Have questions about your child’s dental care in Houston, Texas? Dr. Valter and our team have answers! We understand the needs of children’s smiles, and we are happy to answer any concerns or other questions you have when you come in for your next appointment at Bellaire Dental Group. Contact us at 713-668-8383 today to meet with our dentist!
When Can I Expect My Baby To Start Getting Teeth?
Baby teeth start coming in around six months with the bottom central incisors arriving first. Your child’s teeth will keep coming in a few at a time until their second molars finally erupt, usually a little before age 3. Make sure to start flossing for them as soon as they have two adjacent teeth!Why Are My Child’s Primary Teeth Important?
While primary teeth, or baby teeth, will fall out eventually, they are still important to keep healthy and safe. They help your child learn how to speak and eat, and they also help make sure the permanent teeth come in correctly. It is vital that they stay as healthy as possible until their normal time to fall out. If you have any questions, please let us know.When Should I Bring My Child to the Dentist for the First Time?
Our dentist and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommend bringing in your child to the dentist around six months after their first teeth erupt, or their first birthday at the latest. This gives us a chance to make sure your child’s teeth are coming in properly and that your child feels comfortable in our office.How Do I Care for My Child’s Teeth?
Your child’s teeth are an important part of their health while growing up.Here are some tips for caring for them:- Make sure your child brushes twice a day and flosses daily.
- Bring your child to visit our dentist regularly.
- Ask us about sealants, fluoride and other preventive treatments.
- Help your child to eat nutritious food and drinks.
- Have your child wear a mouth guard if they play sports.
What Does Fluoride Do for My Child’s Smile?
Found in most drinking water, flouride is a naturally occurring mineral, that can help prevent tooth decay. We can supplement the natural fluoride your child receives with a simple treatment to help keep their baby teeth and adult teeth healthy for life. If you have more questions about fluoride, we would be happy to tell you more!What Does Baby Tooth Decay Look Like?
Baby tooth decay can be difficult to spot. It can sometimes appear at first as white spots on the gumline, but the best thing you can do if you suspect your child has some tooth decay is to bring them in to see our dentist and team. We will be happy to inspect closely any areas you have questions about, and we always keep a sharp eye out for tooth decay.When Will My Child’s Baby Teeth Start To Fall Out? When Will Their Permanent Teeth Come In?
Baby teeth generally start to fall out around ages 6 and 7, and your child’s permanent teeth will replace each tooth as it is lost. By age 12 or 13, your child will have their full mouth of teeth, aside from the wisdom teeth, or third molars, which usually erupt between ages 17 and 21.What Are Dental Sealants?
Children do not have the same dexterity as adults when brushing, which can lead to tooth decay without additional help. Dental sealants are a simple treatment that can cover the deep grooves of the teeth, protecting them (especially the back molars) from cavities and decay. Sealants are most often used for children, but they can also be used for adults who are more prone to cavities.Does My Child Need a Mouth Guard for Sports?
Yes! Even for sports where it might not seem necessary, such as basketball or soccer, a mouth guard can save your child’s smile from damage that can result even from relatively minor impacts. A mouth guard is an investment in the health of your child’s smile.Is Emergency Dental Care Available for Children?
If your child damages a tooth, develops a tooth infection or is experiencing dental pain, we can restore their oral health and comfort. The first thing to do is to call our office. We will give you any immediate tips and schedule your child as soon as possible to see our dentist, where we will examine your child’s mouth to determine which treatment or combination of treatments will help them smile in comfort again. 
