Pediatric Dental FAQs

Below are common questions and our answers about the best way to care for children’s teeth.

When should I schedule my child’s first visit to the dentist?

We recommend that you make an appointment to see the dentist as soon as your child gets their first tooth. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children be seen by six months after their first tooth erupts, or at one year of age, whichever comes first.

How is a pediatric dentist different from other dentists?

All dental specialists (pediatric dentists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, and others) begin by completing dental school, then continue their education with several years of additional specialized training. During training in the field of pediatric dentistry, your doctor gained extensive knowledge and experience in treating infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatric dentists enjoy working with children, and bring to each patient our expertise in childhood development and behavior. Because our office is geared toward young visitors, you'll find that our staff, as well as our office design, decorations, and activities all work together to provide an especially friendly and comfortable environment for children.

How can I prepare my child for their 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 their teeth and gums healthy, and that the doctor will help do that. Remember that your dentist is specially trained to handle fears and anxiety, and our staff excels at putting children at ease during care.

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 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 the gums after feedings with a damp, soft washcloth. As soon as the 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 until they are ready to take on that responsibility, 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 their 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 their 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 the teeth, lips, cheeks, and gums.

What should I do if my child sucks their 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 they suck 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.

What others say about us
Dr. Miller saved my life this morning, my son woke up with a big lump (eruption tissue) behind his tooth. As a first time mom, I had never seen anything like that. He was able to help me by text message and gave me instructions on how to remove it and explained that it was his first molar growing behind it. He also gave me the option to come in to the office if I wanted to. Just like he said we were able to remove at home it with no pain.
I appreciate Dr. Miller, he's our dentist here in Odessa. I highly... I mean HIGHLY recommend him and his team. My cousin has severe Epilepsy and Cerebral Palsy and he can't do anything for himself, but Dr. Miller makes sure to get his teeth clean and back in order where we are lacking because It's difficult to keep his teeth clean. I thank you so much, Dr. Miller.
I am overjoyed at the service that Dr. Miller and his staff offer to my daughter. She went in terrified and came out excited and asked to go back. I work at Reznik Orthodontics, and he’s one of our top referrers, and I can personally see why! Thank you, Dr. Miller and staff for taking such good care of my girl today!
We have been coming to Dr. Miller’s for years, he sees all three of my children. We like him so much we are willing to drive over an hour each way. A few years ago my oldest son had a trampoline accident that resulted in him losing his front grown-up tooth. Since it was a weekend we called the emergency number and we saw him right away the next day.
My 15-month-old grandson got to see Dr. Miller and his team today. Lane is the second generation in our family to see him. His team got us in within a few days because we were worried about two teeth coming in. Dr. Miller is still the most patient person I have ever seen with children. As always, he was very thorough with the exam and answered ALL of our questions.
It was my first time coming here with my son and I love this dentist. The staff are very sweet. I love the way that they greet you and the way that they talk to you. I love Dr. Miller! He explains everything thoroughly and gets straight to the point. I love how my son loves Dr. Miller and the staff.
Hands down the VERY BEST pediatric dentist in the Permian Basin. Dr. Miller and his staff are just incredible. He was my dentist all through my childhood and now he is my son's dentist. Never have we had any issues or concerns. He is so good with children, and it shows that he definitely loves his job. He does a wonderful job keeping the children calm and feeling safe. I would, and have, recommended Dr. Miller to folks.
I have been taking my two youngest to Dr. Miller for 4 years. He is the best. He has patience with the kids and myself and is always helpful when you have questions. The staff is professional and helpful as well. Definitely one of the best pediatric dentists in the area!
Dr. Miller is amazing!! Such a sweet kind man and really understands how to get a kiddo to love the dentist! I went here for 15 years and I can remember looking forward to every visit and counting and shinning my teeth. So blessed to get to bring my daughter here now, the staff and Dr. Miller are always so so sweet and make going to the dentist such a fun experience.
Hands down best pediatric dentist around. Dr. Miller is amazing with children. Talks to the kids, explains everything he is doing, makes even the scary stuff a walk in the park. He is very personable and very informative! He also has an amazing staff! So glad my family has found him!
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