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Pediatric Dentistry Fusion Dental & Braces

Congratulations on the arrival of your baby! Are you ready for that first tooth? With some simple steps, you can help set your baby up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. We’re here to provide comprehensive general dental services for kids in Bellmead, Killeen, Harker Heights, and Waco, Texas.

Caring for Your Baby’s Gums

Even before your baby’s first tooth appears, caring for their gums can help. After feeding, wrap a clean, damp cloth or a piece of gauze around your finger and gently rub it across your baby’s gums. This clears away food bits and starts your baby on the path to good oral care.

Baby’s First Tooth

When that first tooth comes in, it’s time to introduce a baby toothbrush. You’ll find two main types: a long-handled brush you both can hold, and a soft-bristled finger brush that slips over your fingertip. You won’t need toothpaste at this stage—just dip the brush in water before brushing.

If your baby isn’t too keen on the toothbrush, don’t worry! You can keep using a damp cloth and try the toothbrush again in a few months. A toothbrush with a teether can also be a helpful tool during this stage, as it gives them something safe to chew on.

Brushing with Toothpaste

Once a few more teeth appear, you can start using toothpaste. Just use a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice). From the start, help your little one practice spitting out the toothpaste after brushing. It’s important that they don’t swallow the toothpaste.

Avoiding Cavities

Try not to give your baby sweetened drinks, like flavored drinks or soda. Even natural sugars in milk, formula, and juice can lead to tooth decay. Regular brushing and gum cleaning are key to preventing this. Also, make sure your baby doesn’t go to sleep with a bottle, as prolonged contact with sugary liquids can cause decay, often called baby-bottle caries.

Pediatric Dental Care

Baby’s First Visit to the Dentist

We recommend bringing your baby to the dentist within six months of their first tooth coming in—usually around their first birthday. Early checkups can help spot any problems before they start. During the visit, we’ll look for early signs of issues and talk with you about the best ways to care for your baby’s teeth. A positive attitude from you will help make these visits easier for your child, setting them up to feel comfortable with regular checkups.

Setting a Good Example

Kids learn a lot from watching you, so take this chance to model good habits. Brush and floss daily while your child watches, and they’ll pick up on its importance early on. Once they show interest, give them a toothbrush of their own and let them “brush” alongside you. Look for brushes with short, chunky handles that are easy for small hands to hold.

Most kids don’t have the skill to fully clean their own teeth until about age six or seven, so you’ll need to help until then. Making brushing fun can go a long way—try using a flavored toothpaste, a brush with their favorite character, or even singing a brushing song. The goal is to start them on healthy habits now, setting them up for strong, cavity-free teeth as they grow.

Pediatric Dental Emergencies

If your child has a dental emergency, call us right away. If it’s after hours and you need urgent care, use our emergency line. We’re always here to help when your child’s dental health is at risk. Here are some tips for handling common dental emergencies. Keep this list somewhere handy, like on the fridge or near your emergency contacts.

Bitten Lip or Tongue

If your child bites their lip or tongue and it’s bleeding, start by cleaning the area gently with water. Then, press a cold, wet towel or washcloth firmly against the area to ease swelling. Give us a call to discuss the injury and figure out if your child needs further treatment.

Object Caught in Teeth

If something is stuck between your child’s teeth, try using dental floss to remove it carefully. Avoid using metal, plastic, or anything sharp, as these can hurt the gums or teeth. If you can’t get it out with floss, give us a call for assistance.

Broken, Chipped, or Fractured Tooth

If your child breaks, chips, or cracks a tooth, rinse their mouth with warm water to clean the area. Then, apply a cold compress on the cheek near the injured spot to reduce swelling. Try to find the broken piece and keep it safe. Call us right away to determine the next steps.

Knocked-Out Tooth

If your child’s tooth has been knocked out, quickly find it, rinse it with water (no soap), and only touch the crown (the top part). Place the tooth in a clean container with milk to keep it moist. Call us or go to the hospital immediately, as acting fast can sometimes save the tooth.

