Dr. Kristine Smith, DMD is a General Dentist practicing at Comfortable Care Dental in Sarasota, FL, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults 65 years and older. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). General dentists play a vital role in the overall health of older adults, providing comprehensive oral care, managing age-related dental issues like dry mouth and gum disease, and collaborating with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal oral and overall well-being. Dr. Smith is an esteemed member of the Doctor Mastery Program, a five-year program with world-renowned clinicians. Upon completion, she will achieve Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), a distinction held by only 7% of general dentists in the United States. She is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, Florida Dental Association and the American Dental Education Association. Dr. Smith's care philosophy centers on actively listening to each patient, understanding their needs, and providing the best possible dental care to help them achieve optimum oral health. She enjoys helping patients achieve optimal dental health and create the bright smiles they have always dreamed of. She is currently welcoming new patients and can be reached at (941) 241-4297 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Smith provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Kristine Smith is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Kristine Smith is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive care. She understands the unique needs of aging adults, focusing on not only their dental health but also their overall well-being. Her approach emphasizes proactive management of age-related dental issues like dry mouth and gum disease, while seamlessly coordinating with other healthcare professionals to ensure a holistic and personalized plan that maximizes comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Kristine Smith can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Dental
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Advantage Plus PPO
- Aetna
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- Dental DPPO
- Dental Network of America
- Dental Network of America DPPO
- Dental PPO
- DentalGuard Preferred
- DenteMax
- Guardian
- Humana
- Humana PPO
- MetLife
- MetLife PDP
- Principal Financial Group
- Total Dental Administrators PPO
- Total Dental Administrators PPO PPO
- United Concordia
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Kristine Smith provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Chipped Tooth: A small chip in your tooth might seem minor, but addressing it promptly helps prevent infection, discomfort, and potential problems down the line, ensuring you maintain your independence.
- Receding Gums: The gradual pulling back of gum tissue, known as gum recession, can be addressed by your dentist, often with procedures to help improve gum health and prevent further problems.
- Sensitive Teeth: Don't let sensitive teeth prevent you from enjoying a healthy and delicious diet. Your dentist can provide relief and effective treatments to help you manage this common age-related concern and enjoy mealtimes again.
- Cavity: Cavities develop when bacteria break down tooth enamel, causing a small hole that can lead to toothache and potential infection if left untreated; regular dental checkups and prompt treatment keep your smile healthy.
- Tooth Decay: Untreated tooth decay can lead to serious dental problems like infections or tooth loss, negatively affecting your ability to eat and speak clearly. Regular dental care will help prevent such issues and keep you healthy and independent.
- Bad Taste in Mouth: That lingering bad taste can affect your enjoyment of food and drinks, impacting your nutrition and overall well-being. A visit to your dentist might reveal a simple fix to this common problem.
- Tender Gums: Tender gums can be a sign of gum disease or irritation, and your dentist can help find the cause and recommend gentle treatment to ease discomfort and protect your teeth.
- Canker Sore: If you're experiencing recurring or unusually large canker sores, it's important to consult your dentist, as they might indicate an underlying medical condition that needs attention, and your dentist can help identify the cause and provide effective treatment.
- Gum Disease: Experiencing bleeding gums, red or swollen gums, or persistent bad breath could be signs of gum disease; seeking prompt professional care from your dentist allows for early intervention and preservation of your teeth.
- Mouth Conditions: Maintaining good oral health as we age is vital, and addressing mouth conditions promptly, whether it's through regular cleanings, managing dry mouth, or treating gum disease, significantly improves comfort and overall well-being.
- Loose Teeth: Having loose teeth can be unsettling, but your dentist can diagnose the underlying issue and offer various treatments, such as splinting or replacement, to improve your oral health and well-being.
