Specialized Dental Care For Your Child

Office Hours:

Monday:	8:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday:	7:00am - 4:00pm
Wednesday:	7:00am - 4:00pm
Thursday:	7:00am - 4:00pm
Friday:	7:00am - 12:00pm
Saturday:	Closed
Sunday:	Closed

As a parent, you want the best for your child! You take great care in choosing the right doctors to take care of them, you provide them with nutritious food options, and you make sure they are healthy and active.

Their oral health is no exception. Building a relationship with a children's dentist in Plano, TX, is essential to help your child feel safe and comfortable at the dentist in the future. Your team at Plano Family Dental understands how important first visits to the dentist are for children, and we strive to provide an environment that feels safe and comfortable, and fun!

The First Visit

Did you know that your son or daughter should be visiting the dentist every six months just like you do? Our dentists recommend that you bring your little one in for their first visit around the age of three years old. When you're child reaches this age, it is likely they'll be ready for a ride in our "big chair" and able to let us count and maybe even clean their teeth.

Rest assured that we will explain everything we're doing the entire time and that we won't proceed with any types of procedures until you're child is completely comfortable and ready for it.

Early visits to your children's dentist in Plano give us the opportunity to monitor your son or daughter's oral development and also teach them about the importance of their oral health.

What if Your Child has Dental Anxiety?

Do not fear! At Plano Family Dental, we understand that the initial visits are always tricky. If you did not know, almost 20% of all children under the age of 8 are afraid of the dentist! It may be difficult for them (sometimes even you) to come to a dentist voluntarily, but Dr. Varun Joseph has trained and worked with many children to overcome their fear. There are two roles in helping a child for a first visit, the parent's and the dentist and his staff.

Most important of all, paperwork is essential! Parents can find the information here, also informing the dentist if they fear the dentist. Second, parents must always tell the child they will visit the dentist so they can mentally prepare. Children need predictability to adapt to unfamiliar situations, do not wait until the last moment as it can sometimes worsen their anxiety. Answer any questions they may have about what to expect and why they are visiting, remember not to go into too much detail, and remind them that they can also ask the dentist!

Dr. Joseph and the team at Plano Family Dental's role is a larger one. Most important is making sure your child is comfortable and reinforcing a positive experience! From being welcomed at the door, occupying the waiting time at the children's corner, or just having fun in the dental chair with Dr. Joseph! In a few other ways, Dr. Joseph reassures them by explaining during the exam what he is doing and using simple words they understand. Engaging the children in questions and conversion, such as their favorite things to do or what they want to be when they grow up (hopefully a Dentist). If they still have a problem, there are other alternatives, such as conscious sedation, but it is usually unnecessary. If you have any questions or your child, feel free to call us!

Why Primary (Baby) Teeth Are So Important

Many parents wonder why it's a big deal to take care of baby teeth that will fall out in a few years anyway? Great question!

Believe it or not, baby teeth have a few critical jobs to do before they fall out, so it's important to keep them clean and healthy. Some of the things baby teeth are responsible for are:

Helping your child learn how to speak
Introducing your little one to solid foods
Holding a place for, and then guiding adult teeth into their correct position

If baby teeth are damaged by tooth decay or fall out too soon, your son or daughter's oral development can be affected.

What to do When Your Child has a Dental Emergency?

Dental accidents can happen anywhere, anytime. Knowing how to handle a dental emergency can mean the difference between saving and losing your child's permanent tooth. For all dental emergencies, it is crucial you contact us immediately.

Safety Tips for your child to Avoid a Dental Emergency

Dr. Joseph knows children MUST have fun, but here a few ways he recommends to prevent accidents or severe injury to your child's teeth:

Wear a mouthguard (and helmet when appropriate) when participating in sports.
NEVER use teeth to cut or open things. Use scissors (supervised if your child is young).
Do not run around with objects in your mouth (eg. toothbrush, pencils, suckers, etc.)
Use gates to block stairways and areas with a great fall.
Visit the dentist every 6 months to make sure your child's teeth are healthy and strong.

Preventing Tooth Decay and Cavities for Children

Do you know what the number one childhood disease is? You might think of asthma or diabetes, but it is actually tooth decay! Cavities and tooth decay are the most prevalent childhood problem, and it's one issue; as a parent, you can do a lot to prevent from happening.

Here are some ideas on how to prevent childhood tooth decay:

Begin brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as they arrive with a soft bristle brush made for infants.
Continue to assist your son or daughter with brushing and flossing until they are the age seven or eight years old.
Use toothpaste fortified with fluoride when your child is able to spit after brushing.
Teach children to brush twice consistently every day, and floss once.
Attend regular cleaning and checkup appointments at your Plano dentist every six months.
Offer your children healthy snacks and meals, as fruits and vegetables will help reduce acids in their mouth and increase saliva flow.
Lead by example and be sure your child sees you brushing and flossing your own teeth every day.

Children's Dental Services Offered at Plano Family Dental

Dr. Joseph and Dr. Chapman love taking care of children! We look forward to building a relationship with your son or daughter over the years, and our Plano, TX practice offers the services your child needs to build a foundation of optimum oral health.

Here are some of the services you can expect to find at Plano Family Dental:

Cleanings, X-Rays, and Preventive Care

When they're ready, we'll provide your child with cleanings to remove the excess plaque buildup that contributes to tooth decay and cavities. As they grow, we'll also take x-rays to monitor their development.

Our dentists may also recommend treatment with fluoride to help build and strengthen your little one's developing teeth.

Sealants

As your son or daughter gets older, our dentists may recommend sealants to cover the chewing surfaces of their back teeth. This thin protective coating prevents the acids that cause cavities from damaging their enamel.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

If your little one does encounter tooth decay, we will use tooth-colored fillings to restore their teeth to health and preserve the aesthetics of their smile.

