It’s back to school time and that means it’s back to hectic schedules, afterschool activities and homework help. But, it also means that it’s time for parents and children alike to take a refresher course about some of the most important bones in the human body: their teeth.

With all of the day-to-day stresses throughout the school year, sometimes dental care can be overlooked for kids, especially when they’re tired. But, at The Right Smile Dentistry office, located on Lake Underhill Road and Alafaya Trail, the staff stands ready, willing and able to help with everything from tried and true brushing techniques to completely free, child-focused education programs.

“Having a great smile is important, but having a healthy one is even better,” says Dr. Axel Castro, co-owner of The Right Smile Dentistry, along with his wife, Dr. Maribel Morales. “It can be difficult sometimes for children and parents to develop proper brushing habits in today’s world, but that’s why we’re here. Good dental care starts with the primary or ‘baby’ teeth; good habits will lead to better overall health, even though the primary teeth eventually fall out in favor of the permanent set.”

Although some say the primary teeth are expendable, Castro and Morales believe differently, and it has helped to set their office apart. “These teeth have value, even though they fall out,” says Morales. “Primary teeth have a very important role in a person’s development and significantly influence the future oral health of the individual.”

One of the most important tips to remember, according to the doctors, is that children have not developed the mature motor skills to brush every surface in the mouth, so it’s important that parents supervise children after brushing to help them find areas they’re missing. “The goal should be maintaining these teeth in the mouth until the body is ready for the permanent set to erupt, otherwise problems like impacted or mis-aligned teeth may occur and lead to a dysfunctional bite,” says Castro.

It’s for this reason that the duo has worked diligently to create an extensive child-focused program for kids of all ages. “We’ve got funny animal videos, interactive models and all sorts of tools specialized to help us not only show the kids why good health matters, but to keep them entertained and build a rapport with them,” says Dr. Morales. “One of the most challenging aspects of working with children is to make it past the typical stress associated with the dental appointment, but when we can break through that and establish trust, a friendship even, it’s really rewarding and it helps the child so much.”

According to Castro, working with children is one of his favorite parts of the day, simply because he’s never quite sure what they’re going to say to him next. “It’s a completely different experience for us since the appointment becomes a very friendly time, full of spontaneity and conversations on everything from cartoons to videogames; it’s a lot of fun.”

The proud parents of two boys, aged six and 8-years-old, themselves, the doctors put their firsthand knowledge of how to interact with children to use every day at the office. “It helps us understand the way kids think and the ways we can best answer questions in a way they’ll understand or that will make them feel better,” says Morales. “Oh, and being current with what they watch on TV and what goes on at school helps out a bunch, too.”

But more than that, it has also given them a unique perspective on how to treat parents and children. “Being a married couple helps us maintain a family-oriented atmosphere that’s friendly and open,” says Castro. “We know how we would like our children to be treated and we understand that parents expect from us and professional care for their children.”

As a service to the community, The Right Smile offers dental care education at no charge for all children, whether they’re a current patient or not. “It’s so important to overall health and happiness, we felt like it was one of the best ways to help fellow parents. I know if I had a question about my child’s health, I’d want to get it answered as fast and as accurate as possible,” says Morales.

They have also created a comprehensive program that they perform in daycare centers and elementary schools. The presentation includes costumes, stage shows with puppets and even oversized, three feet high teeth. The office also supplies toothbrushes, floss and toothpaste for all kids and teachers present. Perhaps best of all, the service is entirely free of charge.

“We are extremely pleased to provide the service in our community, the kids love the informal, entertaining nature, but the program really includes some great, comprehensive information,” says Castro. “I couldn’t think of a better way for kids to learn about the importance of brushing their teeth and we’re thrilled to put the show on for them.”

Interested in learning how The Right Smile can help your child? Contact their Waterford Lakes area office to schedule an appointment today.

The Right Smile Dentistry
12301 Lake Underhill Rd., Suite 104
Orlando, FL  32828
407.380.7046 - www.TheRightSmileFL.com

Article by Corey Gehrold