Wesley Dental is a family dental practice in Greenville, TX, offering pediatric dentistry. We provide complete general dental care for children and continue this care as they grow into young adults. Dr. Scott Marshall and Dr. John Taylor are dedicated to keeping your child happy, healthy, and safe during their dentist appointments. Our goal is to help your child maintain good oral health by helping them develop proper habits at an early age.
Start Your Child on the Path Toward a Healthy Smile
When should you bring your child in for their first dentist appointment? We recommend seeing them by their first birthday or when their first tooth erupts. After that, we want to see them every six months, just like an adult.
The dentist will perform a comprehensive exam during each appointment and assess the patient’s oral growth and development. We will also professionally clean the patient’s teeth and take X-rays if necessary.
Another aspect of dental appointments is the education we provide for caregivers and children. We will give you tips and advice on caring for your child’s oral hygiene at each stage of life.
As your child ages, we will teach them how to care for their teeth and gums and give them the confidence to brush and floss properly.
How to Ensure Your Child’s Comfort at the Dentist
Our office knows that patients of all ages can have dental fear or anxiety. Young patients, in particular, can also fear the unknown or pain during the dentist visit.
To prepare your child for the dentist:
- Play dentist at home
- Read books about the dentist
- Continue to brush and floss your child’s teeth at home
Children can easily pick up on emotions. When you talk about the dentist, avoid negative words. Focus on how exciting this new visit will be for your child.
Then, when your child visits our office, you can bring your child’s favorite toy or blanket to comfort them if they feel nervous. You can also sit in the examination room with your child.
During your child’s cleaning, our hygienists and dentists will ask your child questions to help distract them. We will also answer your child’s questions and explain what we’re doing in simple terms.
Office tours are also beneficial before your child’s visit. Schedule a tour to familiarize your child with our office and team.
Dental care for kids shouldn’t cause anxiety. If you need more tips to help your child feel comfortable at the dentist, please contact us and we will be glad to help.
Why You Should Keep Baby Teeth Healthy
Early dental health habits will keep your child’s primary teeth in good shape. Keeping primary teeth (baby teeth) healthy and intact is vital until they naturally fall out. Baby teeth are crucial because:
- Help children maintain proper nutrition, allowing them to chew properly
- Allow for proper speech development
- Promote good self-esteem
Preventing Pediatric Tooth Decay
The American Academy of Pediatrics states that more than 45% of U.S. children will suffer from cavities, or tooth decay, by age 19. Childhood tooth decay is a serious issue among children, even though it can be prevented. There are many things you can do to prevent your child from getting cavities starting early in their life.
Good oral hygiene habits start early in life. When it comes to children’s dental health, it starts with parents caring for children’s teeth and getting them to the dentist for regular dental visits. As soon as your child’s teeth erupt, you should begin to clean them until your child can do it on their own.
Other tips to avoid childhood cavities include:
- Never put your child to bed with a bottle
- Avoid sugary drinks, especially before age 1
- Limit candy
- Drink water in between meals
- Be a role model for your child and show them what good oral hygiene habits look like
- Brush your child’s teeth twice a day until they can do it on their own
- Use fluoride toothpaste (a rice-sized amount before age 3, then a pea-sized amount)
- Monitor your child’s oral hygiene habits to make sure they care for their teeth properly
- Encourage proper nutrition
Children’s Dentistry Services
We offer many services for children at Wesley Dental. These services include routine dental care, treatment for various dental issues, and preventive services. Our caring dental staff makes every effort to ensure the comfort and safety of our young patients. The treatments and services we offer for children include:
- Thorough evaluation of the child’s oral health and development
- Professional teeth cleanings
- Screening for tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral diseases
- X-rays
- Dental sealants as a preventive measure against tooth decay
- Dental fillings to treat cavities
- Invisalign to treat crooked teeth
- Wisdom teeth removal
- Custom mouthguards for sports
Cavity Prevention with Sealants and Fluoride
After dental cleanings, we provide cavity prevention treatments for younger patients. We recommend sealants for children when their molars grow. The first molars grow when children are around ages 3 to 5, and the second molars grow between the ages of 11 to 13.
Because molars are in the back of the mouth, these teeth are at risk of infection. Sealants are protective coverings we place on the grooves of these teeth. Dental sealants can last multiple years to continue to protect the teeth.
Dental fluoride is another treatment we provide for children and patients of all ages. Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps strengthen the tooth enamel.
We paint fluoride on the teeth after a cleaning. Then, your child will wait 30 minutes until they can eat or drink. This time ensures the minerals can enter the tooth.
Schedule a Pediatric Dentistry Appointment in Greenville, TX
Do you need a dentist for your child? Dr. Scott Marshall and Dr. John Taylor provide pediatric dentistry in Greenville, TX. As a family dentistry practice, you can enjoy the convenience of getting treatment for your whole family in one office.
Call 903-270-5279 or schedule an appointment online to book your family’s dentist appointments. Let us know if you have any questions about your child’s dental care. We’re here to help.