Per our practice philosophy and recommendations by multiple professional organizations, including the American Dental Association and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, we recommend children be seen in our office no later than age 1. Early dental care is the best way to prevent decay and guide your child into a lifetime of healthy, beautiful teeth.

Below are some common questions regarding pediatric dentistry:

Does my child need to be taken to a pediatric dentist? Pediatric dentists are specially trained to handle problems particular to children, such as dental developmental difficulties, deep sedation of children, and treatment of special needs children. However, most children can be treated by a general dentist. A general dentist often has a relationship with the entire family and therefore has a great deal of family history knowledge, which may apply to your child. A general dentist can also guide a child from the early years, through adolescence, and into a lifetime of healthy teeth as an adult.

When should I take my child to the dentist? The ideal time is six months after your child’s first tooth erupts, or no later than age one. This is the perfect time for the dentist to carefully examine the development of your child’s mouth. Dental problems often start early, so the sooner the visit occurs, the better. Also, your dentist can provide or recommend special preventive care to safeguard against problems, such as baby bottle tooth decay, teething irritations, gum disease, and prolonged thumb-sucking.

When will my child lose his/her baby teeth? Children will begin losing their primary teeth at approximately age 4 or 5. They will usually lose their front teeth first. Children will continue to lose baby teeth until age 12 or 13 when all of the permanent teeth finally erupt.

Why is it important to fix baby teeth that have decay? It is very important to maintain baby teeth. Baby teeth help your child speak clearly, chew correctly, and hold space for the future eruption of permanent teeth. If a baby tooth decays or is removed too early, the space necessary for the permanent tooth is lost and can only be regained through orthodontic treatment. Infected baby teeth also can cause permanent teeth to develop improperly, resulting in permanent enamel defects and weaker teeth.

What can I do to protect my child’s oral health at home? Clean your infant’s gums with a clean, damp cloth. As soon as the first teeth come in, begin brushing them with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized dab of toothpaste. By approximately age 5, your child can learn to brush his or her teeth with proper parental instruction. The best way to teach a child how to brush is to lead by good example.

With cartoons above our dental chairs, computer games, balloons, stickers, Mojo the Monkey, prizes, and a kid-friendly team, children find our office FUN! We offer a full range of pediatric dental services including fillings, sealants, orthodontic screenings, laughing gas, cleanings, and flouride. While there are circumstances in which we may refer your child to a pediatric dentist, the majority of children are treated in our office; conveniently located in Hutto!