Tooth Extractions

Sometimes removing a tooth becomes necessary in order to protect your child's oral health. Our dentists will explain why this procedure is needed and gently guide your family through the process.

Crowns for Children

If a tooth becomes broken, cracked, or damaged by decay beyond what a filling can repair, a crown may be necessary to preserve your child's tooth. A crown fits over the remaining tooth structure and protects the root of their tooth.

Sports Guards

Since more than half of dental emergencies are sports-related, if your son or daughter participates in sports, it's important to protect their teeth and mouth from injury. Your dentist in Plano can recommend the right mouthguard for your child's needs as a custom fit offers better protection from injury.

Contact Plano Family Dental to Schedule Your Child's Next Visit Today

Do you have more questions or concerns about your son or daughter's oral health? Is it time to schedule their first visit or their next visit? Whatever the case may be, the entire team at Plano Family Dental looks forward to welcoming your child to our practice! We offer convenient early morning, afternoon, and Friday appointments designed to accommodate any busy schedule.

Give us a call today to arrange a convenient time for their next visit.

What Happens During My Child’s First Visit To The Dentist?: The first visit is usually short and simple. In most cases, we focus on getting to know your child and giving you some basic information about dental care. The doctor will check your child’s teeth for placement and health, and will look for any potential problems with the gums and jaw. If necessary, we may do a bit of cleaning. We will also answer any questions you have about how to care for your child’s teeth as they develop, and provide you with materials containing helpful tips that you can refer to at home.
How Can I Prepare My Child For His First Dental Appointment?: The best preparation for your child’s first visit to our office is maintaining a positive attitude. Children pick up on adults’ apprehensions, and if you make negative comments about trips to the dentist you can be sure that your child will fear an unpleasant experience and act accordingly. Show your child the pictures of the office and staff on the website. Let your child know that it’s important to keep his teeth and gums healthy, and that the doctor will help him do that. Remember that your dentist is specially trained to handle fears and anxiety, and our staff excels at putting children at ease during treatment.
How Often Should My Child Visit The Dentist?: We generally recommend scheduling checkups every six months. Depending on the circumstances of your child’s oral health, we may recommend more frequent visits.
Baby Teeth Aren’t Permanent. Why Do They Need Special Care?: Although they don’t last as long as permanent teeth, your child’s first teeth play an important role in his development. While they’re in place, these primary teeth help your little one speak, smile, and chew properly. They also hold space in the jaw for permanent teeth. If a child loses a tooth too early (due to damage or decay) nearby teeth may encroach on that space, which can result in crooked or misplaced permanent teeth. Also, your child’s general health is affected by the oral health of the teeth and gums.
What’s The Best Way To Clean My Baby’s Teeth?: Even before your baby’s first tooth appears, we recommend you clean his gums after feedings with a damp, soft washcloth. As soon as his first tooth appears, you can start using a toothbrush. Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head. You most likely can find a toothbrush designed for infants at your local drugstore.
At What Age Is It Appropriate To Use Toothpaste To Clean My Child’s Teeth?: Once your child has a few teeth, you can start using toothpaste on the brush. Use only a tiny amount of fluoridated toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice) for each cleaning. Always have your child rinse and spit out toothpaste after brushing. Children naturally want to swallow toothpaste after brushing, and swallowing too much fluoride toothpaste can cause teeth to stain. You should brush your child’s teeth for him until he is ready to take on that responsibility himself, which usually happens by age six or seven.
What Causes Cavities?: Certain types of bacteria live in our mouths. When these bacteria come into contact with sugary foods left behind on our teeth after eating, acids are produced. These acids attack the enamel on the exterior of the teeth, eventually eating through the enamel and creating holes in the teeth, which we call cavities.
How Can I Help My Child Avoid Cavities?: Be sure that your child brushes his teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Flossing daily is also important, because flossing can reach spots between the teeth that brushing can’t. Check with your pediatric dentist about a fluoride supplement, which helps tooth enamel become harder and more resistant to decay. Avoid sugary foods and drinks, limit snacking, and maintain a healthy diet. And finally, make regular appointments so that we can check the health of your child’s teeth and provide professional cleanings.
Does My Child Need Dental Sealants?: Sealants cover the pits and fissures in teeth that are difficult to brush and therefore susceptible to decay. We recommend sealants as a safe, simple way to help your child avoid cavities, especially for molars, which are hardest to reach.
My Child Plays Sports. How Can I Protect His Teeth?: Even children’s sports involve contact, and we recommend mouthguards for children active in sports. If your little one plays baseball, soccer, or other sports, ask us about having a custom-fitted mouthguard made to protect his teeth, lips, cheeks, and gums.
What Should I Do If My Child Sucks His Thumb?: The large majority of children suck their thumbs or fingers as infants, and most grow out of it by the age of four, without causing any permanent damage to their teeth. If your child continues sucking after permanent teeth erupt, or if he sucks aggressively, let us know and we can check to see if any problems may arise from the habit.
When Should My Child Have Dental X-Rays Taken?: We recommend taking X-rays around the age of two or three. The first set consists of simple pictures of the front upper and lower teeth, which familiarizes your child with the process. Once the baby teeth in back are touching one another, then regular (at least yearly) X-rays are recommended. Permanent teeth start coming in around age six, and X-rays help us make sure your child’s teeth and jaw are healthy and properly aligned. If your child is at a high risk of dental problems, we may suggest having X-rays taken at an earlier age.

Pediatric Dentistry – Plano Texas

The Best Possible Care For you Children