Many parents have questions about their child’s dental health and about pediatric dentistry in Tyler and Athens, Texas. DentalWorks provides this page to help answer some of the most frequently asked questions. If you have further questions, we invite you to contact our office to speak with a member of our team and to schedule your child’s next dental appointment. We look forward to meeting you!

What is pediatric dentistry?

Pediatric dentistry is a specialized branch of dental care just for children. It focuses on keeping children’s teeth and gums healthy, and on helping children to develop good oral hygiene habits.

What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist?

Pediatric dentists treat children, just like pediatricians, but for teeth. Pediatric dentists receive 2-3 years of extra training after dental school, and are the primary and specialty oral care providers for infants and children up through adolescence. Family dentistry is for patients of all ages, and usually offers more general care.

When should my child visit the dentist for the first time?

Our office begins seeing children at 1 year of age. We provide an infant dental exam to help monitor their development and growth and make sure that everything is on-track for a healthy smile. Most dentists recommend that children visit the dentist for the first time between 6 months and 2 years of age.

My child’s teeth are coming in crooked. What do I do?

It is normal for teeth to come in crooked. Most of the time the situation resolves itself when baby teeth begin falling out. Sometimes, however, the primary teeth need some help to grow correctly. If this is the case for your child, our dentists may refer you to an orthodontist.

What do I do if my child is grinding his/her teeth at night?

Teeth grinding and clenching at night is a fairly common problem in young children. It usually resolves itself when permanent teeth begin to erupt (age 6-7). If it continues, our pediatric dentists will recommend you to a specialist.

Is my child old enough for braces?

Whether or not your child needs braces is determined by how straight their teeth are, and how well their mouth is working (i.e., chewing). Some children need earlier orthodontic treatment than others. Our dentists will carefully evaluate your child’s mouth, and may recommend an orthodontist depending on their needs.

Can I go with my child into the treatment area?

Yes! We welcome parents to accompany their children anywhere in our practice.