FAQs

Your First Visit

At Fishman Pediatric Dentistry, our goal is to make every trip to the dentist a positive experience for both parents and patients – especially your first visit! Thanks to our kid-friendly environment and incredibly welcoming doctors and staff, we have a reputation around town for making the dentist a fun place to be!

What is a visit like to Fishman Pediatric Dentistry?

First, you’ll be welcomed in by our friendly staff at check-in. Next, you and your kiddos can check out the fish tank or watch cartoons while you wait to be brought back.
Once your child is brought back, they’ll hop onto a chair that moves up and down, pick out their favorite show to watch on the TV in the ceiling and get a cool pair sunglasses to protect their eyes!
Next, a member of our Smile Squad might want to take x-rays of their teeth. We explain to our patients that x-rays use a magic light to help us see parts of teeth we can’t see with our eyes!
Then it’s time to clean those teeth! Our Smile Squad dental assistants will use a special electric toothbrush to brush. Sometimes it tickles or makes a buzzing noise like a bee while it works hard to make their teeth sparkle!
Last but not least, Dr. Fishman or Dr. Noah will come check if there are any sugar bugs (cavities) and to count all their teeth using a tiny mirror. There’s even an extra mirror so your child can help! Then Dr. Fishman or Dr. Noah will answer any questions and make sure everyone feels confident about their dental health.
At the end, you’ll stop by our treasure box to pick a prize for helping keep the sugar bugs away!

When should I schedule my child's first dental visit?

We follow the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) guideline and recommend your child’s first visit by their first birthday. Early examination and preventive care will protect your child’s smile now and in the future.

Can I stay with my child during their visit?

Of course! We encourage parents to be as actively involved in their child’s visit as they feel comfortable. All parents are welcome in the treatment area if they desire. Having a parent back in the treatment area allows our doctors to effectively discuss with the parent ways in which their child can prevent decay and maintain proper dental hygiene.

Oh no, what if my child cries during their visit?

A child crying during a dental visit is a completely normal and acceptable reaction. It is best to not let your child’s tears effect you. If you let your child know you are visibly upset, it may increase their anxiety. Our friendly staff will certainly make an effort to keep your child as calm and relaxed as possible.

Emergency Guide

We are with you in the event of an emergency. We offer on call services after hours and on weekends should your child need care. Please give us a call for assistance (904) 247-4097.

Toothache

Rinse the irritated area with warm salt water.
Place a cold compress on the face if it is swollen.
Give Tylenol for pain relief rather than placing anything on the tooth or gums.
Contact us if toothache doesn’t get better.

Chipped Tooth

Contact us immediately.
Rinse the mouth with water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
If you can find the broken tooth fragment, bring it with you to the dentist.
Keep it wrapped in a moist paper towel.

Knocked Out Tooth

Baby tooth:

Contact us immediately.
DO NOT try to put the tooth back into the socket.
Gently rinse the mouth with water.

Permanent tooth:

Contact us immediately.
Find the tooth and gently rinse it in cool water.
DO NOT scrub the tooth and DO NOT use soap.
Replace the tooth in the socket, if you can.
If you cannot put the tooth back in the socket, store the tooth in cold milk.

All About Teeth

What’s the difference between a family dentist and a pediatric dentist?

Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. A pediatric dentist has two to three years specialty training following dental school and limits his/her practice to treating children only. Pediatric dentists are primary and specialty oral care providers for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special healthcare needs.

How safe are dental X-rays?

There is very little risk in dental X-rays. Pediatric dentists are especially careful to limit the amount of radiation to which children are exposed. Lead aprons and high-speed film are used to ensure safety and minimize the amount of radiation.

How often does my child need to see the pediatric dentist?

A check-up every six months is recommended in order prevent cavities and other dental problems. However, your pediatric dentist can tell you when and how often your child should visit based on their personal oral health.

How can I prevent decay caused by nursing?

Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting anything other than water in their bed-time bottle. Also, learn the proper way to brush and floss your child’s teeth. Take your child to a pediatric dentist regularly to have his/her teeth and gums checked. The first dental visit should be scheduled by your child’s first birthday.

Are ‘baby' teeth really that important?

Primary, or ‘baby’, teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt.

Toothpaste: when should we begin using it and how much?

The sooner the better! Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water. As soon as the teeth begin to appear, start brushing twice daily using fluoridated toothpaste and a soft, age-appropriate sized toothbrush. Use a “smear” of toothpaste to brush the teeth of a child less than 2 years of age. For the 2-5 year old, dispense a “pea-size” amount of toothpaste and perform or assist your child’s toothbrushing. Remember that young children do not have the ability to brush their teeth effectively. Children should spit out and not swallow excess toothpaste after brushing.