Imagine if your child was excited to visit the dentist. It might sound surprising, but at our dental office, we work hard to make this a reality! We offer a gentle and kid-friendly approach that puts children at ease. We provide top-quality pediatric dental care in Plano, TX, with a team that loves working with children. We teach kids how to take care of their teeth and show them that going to the dentist can be fun.
What Is a Pediatric Dentist?
Just like a pediatrician specializes in children’s health, a pediatric dentist focuses on kids’ oral health. Our pediatric specialists have advanced training, making them experts at keeping kids’ teeth healthy. Pediatric dentists complete years of extra schooling in addition to dental school, learning how to work with children and make them feel comfortable during each visit.
They’re also trained to care for children with special needs. At our Plano office, we take pride in offering this specialized care for all children.
Common Dental Problems Pediatric Dentist’s Can Treat
Some dental issues can start early. For example, early tooth decay can occur if a child stays on the bottle or breast too long. Gum issues are also common, with nearly half of kids between two and three showing some gum inflammation. Other habits like thumb-sucking can impact oral health too.
The sooner a child visits the dentist, the better. Strong, healthy teeth help kids chew their food, speak clearly, and feel confident when they smile.
Why Are Baby Teeth So Important?
Baby teeth play a big role in helping kids eat, talk, and smile with confidence. Healthy baby teeth make it easier for children to chew and speak, which boosts their overall comfort and happiness. Baby teeth also hold space for permanent teeth, helping them come in straight. If a baby tooth is lost too early, it can lead to crooked permanent teeth and potential discomfort.
Baby teeth also need care to avoid pain and infections, which can affect both dental and general health. Remember, some baby molars stay until age 10 to 14, so keeping them healthy is important.
Your Child’s First Visit to the Dentist
Your child’s first regular dental visit should be around their third birthday. The visit is usually short and includes a gentle checkup to make sure their teeth and gums are healthy. We might take some X-rays to check for any hidden issues or monitor the growth of permanent teeth.
We’ll likely clean your child’s teeth and apply fluoride to help protect against cavities. Plus, we’ll go over good brushing habits and other ways to keep their smile bright.
Preparing Your Child for Their First Dental Visit
It’s natural to wonder how your child will feel about their first visit. Here are a few tips to make it easier:
- Show them the office with a “preview” visit.
- Read children’s books about visiting the dentist.
- Talk about what they can expect in a positive way.
We’ll examine their mouth, check for habits like thumb-sucking, and go over how to brush and floss. We’ll also set up a plan for regular visits to keep their smile in great shape.
Preventing Cavities
Tooth decay doesn’t have to be a common problem for kids. At our Plano office, we focus on prevention. We offer dental sealants, which help protect teeth from decay. Sealants are a thin coating painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth, creating a barrier that keeps out food particles and plaque. They’re quick to apply, durable, and can last for several years, making them an effective way to prevent cavities.
We also recommend healthy habits like limiting sugary snacks, brushing twice daily, and flossing to help reduce the risk of decay.
Keeping Our Office Safe and Clean
We make your child’s safety a top priority. Our team uses advanced sterilization methods to keep everything clean. After each visit, we disinfect the treatment area, and carefully clean and heat-sterilize our tools. Our staff wears gloves and masks during each procedure, and we’re happy to show you our sterilization process.
Understanding Your Child’s Teeth Development
Your child’s first teeth will begin to come in around six to eight months, usually with the lower front teeth. By age two and a half, most kids have all 20 baby teeth. Around age six, the first permanent teeth start coming in, beginning with molars. Some of these teeth will replace baby teeth, while others are entirely new. Every child is different, so don’t worry if some teeth appear earlier or later than expected.
Cavity Prevention Tips for Kids
- Encourage regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing.
- Limit snacks and sugary drinks.
- Include treats with meals instead of giving them alone.
- Offer healthy snacks like fruits, vegetables, and cheese.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants offer a simple, effective way to protect your child’s teeth from decay. The sealant is a thin layer of tooth-colored material that the dentist places on the biting surfaces of molars. It fills in the grooves of teeth, keeping out plaque and food particles that brushing might miss.
Sealants are easy to apply, take only minutes per tooth, and can last for years. Both children and adults can benefit from sealants to protect against cavities.
Schedule a Visit with Our Family Dentist
Ready to book a visit? We’re here to keep your child’s smile healthy and bright. Contact our Plano office at 972-636-4522 or schedule an appointment online.