Dental Visits:
Schedule dental visits every six months to keep away Mouth Monsters, especially the dreaded Tooth D.K. The routine teeth cleanings at regular check-ups help remove pests like Tartar the Terrible and Ginger Bite-Us.
Click below to learn more about your child’s first visit to myKIDSdds! Establishing a dental home is not only great for your child but will also help to ensure you’re prepared for the milestones to come!
Brushing, Flossing and Fluoride:
Brushing: Remember to brush your child’s teeth at least twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. The most important time to brush your child’s teeth is right before bedtime. Here is a guide on how to make brushing fun for your little one!
Flossing: Parents can begin flossing for their children when any two teeth are touching.
Fluoride: Talk to your child’s pediatric dentist about the right amount of fluoride. For instance, should your kiddo be brushing with toothpaste that contains fluoride and/or do they need a fluoride supplement.
Pacifiers and Sucking Habits:
Sucking on a thumb, finger and pacifier can all have the same affect on your child’s teeth.
Sucking for prolonged periods of time may cause the upper front teeth to tip outward or not come in properly.
The AAPD and most pediatric dentists recommend that the child stop their sucking habit no later than 2-3 years old. If your child continues their habit beyond the age of 3, your pediatric dentist will evaluate possible underlying causes (Such as airway, mouth breathing, and tongue posture).
Diet and Snacking:
Two reasons why foods have a negative/positive impact on teeth
- Length of time food remains on the teeth
- Number of exposures (times each day) the food creates 20 minutes of acid impact on the teeth.
- Choose foods that clear the mouth quickly through thorough chewing, dissolving or melting versus sticking and remaining on the teeth. If choosing a sugary food, Chocolate kisses, morsels/bars and Ice Cream are preferred for their non-adhering affect.
- Keep an eye on snacking, ideally children should have no more than three snacks a day.
Drinks:
- Avoid juices which literally bathe teeth in sugar. Try to limit the amount of juice you give to your child to less than 6 oz. per day.
- Avoid acidic drinks or drinks with a higher pH. Click the button below to view our acidity chart of different beverages.
Quick Snack Guide
Tooth Trauma:
What you are looking for immediately:
- loose teeth or a tooth that is completely out
- a tooth that is completely out, do not try to put it back into the tooth socket
- any teeth that have been pushed up into the gums
- chipped, broken teeth or the baby tooth is knocked out
- cuts or lacerations on the inside of mouth (tongue and/or cheeks)
- your child avoiding normal habits such as brushing, eating, and drinking or is unable to bite teeth together
If any of the above items are true, please call our main phone number and 214-696-3082 and select the emergency option. If possible, take a picture in case we need you to text it to us.
Airway:
Toddlers between the ages of three and five years old need roughly 10-13 hours of sleep a night. Airway plays a huge role in the quality of sleep your child might be experiencing. Our pediatric dentists are certified with The Breath Institute and understand the importance of the airway and healthy sleep habits which is why we screen all of our patients using The Breath Institute’s Screening Tool. This will help us better understand your child so we can create the best plan for healthy oral development.
Dental X-Rays:
Dental X-rays or radiographs help dentists visualize diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissue that cannot be seen with a simple visual oral exam. Radiographs in children also allow the dentist to see dental decay (cavities), determine if there is enough space in the mouth to fit all incoming teeth, or if primary teeth are being lost quickly enough to allow permanent teeth to come in properly. In our office, we use digital x-rays on a yearly basis, so the exposure to radiation is minimal. For four standard x-rays, the radiation exposure is equivalent to riding in an airplane for 1 to 2 hours. We will always respect the parent’s decision in taking radiographs at their child’s appointment. Click the button below to view our x-ray chart.
Frenum:
Our pediatric dentists are thoroughly experienced in the evaluation and treatment of lip and tongue ties. Click the button below to visit our resource guide on lip and tongue ties.
Voted Best In Dallas
We’re proud to be rated the #1 Dentist in Dallas since 2013! It’s an honor to know the Dallas community trusts us for quality dental and orthodontic care! Thank you!
