Dentistry for Infants – McKinney, TX
Care for McKinney’s Littlest Smiles
At Sprout Dentistry for Kids, we want your newest smile to get off to the strongest start possible, which is why we’re happy to take care of your child even before they can walk! We recommend scheduling an appointment as soon as your child’s first tooth comes in, or by the age of 12 months. However, if you have any questions before that, we’re more than willing to see you and can offer you tips on how to best look after their developing teeth and gums. When it comes to your child’s smile, you’re never on your own! For questions or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.
Why Choose Sprout Dentistry for Kids for Infant Dentistry?
- Both dentists are parents & certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
- Extremely punctual & friendly dental office
- Everything your child needs under one roof
Oral Health Risk Assessment
When you bring your child to come see us for the first time, we’ll give their mouth and any teeth that have come in a quick exam and gentle cleaning before discussing how to care for your little one’s smile. We recommend cleaning their entire mouth with a wet washcloth after every feeding, and once the teeth start coming in, they should be cleaned with a wet toothbrush only. We also suggest not letting your baby sleep with their bottle unless it is filled with only water, as other drinks can lead to what is referred to as “baby bottle tooth decay.”
Teething
Teething is both a happy and frustrating time for parents and children alike. It’s great news that their teeth are "sprouting", but that doesn’t make the process any more pleasant for the entire household! Gently massaging the gums with a clean finger can help ease any pain as can giving your little one a plastic teething ring or toy to gnaw on. You should avoid giving them any teething crackers or treats, however, because this can expose their teeth to excess sugar. Feel free to give us a call any time if you need some more teething tips!
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) Treatments
SDF is a liquid substance we can use to treat existing dental caries (aka cavities) and prevent the spread of bacteria throughout a child’s mouth. The SDF is applied directly to the compromised part of a tooth where it quickly hardens, and it helps eliminate the harmful bacteria while also strengthening the enamel. This is a fast, effective, and conservative method of treating tooth decay, and it’s ideal for helping children who may have multiple cavities that can’t be addressed in a single appointment.
Non-Nutritive Habits
Non-nutritive habits usually refer to things like thumb and finger sucking, which are extremely common for infant-aged children. They usually provide a sense of comfort and serve as a coping mechanism for anxiety, but if they stick around after the teeth start to come in, they can spell real trouble for a child’s oral development. Fortunately, we can offer you strategies on how to break these habits in the most positive way possible, turning what could be a stressful process into a much easier experience.
Laser Frenuloplasties & Frenectomies (LIP/Tongue-Tie Removal)
A tongue or lip-tie occurs when a small band of soft tissue connected to the tongue or lip is so short or thick that it restricts a child’s oral movement and function. This can be especially bad for infants, as it can make feeding almost impossible and/or extremely uncomfortable and tiring for both a child and a breastfeeding mother. Fortunately, our dentists can fix these problems both quickly and painlessly using a soft tissue laser. In just a few minutes, they can free the tissue while causing practically no pain, bleeding, or swelling, and shortening healing time.