Pediatric Dentistry — Gentle Care for Growing Smiles

Pediatric dentistry is a branch of dentistry dedicated to the oral health of children from infancy through the teen years. A pediatric dentist has additional training in child development, behavior management, and the unique dental needs of growing mouths. Services include routine exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, cavity fillings, and guidance on habits like thumb-sucking and pacifier use. The goal is to prevent problems early and help your child feel comfortable and confident at the dentist.

Costs depend on the services your child receives. A routine checkup with cleaning and exam is the most affordable type of visit, and many insurance plans cover it fully for children. Preventive treatments like sealants and fluoride are also low-cost. If your child needs a filling or other restorative work, we explain costs upfront before treatment begins. We accept most PPO insurance, offer flexible financing, and our Plan myDental provides discounts for families without dental insurance.

Yes, most PPO dental insurance plans cover preventive pediatric dental care including exams, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, and sealants. Many plans cover these services at 100 percent for children under 18. Restorative treatments like fillings are also commonly covered at a percentage determined by your plan. Our team verifies your child’s coverage and explains estimated costs before any treatment begins. Visit our insurance page for details on accepted plans.

We understand dental anxiety is real for kids, and our team is trained to help children feel at ease. We use a tell-show-do approach, explaining each step in simple language and showing tools before using them. Routine cleanings and exams are painless for nearly all children. If your child needs treatment beyond a cleaning, we offer numbing options and nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to keep them relaxed. Our offices also have TVs, headphones, and blankets to make the experience as comfortable as possible.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your child’s first visit by age one or within six months of the first tooth erupting — whichever comes first. These early visits are quick and gentle, focused on checking development and helping your baby get used to the dental office. Starting early allows us to catch potential concerns like tongue-tie or early decay, and it gives you the chance to ask questions about teething, brushing, diet, and oral habits.

The best approach is to keep things positive and low-key. Talk about the dentist as a friendly person who helps keep teeth strong and healthy. Read children’s books about dental visits, play pretend dentist at home, and let your child pick a comfort item to bring along. Avoid using scary words like shot, drill, or pain — our team uses kid-friendly language for everything. Schedule the appointment when your child is typically well-rested and fed, and arrive a few minutes early so they can settle in without feeling rushed.

We offer several preventive treatments tailored to children. Dental sealants coat the chewing surfaces of back teeth to block bacteria from settling into grooves that are hard to brush. Professional fluoride varnish strengthens enamel and helps reverse the earliest stages of decay. Custom sports mouthguards protect teeth and jaws during athletic activities. Regular cleanings remove plaque buildup that brushing alone can miss. Together, these treatments can dramatically reduce your child’s risk of cavities and dental injuries throughout childhood.

myDental provides pediatric dental care at multiple convenient Texas locations. Each office is welcoming for families and staffed by a team experienced in working with children of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers. Find the location nearest you and schedule your child’s appointment online or give us a call.