Specialized Care for Little Smiles

The first dental visit for a child should be a pleasant experience. Although children do not have an inherent fear of dentists, they may be afraid of the unknown. Our office takes extra care to use comforting and easy-to-understand language when explaining each treatment. Our goal is to make 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 both 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 expect during their dental visit but also associate good oral habits with enjoyment. We have compiled a list of our favorite children's books and downloadable coloring sheets to assist parents and teachers in introducing children to oral health and the dentist.

First Dental Visit

It is crucial for children to have their first dental visit by the age of one. It is essential to provide proper dental care and establish good oral hygiene habits as soon as their teeth start to erupt, which typically occurs between 6 to 12 months of age. Let's make learning about teeth an enjoyable experience!

Preventing Tooth Decay with Regular Checkups

Tooth decay occurs when sugars in your mouth turn into acid, which can damage your teeth. Children are particularly susceptible to tooth decay because many of them do not practice good oral hygiene habits. To prevent tooth decay, it is important for children to brush and floss regularly and visit the dentist for checkups. We recommend that your child visits the dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups. Fluoride treatments and tooth sealants are also recommended to strengthen and protect their teeth. Sealants are applied to the deep grooves in your child's teeth to prevent decay in hard-to-reach areas. These treatments will be monitored during your child's regular checkups.

When New Teeth Arrive

Your child's first set of primary or baby teeth will start to come in between 6 and 12 months of age and will continue to emerge until around age three. During this period, your child's gums may feel sensitive and painful. To help relieve this discomfort, we suggest soothing the gums by gently rubbing a clean finger or a cool, damp cloth on them. Another option is to use a teething ring. Once your child has finished teething, they will have a total of 20 primary teeth.

The primary teeth will be shed at different times during childhood, and the permanent teeth will start to come in at age six and continue until age 21. Adults typically have 28 permanent teeth, which increases to 32 if including wisdom teeth.

Adopting Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits

Make sure to regularly check your child's teeth every two weeks for any signs of decay such as lines or discoloration. It's important to remember that 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, lunch, dinner, and before bedtime.

Brushing can be enjoyable, so encourage your child to start brushing as soon as their first tooth comes in. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of toothpaste, about the size of a pea. If your child is under two years old, consult with your dentist or healthcare professional before using fluoride toothpaste. It's also a good idea to go over proper tooth brushing techniques with your child.

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

Pediatric Dental FAQs

Below are common questions and our answers about the best way to care for children’s teeth.

All dental specialists, including pediatric dentists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, and others, start by completing dental school. They then undergo several years of additional specialized training to further their education. During their training in 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.

During the initial visit, we typically keep it brief and straightforward. Our main goal 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 overall 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 for reference at home.

To ensure a successful first visit to our office for your child, it is crucial to maintain a positive attitude. Children are sensitive to adults' feelings, so if you express any negative thoughts about going to the dentist, your child will likely develop fear and behave accordingly. Take the time to show your child pictures of our office and staff on our website. Explain to your child the importance of maintaining healthy teeth and gums, and reassure them that the dentist will assist in achieving this goal. Remember, our dentist is specially trained to address fears and anxiety, and our staff is exceptional at making children feel comfortable during treatment.

Your child's first teeth, although temporary, are crucial for their development. These primary teeth assist in speaking, smiling, and chewing correctly. They also maintain space in the jaw for permanent teeth. If a tooth is lost prematurely due to damage or decay, neighboring teeth may shift and cause permanent teeth to grow crooked or in the wrong position. Additionally, the overall health of your child is influenced by the oral health of their teeth and gums.

Once your child's teeth start to come in, you can begin using toothpaste on their toothbrush. It is important to only use a small amount of toothpaste during each cleaning. For children under the age of two, it is recommended to choose a toothpaste without fluoride as too much fluoride can be harmful for 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 switch to fluoride toothpaste. It is common for children to want to swallow toothpaste, but consuming excessive amounts of fluoride toothpaste can cause teeth to become stained. Until your child is ready to take on the responsibility themselves, typically around the age of six or seven, it is recommended that you brush their teeth for them.

Make sure your child brushes their teeth at least twice a day using toothpaste with fluoride. It is also important to floss daily as it can reach areas between the teeth that brushing alone cannot. Consult with your pediatric dentist about a fluoride supplement that can strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay. Avoid sugary foods and drinks, limit snacking, and maintain a healthy diet. 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 set of X-rays will involve capturing simple images of the front upper and lower teeth, which will help your child become familiar with the process. 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.

Pediatric Dentistry
Port Arthur, TX

Specialized Care for Little Smiles

First Dental Visit

Preventing Tooth Decay with Regular Checkups

When New Teeth Arrive

Adopting Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits

Pediatric Dental FAQs

New Patients & Emergency Appointments Welcome!

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Port Arthur

2780 Hwy. 365, Suite C
Port Arthur, TX 77640

409.332.4701