Oral Health Care for Your Child in Sherman, TX

When you were a kid, your parents told you to brush and floss daily. It seemed like a hassle back then, but now, as a parent, you know how important good oral hygiene is for overall health. Let’s discuss why oral care for your child is important and how you can set them up for a lifetime of healthy teeth.

When to start?

Good oral care starts before your child’s first tooth even appears. From birth, you can gently wipe their gums with a soft, damp washcloth after feeding. It removes food particles and keeps the gums healthy.

When their first teeth start to come in—usually around 6 months—it’s time to start cleaning those tiny teeth. The American Dental Association recommends you schedule your child’s first dental visit as soon as teeth appear. These early visits are key in identifying potential problems like decay or thumb-sucking habits and will give you guidance on how to care for your child’s teeth at home.

The child is sitting in a dental chair, smiling confidently, while the dentist explains the procedure or demonstrates brushing techniques

Diet and Oral Health

Diet is a big part of your child’s oral health. Frequent exposure to sugary drinks like juice or sweetened milk can cause cavities. Limit sugary drinks and offer water between meals. As your child grows, encourage a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and calcium-rich foods, which are key to strong, healthy teeth.

A close-up of a smiling child with healthy, clean teeth.

Brushing and Flossing Routine

Once your child’s teeth come in, it’s time to start a brushing routine. Use a soft bristle toothbrush for children and a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste—about a grain of rice for toddlers. Fluoride helps strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.

Flossing should start when two teeth touch. As your child gets older, teach them to brush their teeth in small circular motions for at least 2 minutes twice a day. They should also learn to floss daily to remove food particles and plaque between their teeth.

Regular Checkups

Regular visits are key to your child’s oral health. At Gray Oak Family Dental in Sherman, TX, we recommend cleanings and exams every 6 months. These visits allow us to catch problems early and prevent bigger issues.

Our team will make every visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible for your child. For children old enough, we may take x-rays to find hidden issues. We will clean and polish their teeth, apply fluoride to strengthen enamel and do a thorough exam to make sure their teeth and gums are healthy.

Preventing Problems

A parent helping a young child brush their teeth at home.

Taking care of your child’s teeth now is a big way to prevent bigger problems down the road. As a parent, you have a big role to play in this. Decay in baby teeth can cause pain, infections, and challenges with chewing or speaking. If left untreated, cavities can weaken teeth, making them more prone to cracks or requiring crowns or extractions later in life.

By teaching your child good habits early, you’re avoiding these issues. At Gray Oak Family Dental, we focus on prevention through education and regular care so your child can have a strong, healthy smile as they grow.

Your Child’s Experience at Gray Oak Family Dental

Visiting the dentist can be scary for children. That’s why we create a warm and welcoming kid-friendly environment at our Sherman office. Our gentle team will take the time to make your child feel at ease while providing great care. You can trust your child is in good hands.

A visit typically takes 30-45 minutes and includes:

X-rays (if needed) to find hidden issues.
Thorough cleaning to remove plaque and debris.
Flossing and polishing to leave teeth shiny.
Fluoride treatment to strengthen teeth and prevent cavities.
Comprehensive exam to check for decay or other problems.

We want dental visits to be something your child looks forward to and have healthy teeth for life.

Start Their Healthy Smile Today

At Gray Oak Family Dental, we love helping families in Sherman, TX achieve great oral health. If you have questions about your child’s care or need to schedule their next visit, contact us today. Let’s protect their smile for years to come!