Children's dentistry at Choice Dental in Marshall, Texas

Children’s Dentist in Marshall, Texas

Children’s Dentistry in Marshall, Texas

At Choice Dental, Dr. Kevin Mosby is a trusted children’s dentist in Marshall, Texas who gives kids gentle, friendly care from their very first checkup. As a family dentist who sees children of all ages, we work to make every young smile feel welcome, comfortable, and healthy.

Your Child’s First Visit to the Dentist

The first “regular” dental visit should be just after your child’s first birthday.
The first dental visit is usually short and involves very little treatment. We may ask you to sit in the dental chair and hold your child during the examination. You may also be asked to wait in the reception area during part of the visit so that a relationship can be built between your child and your dentist.

We will gently examine your child’s teeth and gums. X-rays may be taken (to reveal decay and check on the progress of your child’s permanent teeth under the gums). We may clean your child’s teeth and apply topical fluoride to help protect the teeth against decay. We will make sure your child is receiving adequate fluoride at home. Most important of all, we will review with you how to clean and care for your child’s teeth.

What should I tell my child about the first dental visit?

We are asked this question many times. We suggest you prepare your child the same way you would before their first haircut or trip to the shoe store. Your child’s reaction to his first visit to the dentist may surprise you.

Tips for Your Child’s First Dental Visit

  • Take your child for a “preview” of the office.
  • Read books with them about going to the dentist.
  • Review with them what the dentist will be doing at the time of the first visit.
  • Speak positively about your own dental experiences.

During your first visit the dentist will:

  • Examine your mouth, teeth and gums.
  • Evaluate adverse habits like thumb sucking.
  • Check to see if you need fluoride.
  • Teach you about cleaning your teeth and gums.
  • Suggest a schedule for regular dental visits.

What about preventive care and cavity prevention?

Tooth decay and children no longer have to go hand in hand. At our office we are most concerned with all aspects of preventive care. We use the latest in dental sealant technology to protect your child’s teeth. Dental sealants are space-age plastics that are bonded to the chewing surfaces of decay-prone back teeth. This is just one of the ways we will set the foundation for your child’s lifetime of good oral health.

Cavity Prevention

Limiting sugar intake and brushing regularly, of course, can help. The longer it takes your child to chew their food and the longer the residue stays on their teeth, the greater the chances of getting cavities.

Every time someone eats, an acid reaction occurs inside their mouth as the bacteria digests the sugars. This reaction lasts approximately 20 minutes. During this time the acid environment can destroy the tooth structure, eventually leading to cavities.

Consistency of a person’s saliva also makes a difference; thinner saliva breaks up and washes away food more quickly. When a person eats diets high in carbohydrates and sugars they tend to have thicker saliva, which in turn allows more of the acid-producing bacteria that can cause cavities.

Tips for Cavity Prevention

  • Limit frequency of meals and snacks.
  • Encourage brushing, flossing and rinsing.
  • Watch what your child drinks.
  • Avoid giving your child sticky foods.
  • Make treats part of meals.
  • Choose nutritious snacks.

The first baby teeth that come into the mouth are the two bottom front teeth. You will notice this when your baby is about 6-8 months old. Next to follow will be the 4 upper front teeth and the remainder of your baby’s teeth will appear periodically. They will usually appear in pairs along the sides of the jaw until the child is about 2 1/2 years old.

At around 2 1/2 years old your child should have all 20 teeth. Between the ages of 5 and 6 the first permanent teeth will begin to erupt. Some of the permanent teeth replace baby teeth and some don’t. Don’t worry if some teeth are a few months early or late as all children are different.

Baby teeth are important as they not only hold space for permanent teeth but they are important to chewing, biting, speech and appearance. For this reason it is important to maintain a healthy diet and daily hygiene.

Choice Dental welcoming new families and children in Marshall, Texas

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HAPPY PATIENTS. BIG SMILES.

"They go above and beyond to make sure you get the most and best services for your money!"

- Brandi Welch

Affordable dental exam and check up with an affordable dentist in Marshall, Texas at Choice Dental

Frequently Asked Questions About Children’s Dentistry

Answers to common questions about your child’s dental care in Marshall, Texas
At what age should a child see a dentist?

Most children should see a dentist by their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth coming in. Early visits let your children’s dentist in Marshall, Texas check for healthy development, begin cavity prevention, and help your child feel at ease in a kid-friendly office. Starting checkups at a young age builds the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

What happens during my child's first dental visit?

Your child’s first dental visit is usually short and gentle. Dr. Kevin Mosby examines your child’s teeth and gums, checks how the teeth are developing, and may take X-rays, clean the teeth, and apply topical fluoride to protect against decay. We also show you how to care for your child’s teeth at home. The visit is designed to be positive and stress free so your child feels comfortable from the very start.

Do you accept Medicaid or CHIP for children?

We welcome children and families and work with a range of insurance and payment options. Coverage varies by plan, so the best way to confirm whether your child’s Medicaid or CHIP benefits apply is to call our Marshall, Texas office at (903) 320-4408 or visit our insurance and payment options page. Our team is glad to help you understand your options before your child’s visit.

How can I help prevent cavities in my child's teeth?

You can help prevent cavities by limiting sugary foods and drinks, encouraging brushing and flossing twice a day, and choosing nutritious snacks. Regular checkups, professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants add extra protection for decay prone back teeth. Together these habits give your child the best chance at a cavity free smile.

Is Choice Dental a good dentist for kids in Marshall, Texas?

Yes. Choice Dental is a family dentist who sees children, and many local parents choose us as their kids dentist in Marshall, Texas. We provide gentle care in a kid-friendly office, from first visits and cleanings to fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and cavity prevention. Call (903) 320-4408 to schedule your child’s appointment.

HOURS OF OPERATION

  • Mon
    9:00am - 5:00pm
  • Tue
    9:00am - 5:00pm
  • Wed
    9:00am - 5:00pm
  • Thur
    9:00am - 5:00pm
  • Fri
    9:00am - 5:00pm
  • Sat & Sun
    Closed