Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Dental x-rays are an essential diagnostic tool that helps dentists detect cavities, monitor tooth development, and preemptively identify potential oral health issues. Many parents worry about radiation exposure. However, modern dental x-rays, which are commonly digital, are extremely safe for children. Digital x-rays emit up to 90 percent less radiation than traditional film x-rays. Dentists take precautions like lead aprons and thyroid collars to further minimize exposure for maximum protection.

Additionally, dental x-rays are only taken when necessary, based on a child’s age, risk of cavities, and oral health needs. The benefits of early detection and prevention far outweigh the minimal radiation exposure.

Reducing the Need for Dental X-Rays for Your Kids

Regular check-ups and proper dental care can lessen the need for frequent x-rays. Parents may also consult their child’s dentist about alternative screening options if they have concerns. When conducted by a trained professional, dental x-rays are a safe, low-risk tool that plays a vital role in maintaining lifelong oral health.

Digital X-Rays and Children's Dental Exams Miami

At Adonias Smiles Dentistry, we use the latest low-radiation, digital x-ray technology to ensure your child’s safety while providing top-quality care. So, if you're looking for a children's dentist in Miami to clarify when and why your child may need dental x-rays and to guide them through the process with compassion and care, contact Dr. Paula Egharvba and our outstanding team today!

The American Association of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child's first dental visit occurs when the first baby tooth appears but no later than age one. Many parents wonder why their child might need to see the dentist so early, especially when baby teeth eventually come out anyway.

The Importance of Early Dental Visits

There's actually quite a lot we can do to help kids at this age:

Establish a Relationship — We create a calm and soothing environment for kids, but they can still feel overwhelmed by any new situation at first. Getting to know your little one and building trust before we start treating them eases them into the process and lets the experience unfold at their pace. 

Promote Positive Experiences — If you wait to bring your child until they experience a problem like a toothache, their only reference to dental care will be painful or unhappy. It's much better to start when we have more control over their reaction to the new situation.

Monitor Dental Development — Baby teeth are crucially important as they hold space for incoming adult teeth. Early visits allow Dr. Paula to monitor this very important phase of your child's dental development.

Tips for Parents and Caregivers — We answer your questions and give you the education and tools needed to help you guide your child into developing healthy oral habits.

To prepare for the visit, consider bringing your baby’s favorite toy or blanket to help them feel more at ease. Dr. Paula has endless patience and uses a gentle, friendly approach to ensure your baby’s first dental experience is positive and stress-free

Call our Miami, FL, dental office today at (786) 438-4744 if you have questions or need to schedule an appointment.

A child’s first dental visit can set the tone for their attitude toward oral care. Preparing them in advance can help create a positive, stress-free experience.

Start by explaining what will happen in a simple and reassuring way. Avoid using words like "hurt" or "drill." Instead, describe the visit as an opportunity for the dentist to "count and clean their teeth." Reading children’s books or watching videos about dental checkups can also make youngsters feel more comfortable during their first dental visit.

Another recommendation is to choose a children's dentist in Miami with a child-friendly environment. This type of setting helps young patients feel at ease—and the dental teams that create them are often uniquely dedicated to ensuring kids’ oral health in a warm and welcoming environment.

Scheduling the appointment when your child is well-rested and fed can also help prevent crankiness. Bringing a favorite toy or comfort item can also help ease nerves.

The most important part, however, is to stay positive. If parents show anxiety, children can pick up on it. Praise them for being brave, and after the visit, offer a small reward like a fun activity to reinforce a positive experience.

Find the Best Miami Children's Dentist for Your Family!

If you're looking for a Miami children's dentist to calmly and compassionately welcome your little ones to a lifetime of healthy and radiant smiles, contact Dr. Paula Egharvba and the Adonias Smiles Dentistry team to schedule an appointment!

Baby bottle tooth decay is a serious concern for infants and toddlers. It can occur when a child's teeth are bathed in sugary liquids for long periods, such as during bottle feeding.

