Raising Kids in Jacksonville? Their Dental Health Starts Here.
Children grow up fast, and so do their teeth. From the moment that first tiny tooth breaks through the gumline, your child's oral health becomes an important part of their overall well-being.
At Southern Smiles by Bethany Burton, DMD, we love caring for little smiles and helping families in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, and Orange Park give their children the healthy foundation they deserve. Whether your child is coming in for their very first visit or their twice-yearly checkup, our team is here to make every appointment something they can feel good about. Call our Jacksonville dental office today at 904-389-3451 to schedule an appointment.
A Dentist Who Understands Families from the Inside Out
Dr. Bethany Burton brings something to children's dental care that goes beyond clinical skill: she genuinely understands what it means to be a parent navigating a child's healthcare decisions. As a mom, Dr. Burton knows firsthand how much it matters to find a dental home where your child feels safe, and your family feels truly welcomed. That personal perspective shapes the way she and her team approach every young patient who walks through the door.Southern Smiles is also proud to offer a membership plan with a children's tier for patients ages 0 to 13, making preventive care accessible for families who may not carry traditional dental insurance. The plan includes preventive care and a 15% discount on most procedures, so there's no barrier between your child and the routine care they need. Located at 2522 Oak Street in Jacksonville, our office was built to be a place where people of all ages feel at home.
What Is Children's Dentistry?
Children's dentistry is a branch of dental care focused on the oral health of younger patients, from infancy through the teenage years. It combines preventive treatments, early detection of developmental concerns, and age-appropriate care in a setting where kids feel welcome and at ease. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, children's dentistry recognizes that growing smiles have different needs at different stages, and that building a positive relationship with dental care early on pays dividends for a lifetime.
Why Starting Early Matters
Dental visits should begin around a child's first birthday or when their first tooth appears, whichever comes first. Starting early lets Dr. Burton assess your child's oral development before problems have a chance to take hold. Baby teeth are more than placeholders; they guide speech development, support proper chewing, and hold the space that permanent teeth need to erupt correctly. When primary teeth are lost too early due to decay or injury, it can affect the alignment of the teeth that follow.Routine visits every six months allow Dr. Burton to catch issues like cavities, gum problems, and misalignment before they become bigger concerns. Kids who visit the dentist regularly from a young age are also far less likely to develop dental anxiety later in life. That early comfort level is one of the most valuable things a parent can invest in.
Children's Dental Services at Southern Smiles
Our Jacksonville dental practice offers a full range of children's dental services, all delivered with the gentle, patient-centered care our families have come to count on.
- Dental Exams and Cleanings: Thorough, gentle checkups that monitor growth and development while removing buildup that brushing at home can't reach.
- Dental X-Rays: Safe, low-radiation digital X-rays that let Dr. Burton see what's happening beneath the surface, including cavities between teeth and developing permanent teeth.
- Fluoride Treatments: A quick in-office application that strengthens enamel and reduces the risk of cavities, especially important during the early years.
- Dental Sealants: A thin protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth, where decay most commonly begins in children.
- Tooth-Colored Fillings: When a cavity does develop, we treat it with a natural-looking, biocompatible restoration.
- Pulp Therapy: When the inner portion of a tooth is affected, we can often save the tooth with a child-appropriate treatment similar to a root canal.
- Tooth Extractions: Performed with care when a tooth is too damaged to save or when a primary tooth is interfering with proper development.
- Orthodontic Evaluations: Early screenings for bite issues and misalignment, with referrals to orthodontic specialists when appropriate.
- Emergency Dental Care: When accidents happen, we're here to help your child promptly and compassionately.
- Oral Hygiene Education: Age-appropriate guidance on brushing, flossing, and nutrition so good habits start forming early.
How Children's Dental Development Progresses
Understanding what's happening in your child's mouth at each stage helps us deliver the right care at the right time. Here's a general overview of the developmental milestones we monitor at Southern Smiles:
- Ages 0 to 6 months: Teeth haven't erupted yet, but early gum care and parent education lay the groundwork.
- Ages 6 months to 3 years: Baby teeth begin appearing. This is the ideal window to schedule your child's first dental visit and establish a six-month routine.
- Ages 3 to 6 years: All 20 primary teeth are typically in place. We focus on cavity prevention, healthy habits, and making dental visits feel normal and positive.
