Preventive Care

Preventive dental care is important throughout life, especially at a young age. By practicing good oral hygiene at home and scheduling regular checkups with the dentist, your child can help keep their smile bright and healthy for many years to come. Here are a few simple ways to prevent the build-up of plaque and cavities:

  • Make sure your child brushes their teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use fluoride toothpaste to remove food particles and plaque from the tooth surfaces. Also be sure your child brushes the top surface of the tongue; this will remove any extra plaque-causing food particles and help keep their breath fresh!
  • Make sure your child cleans between teeth by flossing at least once a day. You can also use a mouthwash to help kill bacteria and freshen breath. Decay-causing bacteria can linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can't reach. Floss and mouthwash will help remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
  • Make sure your child eats a balanced diet, and try to avoid extra-sugary treats. Nutritious foods such as raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese, or fruit can help keep your child's smile healthy.
  • Remember to schedule regular checkups with your child’s dentist every six months for a professional teeth cleaning.
  • Ask your dentist about dental sealants, a protective plastic coating that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay often starts.
  • If your child plays sports, be sure to ask your dentist about special mouthguards designed to protect your child’s smile.

Printable instructions >

Brushing Instructions
  • brushing diagram

    Brushing: Step 1

    Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gum.

  • brushing diagram

    Brushing: Step 2

    Brush gently in a circular motion.

  • brushing diagram

    Brushing: Step 3

    Brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.

  • brushing diagram

    Brushing: Step 4

    Use the tip of your brush for the inner surface of your front teeth.

Flossing Instructions
  • flossing diagram

    Flossing: Step 1

    Wind about 18 inches of floss around your fingers as shown. Most of it should be wrapped around one finger, and the other finger takes it up as the floss is used.

  • flossing diagram

    Flossing: Step 2

    Use your thumbs and forefingers to guide about one inch of floss between your teeth.

  • flossing diagram

    Flossing: Step 3

    Holding the floss tightly, gently saw it between your teeth. Then curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it beneath your gums.

  • flossing diagram

    Flossing: Step 4

    Slide the floss up and down, repeating for each tooth.

If it’s been six months or more since your child’s last dental checkup, then it’s time to contact our practice and schedule an appointment!

Choosing the Right Toothpaste and Toothbrush

From toothpaste and mouthwash to toothbrushes and dental floss, it’s important to choose the right products. Keep in mind that when you’re looking for a new toothpaste or toothbrush be sure to choose one that has been approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). Your dentist can also help by recommending certain dental products for use at home.

Learn More

Did you know that at birth, people already have 20 primary (baby) teeth that begin erupting after six months, and that by age 21 there are no more primary teeth and all 32 permanent teeth have erupted?

Getting to know your teeth can be fun and educational!

Anatomy of a Tooth

anatomy of a tooth

 

Tooth Eruption Chart

tooth eruption chart2

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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