Tips to Prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

As a dedicated dentist who sees children in Miami, FL, Dr. Paula Egharevba understands the importance of parent education and provides guidance to help prevent this common issue.

1. Never let your child go to bed with a bottle that contains anything other than water.
2. Before teeth erupt, gently wipe your baby's gums with a clean, soft cloth after feedings. Once teeth appear, use a soft-bristled baby toothbrush and a pea-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste to clean your baby’s teeth twice daily.
3. Begin transitioning your baby from a bottle to a sippy cup around six months. Aim to have your child off the bottle by their first birthday to reduce the risk of tooth decay.
4. Avoid giving your baby fruit juices, sodas, or other sugary drinks.
5. Schedule your baby’s first dental visit by their first birthday. Regular check-ups allow Dr. Paula to monitor your child's oral health and provide preventive care.
6. Ensure your child is getting the right amount of fluoride, which helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay. Dr. Paula can provide guidance on whether fluoride supplements or treatments are needed.

Have Concerns about Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

If you have any questions or need further information on preventing baby bottle tooth decay, contact our office today. As a trusted dentist in Miami, FL, Dr. Paula is here to support you and your child every step of the way. Call us at (786) 438-4744 to schedule an appointment or consultation.

Preventing dental issues in children with special needs requires a tailored approach that considers their unique challenges and needs. Here are some effective prevention tips from Dr. Paula to help maintain your child's oral health:

1. Oral Hygiene — The key to a healthy smile is a consistent oral hygiene routine that includes brushing twice daily and flossing once. Use a timer or a fun song to make the process enjoyable.
2. Adaptive Tools — Adaptive toothbrushes, such as those with larger handles or electric options, can make brushing easier for children with fine motor challenges.
3. Toothpaste — Choose a fluoride toothpaste that your child likes. Some children with special needs might be sensitive to strong flavors, so mild or unflavored toothpaste can be a good choice.
4. Diet and Nutrition — Encourage healthy eating habits by providing fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods that support dental health.
5. Regular Dental Visits — Schedule regular dental checkups with Dr. Paula to monitor your child's oral health. Professional cleanings and exams can catch potential issues early and provide tailored care and advice.
6. Positive Reinforcement — Encourage good oral hygiene habits with praise, stickers, or small rewards that motivate your child to maintain their routine.

By following these tips and working closely with Dr. Paula, you can help ensure your child with special needs maintains a healthy, beautiful smile. If you have specific concerns or need additional advice, please call our Miami, FL dental office at (786) 438-4744.

Tooth decay is one of the most common childhood health issues. Fortunately, early detection can identify it and prevent serious problems in the future. Parents should be aware of the warning signs of tooth decay to help protect their child’s smile. The most common indicators include:

• White or brown spots on teeth, which can be early signs of enamel breakdown
• Tooth sensitivity or pain when eating or drinking hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages
• Visible holes, dark spots, or pits, which may signal advanced decay
• Persistent bad breath, which can indicate bacterial buildup from cavities
• Swelling, redness, tenderness, or irritation around a particular tooth, resulting from infection

To prevent decay, encourage good oral hygiene habits, like brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and limiting sugary snacks. Regular dental checkups also help, as they allow dentists to catch cavities early and recommend appropriate treatments.

If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a dental visit as soon as possible.

Find the Best Dentist for Tooth Decay in Children in Miami

If you're looking for a children's dentist in Miami to proactively ensure your children's dental health from an early age, Dr. Paula Egharvba and the team at Adonias Smiles Dentistry offer an excellent track record of catching and treating cavities early with gentle, child-friendly care. If you’re worried about your child’s oral health, schedule an appointment at our Miami office for a comprehensive exam!

Routine dental checkups every six months are as crucial for children as for adults. At Adonias Smiles Dentistry, Dr. Paula makes the most of these appointments to ensure your child's smile stays healthy.

