Post Visit

A.L.L. About Kids Pediatric Dentistry

Smiling dentist with thumbs up and young girl in a dental chair, in a brightly painted dental office.

Instructions for After Treatment

At A.L.L. About Kids Pediatric Dentistry, we're committed to ensuring your child's dental health extends beyond our Bradenton office. Our post-visit care instructions are designed to maximize the benefits of your child's treatment and maintain their bright smile. Connect with us today for more information! Here's what you need to know:

  • Cleanings

    It is unusual for a child to have any adverse reactions or symptoms after a cleaning. If mild stomach irritation occurs, this may be due to the fluoride/varnish treatment that follows the cleaning. Small amounts of fluoride may be ingested and can irritate the stomach. A small meal, snack or glass or water may help relieve any discomfort. 



  • Fillings/Restorations

    Depending on the area treated, your child’s lip, gums and cheek may be numb for up to several hours after the procedure. Each individual responds differently so the time spent numb will vary. Because children don’t fully understand the effects of anesthesia, it is important that your child does not chew, poke, or rub the numbed area during this time. They may injure themselves if not monitored closely.


    Minor swelling is also a typical reaction after a filling, crown or other restoration. Make sure to keep the gum area clean and free of food particles. Any swelling that does not go down after 24 to 48 hours, or swelling that keeps getting worse, should be reported to our office.

  • Extractions

    Please limit activity during the day of extraction. No running, jumping or similar activity for 12 hours. Do not let the child bite, suck, rub or poke their lips, cheek or gums while they are numb.


    Bleeding or Pain

    Bleeding is controlled by a gauze pad placed over the extraction site. Keep this gauze pad in place by having the child bite on it for 30 minutes. If necessary, the gauze may be changed during the 30 minute period if it becomes saturated. Make sure your child swallows their saliva while they are keeping pressure on the gauze pad. If the bleeding continues after an hour, have the child bite down on a moist tea bag for 15 minutes. Any prolonged bleeding should be reported to the office.


    Do not rinse the mouth for several hours, keep fingers and tongue away from the extraction site and do not use a drinking straw until the following day.


    Some discomfort may occur after the anesthetic wears off. Over-the-counter medicines such as Tylenol, Motrin or Advil may be used according to your child's age and weight. DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN.


    If you have any cause for concern, please call the office.


    Swelling

    If swelling occurs, place insulated ice packs on the affected areas in 10-minute intervals for the 24 hours following the procedure. After the initial 24-hour period, apply warm compresses. If swelling continues or gets progressively worse, please call us to schedule an appointment.

  • Space Maintainers

    Following the placement of a space maintainer, a minimal amount of discomfort may be expected; if necessary, an over the counter pain reliever such asTylenol, Motrin, or Advil can be used according to your child's age and weight. 


    Be sure your child brushes adequately around the area. Be sure to avoid any sticky foods as this may dislodge the space maintainer.


    If the space maintainer comes loose or is completely removed, PLEASE SAVE IT and contact the office to schedule an appointment to recement.

  • Sealants

    Sealants decrease the risk of decay by keeping out plaque and food. They form a thin coating over pits and fissures on the biting surface of the tooth. Areas in between teeth cannot be coated, so good oral hygiene and nutrition are very important in protecting these unsealed portions of the teeth from decay. Ice and hard candy should not be eaten because they can fracture the sealant. Dr. Lewis recommends regular dental check ups to ensure that your child’s sealants remain in place.


    Sealants have been recognized by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry as an effective tool in the prevention of tooth decay. They can successfully protect the chewing surfaces of your child's teeth if placed and maintained properly. By visiting our office regularly for check ups, using fluoride, brushing and flossing daily, and limiting the amount of sugar-rich foods consumed, you are helping maintain your child’s dental health. Coupled with sealants, this program lessens and potentially eliminates the risk of decay.

  • Sedation Options

    Nitrous Oxide (“Laughing Gas”)

    We employ Nitrous Oxide to help relax your child and relieve anxiety. This is a safe way to help an anxious child relax or a calm child have a more pleasant experience. This treatment is only meant to relax your child, not put them to sleep.


