Pediatric Dentist in Denison, Texas
Children’s Dentistry in Denison, Texas
Your Child’s First Dental Visit in Denison, Texas
At Denison Dental, our gentle pediatric dentist in Denison, Texas, helps children build healthy, confident smiles from their very first checkup. Dr. Damilola Johnson and our team make children’s dentistry welcoming and stress free for the whole family, so young patients feel at ease from the moment they arrive.
The first “regular” dental visit should happen just after your child’s first birthday.
The first dental visit is usually short and involves very little treatment. We may ask you to sit in the dental chair and hold your child during the examination. You may also be asked to wait in the reception area during part of the visit so that a relationship can be built between your child and your dentist.
We will gently examine your child’s teeth and gums. X-rays may be taken (to reveal decay and check on the progress of your child’s permanent teeth under the gums). We may clean your child’s teeth and apply topical fluoride to help protect the teeth against decay. We will make sure your child is receiving adequate fluoride at home. Most important of all, we will review with you how to clean and care for your child’s teeth.
What should I tell my child about the first dental visit?
We are asked this question many times. We suggest you prepare your child the same way you would before their first haircut or trip to the shoe store. Your child’s reaction to his first visit to the dentist may surprise you.
Tips to Prepare Your Child for Their First Dental Visit
- Take your child for a “preview” of the office.
- Read books with them about going to the dentist.
- Review with them what the dentist will be doing at the time of the first visit.
- Speak positively about your own dental experiences.
During Your Child’s First Visit, Our Denison Dentist Will:
- Examine your mouth, teeth and gums.
- Evaluate adverse habits like thumb sucking.
- Check to see if you need fluoride.
- Teach you about cleaning your teeth and gums.
- Suggest a schedule for regular dental visits.
What Preventive Dental Care Do Children Need?
Tooth decay and children no longer have to go hand in hand. At our Denison, Texas dental office, we focus on every aspect of preventive care for children. We use the latest in dental sealant technology to protect your child’s teeth. Dental sealants are space-age plastics that are bonded to the chewing surfaces of decay-prone back teeth. This is just one of the ways we will set the foundation for your child’s lifetime of good oral health.
Cavity Prevention for Children
Limiting sugar intake and brushing regularly helps protect your child’s teeth from cavities. The longer it takes your child to chew their food and the longer the residue stays on their teeth, the greater the chances of getting cavities.
Every time someone eats, an acid reaction occurs inside their mouth as the bacteria digests the sugars. This reaction lasts approximately 20 minutes. During this time the acid environment can destroy the tooth structure, eventually leading to cavities.
Consistency of a person’s saliva also makes a difference; thinner saliva breaks up and washes away food more quickly. When a person eats diets high in carbohydrates and sugars they tend to have thicker saliva, which in turn allows more of the acid-producing bacteria that can cause cavities.
Tips for Cavity Prevention in Children
- Limit frequency of meals and snacks.
- Encourage brushing, flossing and rinsing.
- Watch what your child drinks.
- Avoid giving your child sticky foods.
- Make treats part of meals.
- Choose nutritious snacks.
The first baby teeth that come into the mouth are the two bottom front teeth. You will notice this when your baby is about 6-8 months old. Next to follow will be the 4 upper front teeth and the remainder of your baby’s teeth will appear periodically. They will usually appear in pairs along the sides of the jaw until the child is about 2 1/2 years old.
At around 2 1/2 years old your child should have all 20 teeth. Between the ages of 5 and 6 the first permanent teeth will begin to erupt. Some of the permanent teeth replace baby teeth and some don’t. Don’t worry if some teeth are a few months early or late as all children are different.
Baby teeth are important as they not only hold space for permanent teeth but they are important to chewing, biting, speech and appearance. For this reason it is important to maintain a healthy diet and daily hygiene.
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"My kids and I have been coming here for 2 years and we love it here!"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Our Pediatric Dentist in Denison, Texas
Answers to common questions about our pediatric dentist, children’s dental care, and first dental visits in Denison, Texas.
When should my child first see a dentist in Denison, Texas?
We recommend your child’s first dental visit just after their first birthday. Seeing a pediatric dentist in Denison, Texas early helps catch problems sooner, builds healthy habits, and makes future visits feel familiar and comfortable for your child.
What happens at my child’s first dental visit?
Your child’s first visit is short and gentle. Our dentist examines the teeth, gums, and bite, checks for decay and habits like thumb sucking, and shows you how to clean your child’s teeth at home. We keep every visit positive so children feel at ease.
How can I prevent cavities in my child’s teeth?
Limit sugary foods and drinks, encourage brushing and flossing twice a day, and keep regular dental checkups. Fluoride and dental sealants add extra protection. Our children’s dentist in Denison, Texas can build a simple cavity prevention plan for your child.
What are dental sealants and how do they protect children’s teeth?
Dental sealants are thin protective coatings bonded to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where cavities most often begin. They seal out food and bacteria, making sealants one of the most effective ways to prevent cavities in children’s teeth.
Do you accept Medicaid and CHIP for children’s dental care?
Yes. We accept Texas Medicaid and CHIP along with all PPO dental insurance. If your child does not have traditional insurance, our team can review payment options so cost does not stand between your child and quality dental care.
Are you accepting new pediatric patients in Denison, Texas?
Absolutely. Denison Dental welcomes new pediatric patients and families across Denison and the Texoma area. From a toddler’s first checkup to a teen’s cleaning, we provide gentle, comprehensive children’s dentistry for every age.
HOURS OF OPERATION
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Mon9:00am - 5:00pm
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Tue9:00am - 5:00pm
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Wed9:00am - 5:00pm
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Thur9:00am - 5:00pm
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Fri9:00am - 5:00pm
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Sat & SunClosed