Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric Dentistry in Jacksonville, FL
A child's first visit to the dentist should be enjoyable. Children are not born with a natural fear of the dentist, but they can fear the unknown. Our office makes a special effort to use pleasant, non-frightening, simple words to describe each treatment. We want you and your child to feel at ease from the moment your family arrives at our office. The more you and your child know about the first visit, the better you will feel.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends...
Children should visit the dentist by their first birthday. It is important that your child's newly-erupted teeth (erupting at six and 12 months of age) receive proper dental care and benefit from proper oral hygiene habits right from the beginning.
Getting to know your teeth is fun!
Dental Check-Up & Exams
We look forward to helping you improve the appearance of your smile and oral health at its optimal levels.
When New Teeth Arrive
Your child's first primary or baby teeth will begin to erupt between the ages of six and 12 months, and will continue to erupt until about age three. During this time, your child's gums may feel tender and sore. To help alleviate this discomfort, we recommend that you soothe the gums by rubbing a clean finger or a cool, wet cloth across them. You may also choose to make use of a teething ring. When your child has finished teething, you can expect a total of 20 primary teeth.
Your child's primary teeth are shed at various times throughout childhood. Permanent teeth begin erupting at age six, and continue until age 21. Adults have 28 permanent teeth (32, including wisdom teeth).

Adopting Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits
As your child's teeth erupt, be sure to examine them every two weeks, looking for lines and discoloration that may be caused by decay. Remember that sugary foods and liquids can attack a new tooth, so take care that your child brushes after feeding or eating. We recommend brushing four times a day for optimal oral hygiene: after breakfast, after lunch, after dinner, and at bedtime.
Brushing can be fun, and your child should brush as soon as the first tooth arrives. When a baby's tooth erupts, parents should brush the tooth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. For children younger than two, do not use fluoride toothpaste unless advised to do so by your dentist or other healthcare professional. We suggest reviewing proper tooth brushing procedures with your child.
Flossing is also a part of good oral hygiene habits, and your doctor will discuss with you the right time to start flossing. If you notice signs of decay, contact your dentist immediately.

Preventing Tooth Decay with Regular Checkups
Tooth decay is caused by sugars left in your mouth that turn into an acid, which can break down your teeth. Children are at high risk for tooth decay for a simple reason: many children and adolescents do not practice regular, good oral hygiene habits. Proper brushing and flossing routines combined with regular dental visits help keep tooth decay away.
Your child should visit the dentist every six months for regular dental cleanings and checkups. We recommend fluoride treatments twice a year along with cleanings to keep teeth their strongest. Tooth sealants are also recommended because they "seal" the deep grooves in your child's teeth, preventing decay from forming in these hard-to-reach areas. Sealants last for several years, but will be monitored at your child's regular checkups.

What Our Clients Say About Us
229 Google Reviews
(4.9)Average
Rating
Dajana Bencun
I had my first new patient appointment today and I have to say this is such a pleasant office. The staff are so welcoming and professional I felt at home here. The dentist is very knowledgeable and didn’t push anything towards me that I didn’t need which is a huge plus considering there’s some out there that want to push towards unnecessary procedures. I never write reviews but I know there’s people out there like me that want a good dentist and with our current plan in place I have to say that I will bring my family here! He really does have an amazing staff and I want the best for myself and my family and this dentist office is the best. I’m looking forward to my appointments. oh don’t forget the do sell professional teeth bleach syringes for $10 each. It’s 🤩 amazing
Jacob Schmehl
Absolutely incredible!! Dr Rios and his assistants are truly wonderful people and are there for your benefit. My dental assistant was super light handed and was very reassuring. As someone who is normally scared of doctors offices, the team here created a warm and welcoming environment. Could not recommend them more!
Jan Robinson
Staff is fantastic and Dr. Rios very pleasant. Will use him for future dental work. Everyone welcomes you.
Ciearra Harris
Dr.Rios is the only dentist that I feel totally comfortable going to. The staff are incredibly friendly and are always happy to see you! I struggle a great deal with anxiety going to the dentist and Dr.Rios and his staff has made me feel comfortable and relaxed enough to get caught up on YEARS worth of dental work. If I could rate out of 100 stars, they'd get a 1000/100.
Brenda Campos
I love coming to this dental office! They are super understanding and accommodating to their patients. They have great supplies in office and explain everything very well! I can trust Dr. Rios and his staff with my dental necessities! Highly recommend this office!