Loose Tooth

A very loose tooth can be at risk of getting swallowed or inhaled, which can be a safety concern. Gently wiggle the tooth to see if it’s ready to come out. If it’s still too attached or your child is nervous about pulling it out, keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t cause issues while eating or talking.

If it seems like the tooth won’t come out on its own or your child is uncomfortable, give us a call so we can remove it safely.

Toothache

If your child has a toothache, start by rinsing their mouth with warm water. Check to see if anything is stuck between the teeth that might be causing pain. If the pain doesn’t go away, use a cold compress on their cheek to help ease it.

Avoid putting any kind of pain reliever directly on the gum, as this can hurt the tissue. Instead, use children’s pain relievers taken by mouth. Contact us to schedule an appointment to find out what’s causing the pain.

Broken Jaw

If your child’s jaw seems broken, use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Call our emergency number and go to the hospital as soon as possible. A broken jaw is often caused by a strong hit to the head, which can be serious and even life-threatening.

Avoiding Dental Injuries

You can help your child avoid dental emergencies in many ways. Childproof your home to help prevent falls. Don’t let your child chew on hard foods like ice or popcorn kernels. Always use car seats for younger children and seatbelts for older ones.

If your child plays sports, have them wear a mouthguard to protect their teeth. We can make a custom-fitted mouthguard for your child, just ask us! Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups also help prevent painful toothaches and keep their teeth healthy.

How to Help Your Child Stop Thumb-Sucking

Thumb-sucking, just like favorite blankets and nap time, can be very comforting for young kids. Studies show that between 75% and 95% of babies suck their thumbs, so it’s likely there’s a thumb-sucker in your family too. But should you be concerned?

Usually, there’s no need to worry. It’s still smart to keep an eye on this habit, though, to make sure it doesn’t affect your child’s oral health.

What Is Normal Thumb-Sucking?

Many children start sucking their thumbs or fingers at a very young age, even before birth. Sucking is a natural reflex that helps babies feel safe and calm. This comfort is often why many children suck their thumbs to fall asleep.

Most children stop on their own between the ages of two and four as they outgrow the need. But some kids keep the habit a bit longer. If your child is still sucking when their adult teeth start coming in, it might be time to help them stop.

What Should I Watch For?

Check how your child is sucking their thumb. If they just rest their thumb gently in their mouth, it’s less likely to cause problems. But if they suck with force, putting pressure on their mouth and teeth, it could lead to issues with teeth alignment and mouth growth. Thumb-sucking over a long period can even change the shape of the face and may lead to needing braces later on.

If you notice any signs that thumb-sucking may be affecting your child’s teeth, give us a call to set up a checkup. We can look at the situation and offer guidance.

How Can I Help My Child Stop?

If your child needs help breaking the habit, try these tips:

  • Be Positive and Supportive: Praise your child when they don’t suck their thumb. Avoid punishment, as positive reinforcement works best.
  • Use Gentle Reminders: At bedtime, put a band-aid on their thumb or cover their hand with a sock. Let them know it’s just a way to remind them not to suck.
  • Make It Fun with Rewards: Start a progress chart and give your child a sticker each day they avoid thumb-sucking. If they go a week without sucking, let them pick a small prize. After a full month, reward them with something special, like a new toy. Involving your child in this way makes them more willing to stop.
  • Help Reduce Anxiety: If your child tends to suck their thumb when they feel nervous, work on easing their anxiety rather than focusing on the habit itself.
  • Distract During Key Times: Notice when they’re likely to suck their thumb, such as during long car rides or while watching movies, and find fun ways to keep them busy.
  • Explain the Impact on Their Teeth: Talk to your child about what might happen to their teeth if they keep sucking their thumb. Clear explanations can help them understand why it’s important to stop.

Whatever approach you choose, remember to be patient and supportive. Breaking the thumb-sucking habit can take time, but with your encouragement, your child can succeed!

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