Pediatric/Children’s Dentistry | Dentist Bridge City

Specialized Care for Little Smiles

We strive to make a child's initial dental visit a pleasant experience. While children do not inherently fear the dentist, they may be apprehensive about the unknown. Our office takes extra care to use comforting and straightforward language when explaining each procedure. Our goal is to ensure both you and your child feel comfortable as soon as you step into our office. The more information you and your child have about the first visit, the more at ease you will be.

It is crucial to introduce your child to the dentist before their first visit. Engaging in activities like reading and coloring can be effective in discussing the dentist with your child. These activities not only familiarize children with what to anticipate during their dental visit but also associate good oral habits with enjoyment. We have compiled a list of our preferred children's books and downloadable coloring sheets to assist parents and teachers in introducing oral health and the dentist to children.

First Dental Visit

It is crucial for children to see a dentist by their first birthday. It is important to provide proper dental care and establish good oral hygiene habits for your child's newly-erupted teeth (which typically start to come in between 6 and 12 months of age).

Discovering and learning about your teeth can be an enjoyable experience!

Preventing Tooth Decay with Regular Checkups

Tooth decay is primarily caused by the conversion of sugars in the mouth into acid, which can lead to the deterioration of teeth. Unfortunately, many children and adolescents neglect to maintain proper oral hygiene practices, putting them at a higher risk for tooth decay. However, by implementing regular and effective brushing and flossing routines, as well as scheduling routine dental visits, tooth decay can be prevented.

It is recommended that your child visits the dentist every six months for regular dental cleanings and checkups. Additionally, we suggest fluoride treatments twice a year, in conjunction with cleanings, to maintain the strength of their teeth. To further protect against decay in hard-to-reach areas, tooth sealants are also advised. These sealants act as a protective barrier by sealing the deep grooves in your child's teeth. While sealants typically last for several years, they will be monitored during your child's regular checkups.

When New Teeth Arrive

Between the ages of 6 and 12 months, your child's first primary or baby teeth will start to come in. This process will continue until they are around three years old. During this time, your child's gums may be sensitive and painful. To help ease this discomfort, we suggest gently rubbing their gums with a clean finger or a cool, damp cloth. Another option is to use a teething ring. Once your child has finished teething, they will have a total of 20 primary teeth.

Throughout childhood, your child's primary teeth will fall out at different times, and their permanent teeth will start to come in at the age of six. This process will continue until they are 21 years old. Adults typically have 28 permanent teeth, which increases to 32 if you include wisdom teeth.

Adopting Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits

It is important to regularly examine your child's teeth every two weeks for any signs of decay, such as lines or discoloration. Sugary foods and drinks can harm new teeth, so make sure your child brushes their teeth after eating or drinking. We recommend brushing four times a day for the best oral hygiene: after breakfast, after lunch, after dinner, and before bedtime.

Brushing can be enjoyable, and your child should start brushing as soon as their first tooth appears. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to brush the tooth. If your child is under two years old, avoid using fluoride toothpaste unless advised by a dentist or healthcare professional. It is a good idea to review proper tooth brushing techniques with your child.

Flossing is also an important part of maintaining good oral hygiene, and your dentist will advise you on when to start flossing. If you notice any signs of decay, contact your dentist right away.

Pediatric Dental FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about the optimal way to maintain children's dental health, along with our corresponding answers.

All dental specialists, including pediatric dentists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, and others, start by completing dental school. After that, they undergo several years of additional specialized training. In the case of pediatric dentistry, your doctor has acquired extensive knowledge and experience in treating infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatric dentists have a passion for working with children and bring their expertise in childhood development and behavior to each patient. Our office is specifically designed for young visitors, with a staff and environment that create a friendly and comfortable atmosphere for children.

Typically, the initial appointment is brief and straightforward. Our main objective is to acquaint ourselves with your child and provide you with essential information regarding dental care. The dentist will examine your child's teeth to assess their positioning and health, as well as identify any potential issues with the gums and jaw. If required, a minor cleaning may be performed. Additionally, we will address any queries you may have about maintaining your child's dental hygiene as they grow, and furnish you with informative materials containing useful tips that you can refer to at home.

To ensure your child has a successful first visit to our office, it is crucial to maintain a positive attitude. Children are perceptive and can sense any apprehensions or negative comments from adults about going to the dentist. This can lead to them fearing an unpleasant experience and behaving accordingly. To alleviate any concerns, show your child the pictures of our office and staff on our website. Explain to them the importance of maintaining healthy teeth and gums, and reassure them that the dentist will assist in achieving this. It is important to remember that our dentist is specially trained to handle fears and anxiety, and our staff excels at making children feel comfortable during treatment.

The development of your child's first teeth is extremely important, even though they are temporary. These primary teeth play a vital role in their ability to speak, smile, and chew properly. They also help to preserve space in the jaw for their permanent teeth. If a tooth is lost too soon due to damage or decay, it can cause neighboring teeth to shift, leading to crooked or misaligned permanent teeth. Furthermore, the overall health of your child is impacted by the oral health of their teeth and gums.

Once your child's teeth start to come in, it is safe to introduce toothpaste on their toothbrush. However, it is important to use only a small amount for each brushing. For children under two years old, it is recommended to choose a toothpaste without fluoride as excessive fluoride can be harmful to young children. After brushing, always encourage your child to rinse and spit out the toothpaste to develop a lifelong habit that will be necessary when they transition to fluoride toothpaste. It is common for children to want to swallow toothpaste, but consuming too much fluoride toothpaste can lead to tooth staining. Until your child is around six or seven years old, it is best to brush their teeth for them until they are ready to take on the responsibility themselves.

Please ensure that your child brushes their teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day. It is also crucial to floss daily as it can reach areas between the teeth that brushing alone cannot. Consult your pediatric dentist regarding a fluoride supplement that strengthens tooth enamel and reduces decay. Encourage a healthy diet by avoiding sugary foods and drinks, limiting snacking, and maintaining a balanced eating routine. Lastly, schedule regular appointments for us to assess your child's dental health and provide professional cleanings.

It is advisable to have X-rays taken when your child is around two or three years old. The initial X-ray set will include basic images of the front upper and lower teeth, which will help your child become familiar with the procedure. Once the baby teeth in the back start touching each other, it is recommended to have regular X-rays taken at least once a year. Around the age of six, permanent teeth begin to emerge, and X-rays are essential to ensure the health and proper alignment of your child's teeth and jaw. If your child is at a higher risk of dental issues, we may suggest having X-rays taken at an earlier age.