Pediatric Dentist Greenville, TX

Wesley Dental is a family dental practice in Greenville, TX, offering pediatric dentistry. We provide general dental services for children and continue this care as they grow into young adults. Dr. Scott Marshall and Dr. John Taylor keeping your child happy, healthy, and safe during their dental appointments. Our goal is to help your child maintain good oral health by helping them develop proper habits at an early age.

pediatric dentistry in Greenville, TX

Start Your Child on the Path Toward a Healthy Smile

Introducing your child to dental checkups and cleanings at an early age sets them up for positive dental experiences. We recommend taking them to see a dentist by their first birthday or when their first tooth erupts. After that, we recommend taking them every six months.

Our family dentist will perform a comprehensive exam during each appointment to review the patient’s oral 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 Dental Office

Our Greenville dental 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 sense 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. Parents can also sit with their child in the exam room while they get treatment.

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 children will suffer from cavities or tooth decay by age 19. Childhood tooth decay is a serious issue among children, even though it is preventable. You can do many things as a parent to prevent your child from getting cavities early in their life.

Good oral hygiene habits start early in life. Good dental health habits start 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 wait time ensures the minerals can enter the tooth and effectively protect them. 

Pediatric Dentistry FAQs

We welcome you to learn more about pediatric dentistry in our Greenville, TX, dental office with answers to these common questions:

At what age should I bring my child to the dentist for their first visit?

You should bring your child to the dentist for their first visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth coming in, whichever comes first. This early visit allows the dentist to check your child’s mouth to make sure their teeth and gums are developing well. Starting dental visits early helps your child get used to the dentist’s office, which can make future visits easier.

Are dental X-rays safe for children?

Yes, dental X-rays are safe for children. We use X-rays to get a clear picture of what’s happening inside your child’s mouth, like checking for cavities or problems with their teeth and jaw.

The amount of radiation from dental X-rays is very low. Our dental office takes steps to protect your child. We use a lead apron to cover your child’s body and keep them safe from any extra radiation.

What are the signs of cavities in young children?

Some signs of cavities in young children can include:

  • Tooth pain
  • Visible holes or pits in teeth
  • Discolored teeth
  • Tooth sensitivity

If your child complains of tooth pain when eating, they may have a cavity. Call our office so we can examine their smile and recommend treatment.  

What foods are best for keeping my child’s teeth healthy?

To help keep your child’s teeth healthy, it’s important to provide them with nutritious foods. Here are some of the best food choices for healthy teeth:

  • Fruits and Vegetables: Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery can help clean teeth and gums as your child chews.
  • Dairy Products: Foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt are great for teeth because they are rich in calcium, which helps build strong teeth and bones.
  • Whole Grains: Foods like whole grain bread, brown rice, and oatmeal provide fiber that support overall health.
  • Lean Proteins: Foods like chicken, fish, eggs, and nuts are great for strong teeth and gums. 

How can I protect my child’s teeth if they play sports?

We provide custom mouthguards for patients of all ages. If your child plays contact sports like lacrosse, field hockey, soccer, or football, they need to wear a mouthguard. Our professionally made mouthguards protect your child’s mouth from hits from equipment or other players.

What should I do if my child has a toothache?

If your child has tooth pain, first clean the area and reduce any swelling. Mix about half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water to make a saltwater rinse. If there’s swelling, place a cold compress or ice pack on the outside of the cheek near the sore area.

You can also give over-the-counter pain medication. Follow the proper dosage for their age and weight. If the pain continues or if your child has severe tooth pain, contact our office. We will find the source of the pain and provide the appropriate treatment.

When should my child start flossing, and should I help them?

Your child should start flossing as soon as they have two teeth that touch. Usually, this happens around age 2 or 3. At first, you’ll need to help your child floss because it can be tricky to do it right on their own. Most kids don’t have the coordination to floss effectively until they’re about 8 to 10 years old.

What can I do about my child’s thumb-sucking habit?

Thumbsucking is a common habit among children when they feel anxious and need comfort. While it’s soothing for your child, it can impact their dental health. Thumb sucking can affect your child’s palate and how their teeth develop. Some children can develop an open bite and tooth misalignment when they suck their thumb.

If your child sucks their thumb, you can gently remind your child to take their thumb out of their mouth if you notice them sucking. Don’t scold or punish them, as this can create stress and make the habit harder to break.

You can also find other ways to help your child feel secure, like giving them a stuffed animal or blanket to hold. Keeping their hands busy with toys or activities can reduce the urge. Give positive reinforcement when your child avoids thumb-sucking, especially during times they usually do it, like bedtime. Small rewards or praise can encourage them to keep trying.

Get Family Dental Care

Schedule a pediatric dentistry appointment in our Greenville, TX, dental office today. Dr. Scott Marshall and Dr. John Taylor provide dental care for children and adults. As a family dental practice, 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 next dental visits. Let us know if you have any questions about your child’s dental care. We’re here to help.