- Swollen Gums: Notice your gums looking puffy? This could signal gum disease, but with prompt attention from your dentist, treatment like cleaning and medication can prevent more serious problems and maintain your ability to eat comfortably.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. Kristine Smith offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Amalgam Dental Fillings: Regular dental visits and, if necessary, the use of amalgam fillings as a restorative treatment, can play a critical role in preventing more serious dental problems in the future.
- Dental Cleaning: Dental cleanings help remove plaque and tartar buildup, preventing gum disease and cavities, a crucial step in maintaining your oral health as you age.
- Dental Crown: A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance, helping maintain your smile and ability to eat comfortably.
- Dental Hygiene Services: Regular dental hygiene appointments help detect oral health problems early, allowing for timely intervention and improving the overall success of your senior care plan.
- Dental Implant: Dental implants are artificial tooth roots surgically placed into your jawbone, providing a stable base for replacement teeth, improving chewing and speaking ability and boosting your confidence.
- Root Canal: By removing infected tissue inside the tooth and carefully sealing the area, a root canal can resolve pain and save a tooth from requiring extraction.
- Teeth Extraction: As a preventative measure, removing a tooth that's beyond repair can prevent the spread of infection to neighboring teeth or other areas of the body.
- Teeth Whitening: While not always medically necessary, teeth whitening can be a valuable cosmetic procedure to enhance your self-esteem and overall oral health strategy.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for General Dentists in Florida.
Dr. Kristine Smith is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- A senior woman, concerned about a chipped tooth, found relief from discomfort and gained renewed confidence in her ability to enjoy her favorite foods. This simple intervention allowed her to maintain her independent lifestyle.
- After treatment for receding gums, a senior woman felt more confident smiling and eating the foods she loved, restoring a vital part of her daily enjoyment.
- Grandma enjoyed her favorite ice cream again, a sweet treat previously impossible due to sensitive teeth, thanks to a personalized treatment plan from her dentist. The family rejoiced in her renewed ability to savor everyday foods.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
View on Map
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
Here are answers to some common questions about Dental care with Dr. Kristine Smith:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Dr. Smith's practice emphasizes the critical link between oral and overall health. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can enter the bloodstream, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental care is essential for maintaining not just healthy teeth, but also your overall health and wellness.
- My medications make my mouth constantly dry. Is this a dental problem?
- Yes, dry mouth (xerostomia) is a very common side effect of many medications, and it is a dental problem. Saliva is the body's natural defense against cavities, so dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Smith can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- No, healthy gums should not bleed. Bleeding is usually the first sign of gum inflammation (gingivitis), which can progress to periodontitis if untreated. This is often reversible with a professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene, and Dr. Smith can help create an effective and gentle home care routine.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Changes in your jawbone and gums over time can cause dentures to loosen. Dr. Smith can reline your dentures to create a better fit, or make new ones if needed. A proper fit is important for comfortable eating and speaking.
- Why are my teeth becoming more sensitive as I get older?
- Tooth sensitivity in older adults is often due to receding gums, exposing the tooth root. Years of brushing can also wear down enamel. Dr. Smith can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other potential issues.
- What is the difference between a bridge and a partial denture?
- A dental bridge is a fixed appliance cemented to your teeth, while a partial denture is a removable appliance that clips onto your teeth. A bridge permanently fills the gap, while a partial denture is taken out for cleaning.
- Are dental implants a safe and good option for older adults?
- Dental implants are often an excellent solution for older adults with sufficient jawbone health. They provide a secure, long-term way to replace missing teeth, anchoring a crown, bridge, or even a full denture and preventing slipping. This is a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- Dr. Smith will quickly and painlessly inspect your mouth, lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and throat for any unusual sores or discolorations. She will also gently feel your jaw and neck for any lumps. Early detection is key to successful treatment of oral cancer, making this a vital part of every routine dental exam.
Comfortable Care Dental
5540 Bee Ridge Rd Ste 1
Sarasota FL 34233
Phone: (941) 241-4297
Dr. Kristine Smith, DMD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1548571532
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. General Dentists like Dr. Kristine Smith are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.