Pediatric Dentist in Lake Nona, FL

Most parents wonder when to schedule their child’s first dental visit, and the answer may surprise you. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting. Starting this early allows our team to monitor development, apply preventive treatments, and catch any concerns before they become bigger issues.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 80.9% of children aged 1 to 17 had a dental examination or cleaning in the past 12 months as of 2020, reflecting how essential routine care has become for families across the country. Yet many children still don’t receive care often enough, particularly in the South. For Lake Nona families, Esteem Dental makes it easy to stay consistent with the twice-yearly schedule that keeps your child’s smile on track.

Building Healthy Habits From the Start

The earliest dental visits are about much more than checking teeth. They’re an opportunity to teach your child what to expect, help them feel at ease, and give parents guidance on home care. Our team walks families through proper brushing techniques, dietary habits that support oral health, and what developmental milestones to watch for as children grow.

Monitoring Growth and Development

As children’s mouths develop, early detection of spacing concerns, bite issues, or signs that orthodontic treatment may be needed can save significant time and expense down the road. Our Lake Nona pediatric orthodontist keeps a close eye on how your child’s teeth and jaw are progressing, providing referrals and early intervention recommendations at the right time.

Why Lake Nona Families Choose Esteem Dental

Esteem Dental is a multi-specialty practice, which means your family can receive a full range of dental care under one roof. Beyond pediatric dentistry, we offer general dentistry, orthodontics, oral surgery, and more — making us a convenient choice for parents who want consistent, high-quality care for every member of their household.

We accept most major insurance plans, including Aetna PPO, Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Cigna PPO, Delta, UnitedHealthcare PPO, and Medicare. We also work with families on flexible financing options through CareCredit and Lending Club so cost is never a barrier to getting your child the care they need. Our front desk team is happy to answer questions about coverage and payment options before your child’s first visit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Dentistry in Lake Nona

When Should I Schedule My Child’s First Dental Visit?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advises parents to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jordan Jones as soon as their child’s first tooth appears, or at the latest, by your child’s first birthday. It’s important to start dental care early in order to prevent any potential problems and ensure that your child has a healthy smile. We begin seeing patients when their first tooth erupts.

What Makes a Pediatric Dentist Different Than Any Other Dentist?

Dr. Jones is a highly trained pediatric dentist and orthodontist who has completed specialized education and training in the field. He’s skilled in treating children’s dental needs specifically and has a deep understanding of childhood development and behavior. At Esteem Dental, we strive to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for our young patients. Our staff is friendly and our office is designed with children in mind to ensure every visit is comfortable, fun, and entertaining!

What Does My Child’s Initial Visit Entail?

During your first visit to Esteem Dental, we will take the time to get to know your child and provide you with some basic information about dental care. Dr. Jones will assess the health and placement of your child’s teeth, as well as look for any potential issues with the gums and jaw. If necessary, we may perform a cleaning and thorough oral exam. We’re happy to answer any questions you have about caring for your child’s teeth as they develop and will provide you with materials containing helpful tips.

How Do I Prepare My Child For Their First Dental Appointment?

To help your kiddo have a positive experience during their first visit with us, it’s important to maintain a positive attitude and avoid making negative comments. You can show your child pictures of the office and staff on the website and explain that Dr. Jones is there to help keep their teeth and gums healthy. Remember that the dental team is trained to handle any fears or anxiety your child may have and will do their best to make them feel comfortable during treatment.

How Often Should My Child Visit The Dentist?

We generally recommend scheduling dental checkups every six months. However, the frequency of visits may be increased depending on the specific oral health needs of your child.

Why Do Baby Teeth Need Such Special Attention?

Primary teeth are an important part of your child’s development and overall health. These teeth help with speaking, smiling, and chewing and also hold space in the jaw for the permanent teeth that will eventually replace them. If a child loses a primary tooth prematurely due to decay or injury, it can cause nearby teeth to shift into the empty space, leading to misaligned permanent teeth. Additionally, the health of a child’s teeth and gums can have an impact on their overall health and well-being. It’s important to take care of primary teeth to ensure proper development and oral health.

What Is The Best Way to Clean My Child’s Teeth?

We recommend caring for your little one’s oral health before their first tooth even appears. After feeding, you can clean their gums with a soft, damp washcloth. Once the first tooth emerges, you can begin using a small toothbrush with soft bristles specifically designed for infants, which can usually be found at a drugstore. By establishing good oral hygiene habits early on, you can help protect your baby’s teeth and gums and set them up for a lifetime of good oral health.

What Age Can I Incorporate Toothpaste Into My Child’s Hygiene Routine?

When your child has a few teeth, you can begin using toothpaste on the toothbrush during their daily dental hygiene routine. Begin by only using a small amount of toothpaste, especially for young children under the age of two. For these children, it’s recommended to use toothpaste without fluoride, as too much fluoride can be harmful. It’s also important to encourage your child to rinse and spit out the toothpaste after brushing, as swallowing too much fluoride toothpaste can cause teeth to become discolored. As your child grows and becomes more independent, they will eventually be ready to take on the responsibility of brushing their teeth on their own, usually around the age of six or seven. In the meantime, we encourage parents to continue brushing their teeth for them until they can do so effectively.

Does My Child Need a Dental Sealant?

Sealants are a protective coating that can be applied to the teeth to help prevent the development of cavities, particularly in the molars which are harder to reach when brushing. Sealants cover the pits and fissures on the surface of the teeth, which are more prone to collecting plaque and can be difficult to clean thoroughly. They provide an extra layer of protection against decay and are a safe and effective way to help your child maintain good oral health. With that being said, we recommend this extra layer of protection to help keep your child’s mouth healthy and shining!

How Can I Protect My Child’s Teeth During Sports?

For children who are active in sports, it’s recommended to use a mouthguard to protect the teeth, lips, cheeks, and gums from injury. Mouthguards can be especially important in sports that involve contact or collisions. If your child plays sports such as baseball or soccer, it may be a good idea to consider having a custom-fitted mouthguard made to provide the best possible protection. Our office can provide more information on mouthguard options and assist with the fitting process.

What Should I Do If My Child Sucks Their Thumb?

It’s common for young children to have a sucking habit, such as thumb sucking or finger sucking, which usually subsides on its own by the age of four. In most cases, this habit does not cause any permanent damage to the teeth. However, if your child continues to suck their thumb or fingers aggressively after their permanent teeth have come in, let us know and schedule an appointment to assess whether the habit may be causing any dental problems. Early intervention can help prevent any potential issues from worsening.

When Should My Child Have Dental X-Rays Taken?

Dental X-rays may be recommended for children around the age of two or three. The first set of X-rays typically includes simple images of the front upper and lower teeth to help familiarize your child with the process. Once the back teeth in the mouth are touching each other, we generally recommend having regular X-rays taken at least once a year. These X-rays can help us monitor the health of your child’s teeth and jaw and ensure that their teeth are properly aligned as they begin to emerge. If your child is at higher risk for dental problems, it may be necessary to have X-rays taken at an earlier age.