- Ages 6 to 12 years: The mixed dentition phase begins. Baby teeth are lost, permanent teeth erupt, and monitoring spacing and alignment becomes a priority.
- Ages 12 and beyond: Most permanent teeth are in. Ongoing preventive care, sealants, and orthodontic evaluations keep developing smiles on track.
Benefits of Routine Children's Dental Visits
Consistent dental care during childhood delivers results that go far beyond a clean mouth. Families who bring their children to Southern Smiles regularly benefit in ways that last well into adulthood:
- Early detection of cavities and developmental concerns before they escalate
- Prevention of tooth decay through fluoride treatments and sealants
- A positive, comfortable relationship with dental care that reduces fear and avoidance over time
- Personalized guidance on brushing, flossing, and diet
- Monitoring of jaw development and bite alignment
- A complete oral health record that informs future care decisions
Is your child overdue for a checkup? Call Southern Smiles today at 904-389-3451 and let Dr. Burton and her team take great care of your little one. We're proud to serve families throughout Jacksonville and the surrounding communities.
How to Prepare Your Child for Their Dental Visit
A little preparation at home can make a big difference in how your child experiences their appointment. The good news is that our Jacksonville dental team is skilled at putting young patients at ease. Still, setting a positive tone before you ever walk through the door helps things go even more smoothly.
- Talk about the dentist in upbeat, matter-of-fact terms. Instead of saying "it won't hurt," try "the dentist is going to count your teeth and make sure they're healthy!"
- Read books or watch shows where favorite characters visit the dentist. Familiar stories make the experience feel normal.
- Schedule the appointment when your child is well-rested and fed, not during nap time or when they're hungry.
- Bring a favorite stuffed animal or small toy for comfort.
- Offer a small, non-sugary reward afterward to create a positive memory around the visit.
- Stay calm and upbeat. Children are perceptive, and your attitude sets the tone.
Practicing Good Oral Hygiene With Kids At Home
Dr. Burton and our hygiene team are always happy to walk through brushing and flossing techniques during your child's visit so both you and your child feel confident about the routine at home.
- Brush twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Begin flossing as soon as two teeth touch
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks between meals to reduce cavity risk
Lastly, to avoid dental trauma, any child taking part in athletics or rigorous physical activity should wear appropriate safety gear, a mouth guard, and always stay hydrated.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should my child have their first dental visit?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your child's first dental visit around the time their first tooth erupts, or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. Starting this early lets Dr. Burton assess your child's oral development, identify any concerns before they become problems, and give parents guidance on brushing, nutrition, and teething.
How often should my child visit the dentist?
Most children benefit from dental visits every six months for routine cleanings and exams. These appointments allow Dr. Burton to monitor tooth and jaw development, screen for cavities and alignment issues, and apply preventive treatments like fluoride and sealants as needed. Children who are at higher risk for cavities may benefit from more frequent visits, which Dr. Burton will discuss with you based on your child's individual needs.
What if my child is nervous about the dentist?
Dental anxiety is very common in children, and our Jacksonville dental team has years of experience helping nervous patients feel calm and comfortable. We use clear, age-appropriate explanations, a patient and unhurried pace, and a warm, friendly approach that takes your child's cues into account. At home, you can reinforce positive feelings by keeping conversations about the dentist light and upbeat, avoiding phrases that might signal something to fear, and reading books about dental visits.
Are dental X-rays safe for children?
Yes. Southern Smiles uses digital X-ray technology, which emits significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays. We take X-rays only when clinically indicated, following guidelines from the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
These images give Dr. Burton a complete picture of what's happening beneath the gumline, including cavities between teeth, the status of developing permanent teeth, and any structural concerns that a visual exam alone can't reveal.
Schedule Your Child's Appointment at Southern Smiles Today
Your child's smile is worth every bit of care and attention it receives, and at Southern Smiles in Jacksonville, we put that care into everything we do. Dr. Bethany Burton and her team are currently welcoming new and returning patients from Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, Orange Park, and all the communities in between.
Whether your little one is due for their very first dental visit or a routine cleaning, we'll make it an experience they can feel good about. Call our children’s dentist in Jacksonville today at 904-389-3451 to schedule an appointment. We'd love to become your family's dental home.
