As your local family dentist in Flower Mound, TX, we want to help you care for your child’s smile. Regular dental visits and preventative treatments are a part of pediatric care and parental guidance. We help parents learn how to reinforce good oral health habits in their children and help them learn to brush and floss. Our office also provides general dental care services to our new and existing patients.
Family Dentistry in Flower Mound, TX
Oral health can be fun; we want to come alongside our patients and their families to show why:
Don’t forget your baby’s gums
Babies don’t have teeth, so why is taking care of their oral health necessary? Babies’ mouths produce less saliva than adults, and saliva is integral in keeping bacteria under control. If you don’t care for your baby’s gums and mouth, bacteria may multiply, resulting in an infection. Luckily, gum care is easy.
We suggest wiping down your baby’s gums twice daily to combat the spread of bacteria. Wash your hands before doing this to rid them of any lingering germs. Use damp gauze or a washcloth to softly rub your baby’s gums, tongue, and soft mouth tissue. Through this process, unwanted food and bacteria will be eliminated!
Get a head start on healthy teeth
Did you know we accept pediatric patients? Many parents don’t realize they can bring their children to see us at a young age. This is beneficial in multiple ways. First, it helps us become familiar with the structure of your child’s mouth and how their teeth grow. Because of this, we will be able to provide exceptional care.
Your child will also be less likely to become nervous about visiting us. As you know, regular dental visits are integral to preventing plaque buildup. The younger your child has plaque removed, the healthier their smile will be in the long run. A healthy smile will lead to a healthy life, and bringing your children to see us early will help them understand this.
Structure your child’s smile routine
It is no secret that children thrive with routine. Toddlers and younger children may mirror their parents’ behaviors, even though they may not understand them. To get your children to cooperate with their brushing routine, set a specific time for oral healthcare during the morning and evening, and join them. Your children will begin recognizing this should be part of their routine and want to be just like you.
Teeth-friendly snacks don’t have to be boring
Healthy food can be fun for your kids and doesn’t only involve the vegetables you know they will complain about having to eat. Citrus is rich in vitamin C, which keeps the soft tissue in your mouth healthy.
Citrus is sweet, whether in a glass of orange juice or grapefruit slices, and kids love it. Dairy is another option. Packed with calcium and vitamin B12, it will strengthen your teeth and increase the health of your gums. The best thing about dairy is that it comes in many tasty forms, from cheese and yogurt to ice cream for a special treat.
Family Dentistry FAQs
Discover more about family dentistry in Flower Mound, TX, with answers to these common questions:
How often should my child visit the dentist?
Your child should visit the dentist every six months, just like adults. Regular check-ups help the dentist spot any problems early, like cavities or gum issues, and keep your child’s teeth healthy with professional cleanings. Some kids may need to go more often if they have specific dental concerns, but twice a year is a good rule of thumb for most children.
At what age should my child visit the dentist?
Your child should visit the dentist by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth comes in—whichever comes first. This early visit helps the dentist check your child’s oral health, monitor tooth development, and give you tips for keeping their teeth and gums healthy. Starting dental visits early also helps your child get comfortable with the dentist, making future visits easier.
What are fluoride treatments?
Fluoride treatments are quick and simple ways to help protect your teeth from cavities. Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel, which is the outer layer of your teeth.
During a fluoride treatment, the dentist applies a gel, foam, or varnish with a high concentration of fluoride directly to your teeth. This can be done in just a few minutes. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay and can even repair small areas of early damage to your enamel. These treatments are especially helpful for children, but adults can benefit too.
What are dental sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings that a dentist applies to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth, where cavities are most likely to form. These teeth, called molars, have grooves that can trap food and bacteria, making them harder to keep clean.
The sealant acts like a shield, keeping out food particles and germs. Applying sealants is quick and painless—we just paints the sealant onto the teeth, and it hardens to form a protective layer. Sealants are especially helpful for kids but can also benefit adults with healthy teeth.
How do dentists help children feel comfortable during their visits?
At our office, we make sure that every child feels at ease during their visit. Our dentists and dental staff are gentle and patient. They take extra time to explain each step of the visit to the child, so they know exactly what’s happening and feel more comfortable with the process. This helps them feel more in control and less nervous.
We also use positive reinforcement to encourage children. After the appointment, we offer small rewards, like stickers or a fun treat, to celebrate their bravery. This helps them feel proud of how well they did and makes the experience more enjoyable.
To make things easier, we always speak in simple terms. We explain what’s happening in a way that’s easy for kids to understand, using friendly words that aren’t scary. We avoid any complicated or frightening language, so children feel safe and calm.
We also encourage parents to stay with their child during the visit. Having a parent nearby helps the child feel secure and supported throughout the appointment. This extra comfort helps children relax, knowing they have their trusted adult right there with them. By making dental visits a positive experience, we help children develop healthy habits and a good attitude about dental care.
Why are baby teeth essential?
Baby teeth are essential for several reasons:
- Baby teeth help children chew food properly, which is essential for healthy eating and nutrition.
- These teeth play a key role in helping children learn to speak clearly.
- Baby teeth act as placeholders for adult teeth, guiding the permanent teeth into the right position when they start to come in.
- Healthy baby teeth help children smile confidently and feel good about their appearance.
- If baby teeth fall out too early due to decay or other problems, it can affect the development of adult teeth and lead to dental issues later on.
Even though baby teeth eventually fall out, taking care of them is essential for a child’s overall dental health and development.
Are dental X-rays safe for my child?
Yes, dental X-rays are safe for your child. Dentists take great care to limit the amount of radiation used during X-rays. The amount of radiation in a dental X-ray is very small, much lower than the radiation we are exposed to in daily life, like from the sun.
To make sure your child is protected, the dentist will use a special lead apron to cover their body and protect them from any radiation. The dentist may also use a lead collar to protect the thyroid area, which is especially sensitive.
How can I teach my child proper brushing and flossing habits?
Teaching your child proper brushing and flossing habits is essential for their long-term dental health. Begin brushing your child’s teeth as soon as they have their first tooth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a tiny amount of toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) for infants. As they grow, you can increase the toothpaste amount to a pea-sized amount.
Set up a regular time for brushing, like after breakfast and before bed. Consistency helps your child remember to brush their teeth every day.
Children often mimic what adults do. Brush your own teeth in front of them so they can see how it’s done. This helps them understand the importance of brushing.
Show your child how to brush in small, gentle circles. Teach them to brush the front, back, and chewing surfaces of each tooth, and don’t forget the tongue. For flossing, guide them to gently slide the floss between their teeth, curving it around each tooth to clean the sides.
Get Quality Care
Our practice is family-friendly, and our dentists would love to become your go-to providers, regardless of your oral health journey.
We serve Bartonville, Lantana, Copper Canyon, Highland Village, and Lake Dallas Lewisville, Coppell, Grapevine, Southlake, Keller, Trophy Club, Roanoke, and Elizabethtown. We also serve Justin, Northlake, Argyle, Colleyville, and countless other cities and neighborhoods in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex!