Welcome to Our Practice <br /><br />Welcome to the website of Dr. Alonzo, a leading Pediatric dental care practice in Jupiter, Florida. We understand the importance of good dental hygiene and the oral care of your child and are committed to providing them the best care in a fun, pleasant environment. <br /><br />From common problems to gum disease, we provide an array of dental services to meet your needs all in one convenient location. Using the latest technology, our experienced staff works together as a team to give you exceptional quality treatment from the time you walk in for your initial visit. <br /><br />We thank you for your interest in our services and the trust you have placed in us. Please contact us if you have any questions. <br /><br /><br />SERVICES: <br /><br />Early Dental CareTeething <br />Normally the first tooth erupts between ages 6 to 12 months. Gums are sore, tender and sometimes irritable until the age of 3. Rubbing sore gums gently with a clean finger, the back of a cold spoon or a cold, wet cloth helps soothe the gums. Teething rings work well, but avoid teething biscuits-they contain sugar that is not good for baby teeth. <br /><br />While your baby is teething, it is important to monitor the teeth for signs of baby bottle decay. Examine the teeth, especially on the inside or the tongue side, every two weeks for dull spots (whiter than the tooth surface) or lines. A bottle containing anything other than water and left in an infant's mouth while sleeping can cause decay. This happens because sugar in the liquid mixes with bacteria in dental plaque, forming acids that attack the tooth enamel. Each time a child drinks liquids containing sugar, acids attack the teeth for about 20 minutes. When awake, saliva carries away the liquid. During sleep, the saliva flow significantly decreases and liquids pool around the child's teeth for long periods, covering the teeth in acids. <br /><br />Infant's New Teeth <br />The primary, or "baby," teeth play a crucial role in dental development. Without them, a child cannot chew food properly and has difficulty speaking clearly. Primary teeth are vital to development of the jaws and for guiding the permanent (secondary) teeth into place when they replace the primary teeth around age 6. <br /><br />Since primary teeth guide the permanent teeth into place, infants with missing primary teeth or infants who prematurely lose primary teeth may require a space maintainer, a device used to hold the natural space open. Without a maintainer, the teeth can tilt toward the empty space and cause permanent teeth to come in crooked. Missing teeth should always be mentioned to your family dentist. The way your child cares for his/her primary teeth plays a critical role in how he/she treats the permanent teeth. Children and adults are equally susceptible to plaque and gum problems-hence, the need for regular care and dental checkups.. <p>A Child's First Dental Visit <br />A child's first dental visit should be scheduled around his/her first birthday. The most important part of the visit is getting to know and becoming comfortable with a doctor and his staff. A pleasant,comfortable first visit builds trust and helps put the child at ease during future dental visits. If possible,allow the child to sit in a parent's lap in the exam room. Children should be encouraged to discuss any fears or anxiety they feel.<br /><br />Why Primary Teeth Are Important <br />Primary teeth are important for several reasons. Foremost,good teeth allow a child to eat and maintain good nutrition. Healthy teeth allow for clear pronunciation and speech habits. The self-image that healthy teeth give a child is immeasurable. Primary teeth also guide eruption of the permanent teeth.<br /><br />Good Diet and Healthy Teeth <br />The teeth,bones and soft tissue of the mouth require a healthy,well-balanced diet. A variety of foods from the five food groups helps minimize (and avoid) cavities and other dental problems. Most snacks that children eat cause cavities,so children should only receive healthy foods like vegetables,low-fat yogurt and cheeses,which promote strong teeth.<br /><br />Infant Tooth Eruption <br />A child's teeth actually start forming before birth. As early as 4 months of age,the primary or "baby" teeth push through the gums-the lower central incisors are first,then the upper central incisors. The remainder of the 20 primary teeth typically erupt by age 3,but the place and order varies.<br /><br />Permanent teeth begin eruption around age 6,starting with the first molars and lower central incisors. This process continues until around age 21. Adults have 28 secondary (permanent) teeth-32 including the third molars (wisdom teeth). <br /><br />Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay <br />Tooth decay in infants can be minimized or totally prevented by not allowing sleeping infants to breast or bottle-feed. Infants that need a bottle to comfortably fall asleep should be given a water-filled bottle or a pacifier. Our office is dedicated to fighting baby bottle tooth decay. Let us know if you notice any signs of decay or anything unusual in your child's mouth.<br /><br /><br />PREVENTION: <br /><br />Regular Checkups <br />We recommend children begin regular bi-annual dental checkups between 2 and 3 years old. We encourage parents/guardians to accompany your child in the back and sit by them during their visit. <br /><br />It is important for parents to brush and floss their child's teeth as soon as the first tooth erupts and from that point forward till they are 8 or 9 years old. We will demonstrate some techniques during your child's dental visit with us. <br /><br />During these visits,your child's teeth will be examined and thoroughly cleaned,removing all plaque,stains and calculus from the teeth,followed by a fluoride treatment. <br /><br />It may be recommended that X-rays be taken,which will allow the doctor to look for cavities between the teeth. Around 6 years old,a panoramic X-ray will also be taken to access the growth and development of the jaws. We utilize the latest radiograph technology and lead aprons to reduce radiation exposure. <br /><br />At the end of the appointment,your child will be given a new toothbrush,dental floss,toothpaste and a small reward. <br /><br />Tooth Decay Prevention <br />Tooth decay is a progressive disease resulting in the interaction of bacteria that naturally occur on the teeth and sugars in the everyday diet. Sugar causes