    Very apprehensive, combative, or extremely young children do not benefit from nitrous oxide.

    It is most useful on young children during morning appointments.

    If the appointment is close to a mealtime, keep the meal healthy and light. This will help minimize an upset stomach.

    We cannot use nitrous oxide on your child if he/she has an ear infection or ear ache. Please inform us if this is the case.

    If your child has an issue breathing through his/her nose for any reason, please let us know. This may limit the effectiveness of the sedation.

    Please inform us of any medication your child is taking on the day of the appointment.



    Surgery Center

    At times it's necessary; due to a child's age or limited ability to cooperate, to perform treatment with the use of general anesthesia. Dr. Lewis performs treatment alongside an anesthesiologist at Manatee Surgical Center.


    Having this resource has made it possible to help children that cannot be treated in a traditional setting/receive the dental care they need that might otherwise go untreated. Dr. Lewis takes the well being of each of his patients very seriously and uses the surgery center only after all other options have been exhausted.

Cavity Prevention for Little Ones

Preventing decay, infection and other dental problems is a group effort between our team members, you and your child. Below are some tips for home care and information on office procedures that can help you avoid dental problems before they begin.


Dental Care at Home

Home care consists of brushing, flossing and diet.


Brushing and Flossing

Home care should start at birth by regularly cleaning your baby's mouth with a soft cloth or infant toothbrush and water. As soon as the first tooth appears, start brushing gently two times a day for two to three minutes. Use an infant-sized brush with soft, rounded bristles and just a dab of non-fluoride toothpaste.


How to Brush

1. Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line. Brush each tooth in a small circular motion, one tooth at time

2. Brush across the chewing surfaces, making sure the bristles get into the grooves and crevices

3. Clean the side of the teeth that face the tongue using the same circular motion

4. Brush your child's tongue lightly to remove bacteria and keep breath smelling good

5. Have your child rinse his or her mouth with water


At the age of two, you can start using a pea-sized amount of paste. Let your child brush on their own when they are ready, but be sure to help with the areas they miss. The toothbrush should be replaced every three months or sooner if the bristles are frayed. You should begin flossing your child's teeth once any two teeth touch. Floss by sliding the floss between the teeth and against the side of the tooth. Slide the floss up to the gum and down several times, then do the same against the other tooth.


Diet and Snacking

A balanced diet is crucial for the proper development of your child's teeth, as well as the health of the surrounding tissues. A healthy diet includes dairy products, proteins, fruits, vegetables and whole grains.


The amount of starches and sugars eaten also affect your child's dental health. Bacteria thrive on starches such as breads, pastas and chips as well as sugars such as in juices and desserts. These bacteria then attack the tooth surface, resulting in decay. Sticky foods also stay on the tooth longer, feeding bad bacteria and creating cavities. 

You do not need to remove all sugar and starch from the diet. For instance, milk is an important source of the calcium and it also contains sugar. Rather, you should try to limit snacking between meals and choose nutritious options.


Avoiding "Baby Bottle Caries"

As mentioned above, milk contains sugars that can cause decay. For this reason, tooth decay is common in young children but can be avoided by following a few tips:


  • Avoid giving milk or other drinks in the bottle or sippy cup at night
  • Avoid nursing children to sleep or wipe teeth clean before putting them to bed
  • Do not put honey or sugar on pacifiers
  • Avoid "at-will" breast feeding once the first teeth have erupted
  • Start dental visits by your child's first birthday
  • Begin weaning your child off the bottle around 1 year of age. If transitioning to a sippy cup, give only at meal and snack time and avoid "at will" use


In-Office Prevention

Regular office visits (every six months) will allow us to diagnose and treat any problems early. Office visits also include a teeth cleaning, fluoride/varnish treatments and nutritional counseling.

We may also recommend sealants. Sealants fill in the thin grooves or pits in teeth that the toothbrush cannot reach and that are particularly prone to decay. We check growth and development and may recommend an orthodontic consultation if the child's bite (occlusion) needs some adjusting. If the child has a thumb habit we may also suggest a visit to the orthodontist for a thumb sucking appliance to be placed.

Healthy Kid Friendly Recipes

From Dr. Lewis' kitchen to yours, checkout these dentist approved kid friendly recipes. 

