Children’s Dentistry McKinney

When Should My Child Visit the Dentist?

It’s recommended your child has their first dental appointment around their first birthday. Although this might seem young, it’s essential for building a trusting relationship with your child for stress-free visits over the years. Not to mention, it teaches them the importance of oral health to remain committed to their smile throughout their life.

Early care gives us the opportunity to monitor their oral health and development. We will have a better understanding of their dental, medical, and environmental history to create personalized treatment plans catering to their specific needs. After your child’s first visit, it’s best to maintain routine cleanings and checkups at least twice a year.

Even before your child’s first tooth erupts, it’s best to get them into the habit of caring for their smile at least twice a day. Use a wet washcloth to wipe their gums and tongue in the morning and at night. As their baby teeth emerge, use a small soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean their teeth. Introduce nightly flossing around the age of 6.

What to Expect at Your Child's 1st Dental Visit

During your child’s first visit, we will take a quick look in their mouth to examine their teeth. If your child allows it, our dental hygienist may perform a quick cleaning. As your child becomes more familiar with our office, their visits will be more comprehensive. We will perform a more in-depth cleaning and examination, including X-rays. We will take the time to educate them about the best brushing and flossing techniques, as well as other important information to keep their smile healthy in between appointments.

Dental Sealants

A dental sealant is a clear barrier applied to the chewing surfaces of the teeth. We recommend applying them to the molars around the age of 6 to ward off tooth decay. Children are especially prone to cavities in the back teeth. Sealants significantly reduce their risk by keeping cavity-causing bacteria out of hard-to-clean grooves.

Fluoride Treatment for Kids

Fluoride is nature’s cavity fighter. You can make your child’s teeth more resistant to decay with a fluoride treatment. The varnish is applied to their teeth to strengthen their enamel. In some cases, it can even reverse the early stages of decay using a simple and painless treatment.

Lip & Tongue Tie Treatment

When the small piece of tissue that connects the lips to the gums and the tongue to the floor of the mouth are overgrown or too thick, it can minimize your child’s oral mobility. As a result of this issue, also called lip and tongue ties, parents notice their babies have difficulty feeding, gastrointestinal issues like colic, speech impediments, and various other concerns. Our team offers frenectomies to help improve your child’s mobility of their tongue and lips to improve their quality of life.

Pulp Treatment

If your child is complaining of a persistent toothache, it could be caused by issues such as a tooth infection or advanced decay. In these cases, Dr. Parmar may recommend pulp treatment to restore their comfort and prevent the need for a tooth extraction. After treating the pulp and restoring their tooth, your child will feel much more comfortable and be able to continue using their tooth like they normally would!