What Children's Dental Exams Involve 

During these routine appointments, Dr. Paula evaluates your child's smile for the following:

• Tooth Decay — Catching cavities early and providing prompt treatment protects your child’s smile and helps the need for more involved or invasive treatments in the future.
• Gum Health — Healthy gums are the foundation for healthy smiles, and we’ll check to ensure that gum disease isn’t compromising your little one’s smile.
• Proper Development — Monitoring the alignment and development of teeth and jaws ensures things are progressing normally.
• Oral Hygiene Habits — During these appointments, we’ll evaluate how effective their brushing and flossing habits are and if adjustments are needed.

These appointments are also the perfect time for you to ask questions about managing your child’s oral health. We love keeping parents and kids informed and guiding them on the best habits to maintain healthy smiles.

Schedule Your Child's Next Dental Exam in Miami

We welcome children of all ages, from toddlers to teens, to our Miami, FL children's dentistry practice and would love to meet you. Please call us at (786) 438-4744 to schedule a checkup.

When a child loses a baby tooth too soon, the neighboring teeth can shift, causing alignment issues as permanent teeth emerge. Space maintainers are small, custom-designed devices that help maintain proper spacing in a child’s mouth until the adult tooth comes in.

Types of Dental Space Maintainers

Space maintainers fall into one of two main categories:

• Fixed space maintainers, which are bonded to adjacent teeth and stay in place until the permanent teeth come in.
• Removable space maintainers, which function similarly to retainers and are typically used for older children who are better at following care instructions.

These appliances prevent crowding, misalignment, and bite issues by keeping the space open, reducing the need for extensive orthodontic treatment later. Most children adjust quickly to space maintainers, and they require minimal maintenance beyond regular brushing and dental visits.

Consult your dentist about the right solution for your child’s needs.

Find the Best Children's Dentist in Miami for Early Orthodontics

If your child loses a baby tooth too early, and you’d like a skilled and compassionate dentist to determine whether a space maintainer is the best solution for keeping their future smile radiant and their bite strong and properly aligned, contact Dr. Paula Egharvba and the excellent Adonias Smiles Dentistry team in Miami to schedule a consultation!

Cavities are one of the most common dental issues among children. Fortunately, we have dental sealants to offer a powerful defense. Dental sealants are thin coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars, where food and bacteria often get trapped. They seal off the grooves in these teeth and act as a barrier against decay, helping to keep young smiles healthy and cavity-free!

The Biggest Benefits of Dental Sealants for Kids

• Cavity prevention — Sealants dramatically reduce the risk of cavities.
• Long-pasting results — Dental sealants can last several years before requiring reapplication, providing valuable protection during cavity-prone childhood years.
• Quick and painless — Sealant application only requires a quick coating and curing process. The process is non-invasive and typically requires no drilling or numbing.
• Cost-effective — Preventing cavities means fewer (more costly) fillings and dental treatments in the future.

Dental sealants are a simple, affordable, and highly effective way to safeguard your child’s teeth against decay, setting the stage for a lifetime of healthier smiles!

Finding the Best Preventive Care Children's Dentist in Miami

If you’re looking for a children's dentist in Miami with a caring team to help guide your young ones toward a lifetime of bright, healthy smiles using all available preventive dentistry techniques—including dental sealants—contact Dr. Paula Egharevba and the friendly Adonias Smiles Dentistry team to schedule an appointment!

As a concerned parent, you want to ensure your child’s diet supports their overall health, including their oral health. Choosing the right foods can make a significant difference in preventing cavities and promoting strong teeth and gums.

Here are some of the best foods for your child's teeth and why they are beneficial:

• Milk, Cheese, and Yogurt — Dairy is an excellent source of calcium and phosphorous, which are vital for building and maintaining strong tooth enamel.
• Fruits and Vegetables — Crunchy fruits like apples help clean teeth, stimulate saliva production, and provide essential vitamins. Carrots, celery, and leafy greens like kale are high in fiber and packed with vitamins and minerals to strengthen tooth enamel.
• Nuts and Seeds — Almonds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds are good sources of protein, calcium, and other minerals supporting dental health. They also require a lot of chewing, which increases saliva production.
• Protein-Rich Foods — Lean meats, poultry, fish, and eggs are good protein and phosphorous sources essential for strong teeth and bones.
• Whole wheat bread, brown rice, and oatmeal are high in fiber and essential nutrients that promote oral and overall health.
• Water — Drinking water, especially with fluoride, helps wash away food particles and bacteria. Fluoride also strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities.

