babies and what you can do to help your child maintain healthy teeth and gums is important. Here’s what you need to know.

What Causes Cavities In Babies?

Cavities in babies are caused by the same thing that causes cavities in other people. Sugary foods and drinks and poor oral hygiene habits combine to create the conditions that are right for creating cavities.

One thing that can put babies at special risk of cavities is if they drink a bottle at bedtime. Drinking formula right before falling asleep can leave a sugary liquid on your child’s teeth while they’re sleeping. If your child needs something to suck on while they’re sleeping, consider giving them a pacifier instead of a bottle. If the doctor says it’s alright for your baby to sleep with a pacifier, this may be a better alternative.

How Can I Tell My Baby Has Cavities?

Babies can’t tell their parents when they’re in pain, so you may not know if they have a cavity. However, the dentist will be able to tell if your child has a cavity. Bring your child to the dentist if you suspect there is something wrong with their teeth, or by the time they turn one year old.

How Can I Help My Child Avoid Getting Cavities?

Bringing your child for their first pediatric dental exam in Jacksonville and St. Johns, FL, can help them maintain healthy teeth and gums. Call today to make an appointment.