Chocolate Banana Smoothie


Prep time: five minutes

Two servings


Ingredients

  • One cup of milk (dairy or non dairy)
  • Two Frozen bananas
  • One tbsp honey
  • One tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)
  • Whipped cream (optional)


Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to blender and blend until creamy and well combined.
  • Add whipped cream (optional).
  • Serve immediately.


Strawberry Smoothie


Prep time: five minutes

Two servings


Ingredients


  • One cup plain whole milk yogurt
  • One cup trimmed and sliced strawberries
  • Fresh lemon juice (optional)
  • Maple syrup, agave, or honey (optional)


Instructions

  • Add yogurt and berries to blender. Blend until very smooth, about 30-60 seconds.
  • Taste and add a few drops of lemon juice. One tsp- one tbsp of the sweetener of your choice. Add little by little until desired taste.
  • Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for two days in the fridge.
  • Shake well before serving. If you plan to store it, add the lemon juice.


Granola Balls


Prep time: five minutes

10-12 balls


Ingredients

  • One and half cup old fashioned oats
  • Half cup dried blueberries
  • Half cup cranberries
  • Half  cup chopped walnuts
  • Quarter cup mini chocolate chips
  • Third cup peanut butter
  • Third cup honey


Instructions

  • Combine oats, blueberries, cranberries, chopped walnuts and mini chocolate chips in a bowl and mix well.
  • In a separate bowl combine peanut butter and honey and stir until smooth.
  • Pour peanut butter honey mixture over the granola mix and stir until everything is coated.
  • With wet hands, roll into balls, about an inch wide. To make them easier to roll, you can put the mixture in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to let firm.
  • Serve immediately or store in an airtight container. You can use wax paper in between layers to keep balls from sticking.
  • Enjoy!






Cheesy Baked Zucchini Bites


Prep time: five minutes

One to two dozen bites


Ingredients

  • One and half cup (7.5 oz) packed shredded zucchini
  • One large egg, lightly beaten
  • Quarter to half cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese or a blend of cheddar and Monterey jack.
  • Quarter cup panko or regular breadcrumbs
  • Quarter teaspoon dried basil or 1-2 teaspoon fresh
  • Quarter teaspoon garlic powder and salt
  • Eighth teaspoon pepper


Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees
  • Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat with cooking spray or lightly grease an unlined baking sheet.
  • Place the shredded zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and wring out all the excess water over the sink until the zucchini is dry. You should have a little over 1 cup after squeezing out the water.
  • Place the zucchini and remaining ingredients in a medium bowl and mix until combined.
  • Drop the mixture by tablespoons on the prepared baking sheet and lightly press the mounds with your hands to flatten slightly.
  • Bake for 16-20 minutes until edges are golden.
  • Enjoy!

Chocolate Banana Smoothie


Prep time: five minutes

Two servings


Ingredients

  • One cup of milk (dairy or non dairy)
  • Two Frozen bananas
  • One tbsp honey
  • One tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)
  • Whipped cream (optional)


Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to blender and blend until creamy and well combined.
  • Add whipped cream (optional).
  • Serve immediately.







Strawberry Smoothie


Prep time: five minutes

Two servings


Ingredients


  • One cup plain whole milk yogurt
  • One cup trimmed and sliced strawberries
  • Fresh lemon juice (optional)
  • Maple syrup, agave, or honey (optional)


Instructions

  • Add yogurt and berries to blender. Blend until very smooth, about 30-60 seconds.
  • Taste and add a few drops of lemon juice. One tsp- one tbsp of the sweetener of your choice. Add little by little until desired taste.
  • Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for two days in the fridge.
  • Shake well before serving. If you plan to store it, add the lemon juice.


Connect with A.L.L. About Kids Pediatric Dentistry

Your child's dental journey doesn't end when you leave our office. We're here to support you every step of the way. Whether you have questions about post-visit care, need to schedule a follow-up appointment, or want to discuss your child's ongoing dental health, our friendly team at A.L.L. About Kids Pediatric Dentistry is just a phone call away. Let's work together to keep your child's smile healthy, bright, and full of joy.


Connect with us now!