Pediatric Dentistry Services at Vivid Dental, Houston TX
Vivid Dental is a practice in which the unique needs of every member of your family are carefully handled. Children, especially, should have positive experiences when visiting their dentist. Dental fear is not something we are born with, though children may feel anxious about unfamiliar environments and people. We encourage parents to begin bringing children in as early as six months of age for simple evaluations of the gums and forming teeth. We want every patient to feel comfortable in our office, and make every effort to ensure that children and their parents feel at ease from the time they walk through our doors.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children undergo their first dental examination by the age of one year. The Vivid Dental team in Houston TX finds that early assessment, while the teeth are still forming or newly erupted, gives each child the best opportunity for a beautiful, healthy smile.
From the time teeth first erupt, they can be examined at home every few weeks. Specifically, parents should look for discoloration or lines, indicating the early formation of cavities. Foods and liquids containing sugary substances can weaken a new tooth. Brushing your baby’s teeth after every bottle or meal is ideal, so that sugars do not remain in the mouth and feed harmful bacteria. Sugar left in the mouth converts into acid, which can damage healthy enamel and gum tissue.
The earlier children can learn appropriate oral hygiene habits, the better their smiles will look and feel, and the less anxious they can feel about dental visits. Combining daily brushing and flossing with regular six-month dental check-ups helps protect against the development of cavities.
During six-month check-ups, your child’s teeth and gums will be assessed for decay and disease. Gum disease is normally a disease of adulthood, but we are careful to ensure our young patients maintain optimal health in all oral structures. In instances where extensive or specialized treatment is warranted, a referral to the appropriate specialist will be carefully planned for your child to expedite their treatment. Professional cleanings are also a part of a six-month visit, using precision tools that break up plaque and keep teeth shiny and vibrant.
Not every child will begin seeing their dentist in infancy. If your child harbors dental anxiety that makes it difficult to obtain proper care, speak with our staff about the safety and effectiveness of nitrous oxide. The easy administration of this “laughing gas” allows patients to relax while remaining awake, and wears off immediately after treatment. Many of our young patients find that they do not require local anesthetic when nitrous oxide is used, as this mild sedative also blocks pain.
We want your entire family to have a positive experience at Vivid Dental. Through gentle delivery of preventative and restorative care, your children can enjoy healthy, beautiful smiles.
Contact us to schedule your child’s visit and get an early start on optimal oral health.