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Pediatric Dentistry in Texas

Our experienced pediatric dentists offer a variety of treatments to help your child achieve and maintain excellent oral health. iKids Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics goes above and beyond to ease any anxiety or fear your child may have so they can have an enjoyable and positive experience.

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Our Pediatric Dentists in Texas

Our experienced pediatric dentists in Texas offer a variety of treatments to help your child achieve and maintain excellent oral health. iKids Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics goes above and beyond to ease any anxiety or fear your child may have so they can have an enjoyable and positive experience with the dentist.

Our focus is on preventative dental care to ensure your child grows up with a healthy smile that will last a lifetime. We welcome children of all ages, teens, and kids with special needs. If you are looking to learn more about dentistry for children at one of our many pediatric dental locations in Texas, we are happy to answer your questions; Keep reading to learn more, or give us a call today!

Our Pediatric Dental Services

  • Dental exams & X-rays
  • Dental cleanings
  • Fluoride treatment
  • Sealants
  • Fillings

The Importance of Regular Dental Checkups for Kids

Maintaining your child’s oral care starts with scheduling dental checkups every six months. With regular checkups, our team members can catch any dental issues your child may have, and identifying a problem early on means it’s easier to treat.

Proper brushing and flossing routines and regularly visiting the dentist will help your child stay committed to practicing good dental hygiene habits. Regular checkups and good hygiene habits at home can help prevent cavities, which will prevent the need for dental work in the future.

Special Needs Dentistry for Children in Texas

We understand that every child is different and may need extra care to feel comfortable during their dental visits. Children with special needs sometimes face unique dental challenges. Our pediatric specialists are here to help provide your child with the quality, individualized dental care they need in a comfortable and safe environment.  

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, special health care needs include any type of emotional, sensory, physical, behavioral, mental, cognitive, or developmental limiting condition or impairment that requires specialized services, medical management, or healthcare intervention. We are prepared to do all we can to ensure that wherever it is that your child needs extra attention, we are there to give it.

Here at iKids Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, our team members have the specialized knowledge and experience necessary to provide proper dental care to your child. We will do our best to ensure your child’s time with us is a positive and stress-free experience. 

FAQ Pediatric Dental Care

Your Baby’s First Visit to the Dentist

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends bringing your child in to see us by their first birthday. Though this may sound early, we can teach you proper pediatric oral hygiene techniques, check for cavities, and watch for developmental problems.

Various forms of tooth decay can affect babies and small children. Early childhood cavities (tooth decay) can develop rapidly, progressing from the hard outer enamel layer of a tooth into the softer inner dentin in six months or less. Most of all, we want to ensure your child has a positive experience at our office and will be a regular visitor for years to come.

Why Should My Child See a Pediatric Dentist Instead of Our Regular Family Dentist?

The specialized field of pediatric dentistry exists because a child’s mouth differs largely from an adult’s mouth. As pediatric dentists, we have an additional two to three years of training in dentistry for children all over Texas. Our specialized field covers the oral health of children, and our education and experience prepare us for the unique needs of children, infants, and adolescents. We also tend to those who have special healthcare needs. To learn more about why you should choose a pediatric dentist over a family dentist, visit our page here.

When Does My Child Require Orthodontic Screening?

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends children receive an orthodontics screening by the age of seven. It is important for us to evaluate the development of your child’s incoming adult teeth. If your child is not in need of more aggressive orthodontic treatment, we will address dental issues once more of their permanent teeth are in place, and their jaw is developed.

How to Care For Your Infant’s Delicate Baby Teeth

A lifetime of good oral health begins during infancy, even before the baby’s first tooth emerges. We have provided some guidelines below to help new parents!

Caring for Your Baby’s Gums

It’s a good idea to get into the habit of wiping your baby’s gums with gauze or a soft, wet washcloth to remove any sugars, milk, or residual food. Simply wrap the gauze or cloth around your index finger and gently rub it over their gums. There is no need to use any toothpaste yet.

Your Baby’s First Teeth

Generally, the first baby teeth that appear are usually the lower front teeth and can appear between six and nine months of age. All babies are unique, so it’s not unusual if your child’s teeth emerge before or after this age. When their first teeth emerge, it’s time to transition to a baby toothbrush.

As more teeth appear, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that you start brushing your child’s teeth with a small amount of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice. Gently brush the inside and outside of your baby’s teeth, as well as their tongue. Since a tiny amount of toothpaste is being used, there is no need to rinse.

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay (Early Childhood Cavities)

One serious form of dental decay among young children is baby bottle tooth decay. This condition is caused by frequent and long exposures of an infant’s teeth to liquids that contain sugar. Among these liquids are milk (including breast milk), formula, fruit juice, and other sweetened drinks.

Putting a baby to bed for a nap or at night with a bottle other than water can cause serious and rapid tooth decay. Sweet liquid pools around the child’s teeth, allowing plaque bacteria to produce acids that attack tooth enamel. If you must give the baby a bottle as a comforter at bedtime, it should contain only water. If your child doesn’t fall asleep without the bottle and their usual beverage, gradually dilute the bottle’s contents with water over two to three weeks.

Can Thumb-Sucking Harm My Child’s Teeth?

Thumb and pacifier-sucking habits can lead to crooked teeth or bite problems should your child continue this habit for a long time. If your child is still sucking their thumb, fingers, or pacifier when their permanent teeth erupt, they may need a mouth appliance recommended by our pediatric dentists. You must encourage your child to stop these bad habits so that any dental issues can be avoided.

When Should My Child Start Using Toothpaste?

After your child’s teeth erupt, you can use a smear size amount of baby toothpaste and a soft baby toothbrush. When children reach three years of age, we advise parents to supervise their child’s teeth brushing and make sure they only use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Your child mustn’t swallow the toothpaste.

How Do I Prevent My Child From Getting Cavities?

Poor oral health or a diet high in sugary foods can lead to cavities in your child’s mouth. When children don’t brush or floss well or often enough, the bacteria in their mouths feed on the sugars that are left behind on their teeth. This develops into plaque and eventually tartar, leading to tooth decay. 

If plaque and tartar are not removed, it can cause decay, cavities, periodontal disease, and other oral health problems. Your child may experience discomfort when eating and drinking hot or cold foods as a result of tooth decay. It’s important to see your pediatric dentist at one of our Texas offices as soon as possible if your child is experiencing any pain so that we can ensure no decay could spread.

Here are a few ways to prevent tooth decay for your child:

  • Brush and floss daily
  • Use fluoridated toothpaste
  • Use an antibacterial mouthwash
  • Take your child for regular dental checkups and cleanings; preventative care is essential for healthy gums and teeth
  • Ask our Texas pediatric dentist  about dental sealants which can prevent cavities and benefit tooth strengthening
  • Chew sugar-free gum
  • Limit your child’s intake of sugary foods and drinks

How Your Child’s Diet Affects the Health of Their Teeth 

A balanced diet promotes good oral health. Your child’s teeth and gums become more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease, and mouth tissue can find it hard to resist infection without proper nutrients.

Here are a few balanced diet options for your child:

  • Fruit
  • Raw vegetables
  • Cheeses and yogurts
  • Nuts
  • Leafy greens
  • Lean proteins
  • Water

Start Your Child’s Smile Journey Today With Our Pediatric Dentist in Texas! 

If you want to learn more about our pediatric dentistry services for your child, give us a call or schedule a consultation today! Our friendly staff will happily assist you. 

We look forward to meeting you and starting your smile journey together!

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