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Houston's Trusted Pediatric Dental Care
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Your child’s first visit
Your child's first dental visit is a milestone in their oral health journey. Our Houston pediatric dental clinic specializes in providing exceptional care for young smiles. As a trusted pediatric dentist in Houston, we understand the importance of starting early to ensure your child's dental health. Our expert team is dedicated to making your child's dental experience positive and educational.
Your child's initial pediatric dental visit should be scheduled shortly after their third birthday. We focus on building a lasting relationship with your little one while addressing their unique needs. Our gentle approach to pediatric dentistry sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. We recognize that this first visit is crucial and aim to make it a comfortable and informative experience.
Our Houston pediatric dentist will carefully examine your child's teeth and gums, utilizing advanced techniques and, when necessary, X-rays to reveal any concerns like decay or the development of permanent teeth. We may also provide a thorough dental cleaning and apply topical fluoride to protect against decay. Furthermore, we'll ensure your child receives the appropriate fluoride treatment at home.
At our pediatric dental clinic in Houston, Texas, we go beyond routine check-ups. We take the time to educate you and your child on the importance of proper dental care and hygiene. We aim to equip you with the knowledge and tools to maintain your child's bright smile. We are committed to preventive care, cavity prevention, and ensuring your child's oral health is on the right track.
What should I tell my child about the first dental visit?
We have been asked this question many times. We suggest you prepare your child the same way you would before their first haircut or trip to the shoe store. Your child’s reaction to his first visit to the dentist may surprise you.
Here are some “First Visit” tips:
- Take your child for a “preview” of the office.
- Read books with them about going to the dentist.
- Review with them what the dentist will be doing during the first visit.
- Speak positively about your own dental experiences.
During your first visit, the dentist will:
- Examine your mouth, teeth, and gums.
- Evaluate adverse habits like thumb sucking.
- Check to see if you need fluoride.
- Teach you about cleaning your teeth and gums.
- Suggest a schedule for regular dental visits.
If you're looking for a caring pediatric dentist in Houston, request an appointment today!
What about preventative care?
Tooth decay and children no longer have to go hand in hand. At our office, we are most concerned with all aspects of preventive care. We use the latest dental sealant technology to protect your child’s teeth. Dental sealants are space-age plastics bonded to the chewing surfaces of decay-prone back teeth. This is just one of the ways we will set the foundation for your child’s lifetime of good oral health.
Cavity prevention
Most of the time, cavities are due to a diet high in sugary foods and a lack of brushing. Limiting sugar intake and brushing regularly, of course, can help. The longer it takes your child to chew their food and the longer the residue stays on their teeth, the greater the chances of cavities.
Every time someone eats, an acid reaction occurs inside their mouth as the bacteria digests the sugars. This reaction lasts approximately 20 minutes. During this time, the acid environment can destroy the tooth structure, eventually leading to cavities.
Consistency of saliva also makes a difference; thinner saliva breaks up and washes away food more quickly. When people eat diets high in carbohydrates and sugars, they tend to have thicker saliva, allowing more of the acid-producing bacteria that can cause cavities.
Tips for cavity prevention
- Limit frequency of meals and snacks.
- Encourage brushing, flossing, and rinsing.
- Watch what your child drinks.
- Avoid giving your child sticky foods.
- Make treats part of meals.
- Choose nutritious snacks.
The first baby teeth that come into the mouth are the two bottom front teeth. You will notice this when your baby is about 6-8 months old. Next will be the four upper front teeth, and the remainder of your baby’s teeth will appear periodically. They will usually appear in pairs along the sides of the jaw until the child is about 2 1/2 years old.
At around 2 1/2 years old, your child should have all 20 teeth. Between the ages of 5 and 6, the first permanent teeth will begin to erupt. Some permanent teeth replace baby teeth, and some don’t. Don’t worry if some teeth are a few months early or late, as all children are different.
Baby teeth are important as they not only hold space for permanent teeth, but they are important for chewing, biting, speech and appearance. For this reason, it is essential to maintain a healthy diet and daily hygiene.