We offer specialized dental care for children

It's important for a child's first visit to the dentist to be enjoyable. Children are not naturally afraid of the dentist, but they may fear the unknown. Our office uses simple, non-frightening language to explain treatments and make your family feel comfortable. The more you and your child know about the first visit, the more at ease you will feel.

Preparing your child for their first dental visit is crucial. Activities like reading and coloring can help you and your child discuss the dentist and what to expect, making the experience more familiar and fun. Check out our favorite children's books and coloring sheets to introduce kids to oral health and the dentist.

First Pediatric Dental Visit

It is recommended that children see a dentist by their first birthday to ensure their newly-erupted teeth receive proper care and develop good oral hygiene habits early on. Remember, taking care of your teeth can be enjoyable!

When New Teeth Arrive

Your child’s first primary or baby teeth will begin to erupt between the ages of 6 and 12 months, and will continue to erupt until about age three. During this time, your child’s gums may feel tender and sore. To help alleviate this discomfort, we recommend that you soothe the gums by rubbing a clean finger or a cool, wet cloth across them. You may also choose to make use of a teething ring. When your child has finished teething, you can expect a total of 20 primary teeth.

Your child’s primary teeth are shed at various times throughout childhood, and their permanent teeth begin erupting at age six, and continue until age 21. Adults have 28 permanent teeth, 32 including wisdom teeth.

Developing Child's Good Oral Hygiene Practices

Make sure to check your child's teeth every two weeks as they come in for any signs of decay. Remember to brush their teeth after eating sugary foods and liquids to prevent decay. We recommend brushing four times a day: after breakfast, after lunch, after dinner, and at bedtime.

Brushing should be a fun activity for your child, starting as soon as their first tooth appears. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. For children under two, avoid using fluoride toothpaste unless recommended by a healthcare professional. Make sure to teach your child proper brushing techniques.

Flossing is also important for good oral hygiene, and your dentist will advise you on when to start. If you notice any signs of decay, contact your pediatric dentist in Waxahachie today!

Regular checkups can help prevent tooth decay

Tooth decay is caused by sugars in your mouth turning into acid, which can damage your teeth. Children are especially vulnerable to tooth decay because many do not have good oral hygiene habits. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups can help prevent tooth decay.

Your child needs to see the dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups. Fluoride treatments and sealants are recommended to keep teeth strong and prevent decay in hard-to-reach areas. Sealants can last for several years and will be checked during your child's regular checkups.

Pediatric Dental FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions and our responses regarding the optimal way to care for children's teeth.

It is recommended to schedule a dental appointment for your child as soon as their first tooth comes in. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests that children should see a dentist by six months after their first tooth erupts or by their first birthday, whichever comes first.

All dental specialists (pediatric dentists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, and others) begin by completing dental school, then continue their education with several years of additional specialized training. During training in the field of pediatric dentistry, your doctor gained extensive knowledge and experience in treating infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatric dentists enjoy working with children, and bring to each patient our expertise in childhood development and behavior. Because our office is geared toward young visitors, you’ll find that our staff, as well as our office design, decorations and activities, all work together to provide an especially friendly and comfortable environment for children.

During the initial visit, we typically keep it brief and straightforward. Our main goal is to familiarize ourselves with your child and provide you with essential information about dental care. The dentist will examine your child's teeth for positioning and overall health, as well as assess the gums and jaw for any issues. If needed, a light cleaning may be performed. We will also address any inquiries you may have regarding your child's dental care and offer materials with useful tips for at-home maintenance.

Encourage a positive attitude for your child's first visit to our office. Avoid negative comments about the dentist to prevent your child from fearing a bad experience. Show them pictures of the office and staff on our website. Emphasize the importance of keeping their teeth and gums healthy and reassure them that the doctor will help. Our staff is trained to handle fears and anxiety, making sure your child feels comfortable during treatment.

Your child's baby teeth may not last as long as permanent teeth, but they are crucial for their development. These primary teeth help your child speak, smile, and chew properly, as well as maintain space in the jaw for permanent teeth. If a baby tooth is lost too early due to damage or decay, nearby teeth may shift and cause permanent teeth to grow in crooked or misplaced. Additionally, your child's overall health is impacted by the health of their teeth and gums.

Once your child has a few teeth, you can start using toothpaste on the brush. Use only a tiny amount for each cleaning, and be sure to choose toothpaste without fluoride for children under two, because too much fluoride can be dangerous for very young children. Always have your child rinse and spit out toothpaste after brushing, to begin a lifelong habit he’ll need when he graduates to fluoride toothpaste. Children naturally want to swallow toothpaste after brushing, and swallowing too much fluoride toothpaste can cause teeth to stain. You should brush your child’s teeth for him until he is ready to take on that responsibility himself, which usually happens by age six or seven.

Make sure your child brushes their teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. It's also important to floss daily to reach areas between the teeth that brushing alone can't. Consult with your pediatric dentist about a fluoride supplement to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay. Encourage a healthy diet by avoiding sugary foods and drinks, limiting snacking, and making regular dental appointments for professional cleanings and check-ups.

It is recommended to have X-rays taken around the age of two or three to familiarize your child with the process. The first set will consist of simple pictures of the front upper and lower teeth. Once the baby teeth in the back are touching, regular X-rays (at least yearly) are recommended. Permanent teeth typically start coming in around age six, and X-rays help ensure that your child's teeth and jaw are healthy and properly aligned. If your child is at a high risk of dental problems, we may suggest taking X-rays at an earlier age.

Pediatric Dentistry

We offer specialized dental care for children

First Pediatric Dental Visit

When New Teeth Arrive

Developing Child's Good Oral Hygiene Practices

Regular checkups can help prevent tooth decay

Pediatric Dental FAQs

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