Call with Your Nutrition Questions

As a trusted dentist in Miami, FL, who exclusively sees children, Dr. Paula Egharevba understands the importance of a balanced diet for oral health. She is always available to provide personalized advice, answer your questions, and welcomes you to call (786) 438-4744 so we can help you.

Nitrous oxide has been used safely in dentistry since the 1800s, and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes it as a safe, effective method to reduce anxiety during dental procedures.

Safe and Effective Nitrous Oxide

The effects of nitrous oxide are gentle and won’t put your child to sleep. It will help them feel very calm and dreamy, and they might not remember much of the procedure afterward.

Rest assured, our dental team is trained to monitor your child carefully. The effects wear off quickly after we stop administering it, so your child can go back to their usual activities after their appointment.

We Ensure Your Child’s Safety

Dr. Paula Egharevba is an experienced dentist in Miami who cares deeply about your child’s safety and comfort. She carefully reviews their medical history for allergies and drug reactions to ensure nitrous oxide is the best choice for them.

Dr. Paula will also consider any respiratory issues, such as asthma or severe congestion. While it is generally safe, we also watch carefully for potential side effects like mild nausea or dizziness. Our dental team works together to ensure your child’s experience is safe and comfortable.

Call with Questions or to Schedule an Appointment

At Adonias Smiles Dentistry, we welcome your questions. If you would like more information about nitrous oxide or want to schedule an appointment, please call our Miami, FL, dental office at (786) 438-4744.

There are numerous steps you can take to help prevent your child from developing cavities, such as proper oral hygiene, healthy eating habits, and avoiding baby-bottle tooth decay.

At Adonias Smiles Dentistry in Miami, FL, patient education is one of the most important services we offer. We understand you have lots of questions, and we are here to provide answers! 

Steps to Prevent Childhood Cavities

Here are some tips for protecting your child's smile:

• Proper Oral Hygiene — Your child should brush at least twice a day, especially after meals, and floss once. You will need to brush for them until they have the dexterity to do it themselves, which develops around age six. However, even after they can brush themselves, you should still supervise the process to ensure they're getting the most out of it.
• Healthy Eating Habits — One of the main causes of cavities is poor eating habits. Foods that contain carbohydrates, like sugars and starches turn bacteria into acids that eat away at tooth enamel. These foods include milk, soda, raisins, candy, cake, cereals, and bread. Also avoid fruit juices that are already high in acid. 
• Baby Bottle Tooth Decay — Putting your child to bed with a bottle filled with anything other than water can lead to baby bottle tooth decay, so avoid this habit.

Call Us for More Childhood Dental Tips

Dr. Paula and our team love helping kids get their healthiest start for a smile that will last a lifetime. If you have questions or want to schedule an appointment, please call our Miami, FL, dental office at (786) 438-4744.

Dental crowns for children may seem excessive, but they play a crucial role in protecting young teeth. Baby teeth are essential for proper chewing, speech development, and the proper alignment of permanent teeth. When a tooth becomes severely decayed or damaged, a crown helps preserve it until it naturally falls out.

Why Are Dental Crowns for Kids Important?

Keeping baby teeth intact until they’re ready to fall out naturally prevents issues like misalignment or early tooth loss, which can lead to future orthodontic problems. With proper care, dental crowns allow children to maintain normal oral function and avoid pain or further decay.

Crowns are often recommended when a cavity is too large for a regular filling, as they provide a durable, long-term solution. They also help protect teeth weakened by pulp therapy (baby tooth root canals) or injury-related fractures. Stainless steel crowns are commonly used for their strength and longevity, especially for molars, while tooth-colored options may be used for front teeth.

If a dentist recommends a crown for your child, it’s a proactive step toward ensuring a healthy smile and preventing more invasive treatments.

Placing Children's Dental Crowns with Care in Miami

If you're looking for a children's dentist in Miami to painlessly and precisely place dental crowns to protect your kids’ long-term oral health and bite integrity, contact Dr. Paula Egharvba and the friendly Adonias Smiles Dentistry team to schedule an appointment!

At Adonias Smiles Dentistry, we understand you might have concerns about the safety and necessity of root canal treatment for your child. This is especially true if you have preconceived notions about the procedure due to a previous experience or stories you've heard.

Addressing Your Concerns

Here’s the reality of what root canal or pulpotomy (baby root canal) involves and what you need to know:

• Safety and Pain Management — Root canal procedures are safe. Dr. Paula takes all necessary steps to ensure your child’s comfort.
• Long-Term Outcomes — Root canal treatment preserves your child’s natural teeth for proper development, which is especially crucial for baby teeth.
• Myths and Misconceptions — Many parents have misconceptions about root canals being painful. Modern techniques and anesthesia ensure your child's procedure is no more uncomfortable than a routine filling.​

We're Here to Answer Your Questions

We are sensitive to your concerns. Dr. Paula is here to help you understand why she recommends root canal treatment. Her goal is to ensure you feel confident that this procedure is the best step for your child's oral health.

Please don't hesitate to contact our Miami dental office at (786) 438-4744 with your questions or to schedule an appointment.

Pulp therapy and root canals both address tooth infections. It is worth noting, however, that each serves a different purpose and is performed on different types of teeth. Understanding the distinction helps parents make informed decisions about their child’s dental care.

Pulp Therapy vs. Root Canal

Pulp therapy, often called a "baby root canal," is a procedure designed specifically for primary (baby) teeth. It treats decay or infection that reaches the tooth’s “pulp,” or the soft tissue that contains nerves and blood vessels. During pulp therapy, the dentist removes the infected portion of the pulp while preserving the healthy part. They then seal the tooth and, oftentimes, place a crown for protection.

A root canal, on the other hand, is a more extensive procedure typically performed on permanent teeth. It involves completely removing the damaged pulp, cleaning the root canals, and sealing them to prevent further infection. Since adult teeth are meant to last a lifetime, root canals aim to save them permanently.

Both treatments are effective in preserving teeth and preventing premature tooth loss. Pulp therapy helps baby teeth stay in place until they naturally fall out, while root canals ensure permanent teeth remain functional for years to come.

Children's Root Canal Treatment in Miami

If you're looking for a Miami children's dentist to help ensure the healthy development of your kids’ teeth, whether through routine care or via pain-free pulp therapy, contact Dr. Paula Egharvba and the excellent Adonias Smiles Dentistry team to schedule an appointment!

Children are active and prone to accidents, especially chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth. While you can’t prevent every emergency, here are some tips from Dr. Paula to reduce their risk:

• Regular Dental Checkups — Routine visits help us identify potential issues such as cavities or cracked teeth and treat them if they become emergencies.
• Mouthguards for Sports — We can create a custom mouthguard for your child to protect their teeth from injury during sports. Soccer, softball, bike riding, gymnastics, and skateboarding are just a few activities where protection is crucial.
• Healthy Oral Habits — Proper brushing and flossing removes plaque and tartar that cause cavities and toothaches. Six-month dental checkups go hand in hand with at-home oral hygiene for maintaining a healthy smile.
• Proper Diet and Nutrition — A healthy diet without a lot of sweets and carbs helps support good oral health and minimizes your child’s risk for cavities and gum disease.
• Sealants and Fluoride  — Ask our children's dentist in Miami, FL, whether your child can benefit from sealants and fluoride that strengthen teeth and help prevent cavities.

We Welcome Your Questions!

Part of keeping parents informed is being available to answer questions and provide guidance. If your child experiences a dental emergency, call us right away at (786) 438-4744. If it’s time for their next dental checkup, call our Miami dental office for children to to schedule an appointment.