Pediatric Dental Care

A dental practice your kids will actually look forward to visiting.

At Riverside Family Dentistry, we love treating children. Dr. Carter has a particular passion for pediatric care and works hard to make every child's dental visit feel safe, positive, and even fun. We treat kids as young as two years old.

Children's Dentistry Austin TX Riverside Family Dentistry

Overview

A dental practice your kids will actually look forward to visiting.

Children who have positive early dental experiences are more likely to maintain good oral health throughout their lives. That is why we take extra time with young patients, explain every step in kid-friendly language, and make sure they feel in control of their experience. We never restrain, rush, or lecture. If a child is nervous, we slow down, let them ask questions, and go at their pace.

First dental visits for toddlers and young children

Preventive exams and professional cleanings

Digital X-rays sized for children

Fluoride treatments for cavity prevention

Dental sealants to protect molars

Tooth-colored fillings when needed

Space maintainers for early tooth loss

Orthodontic screenings and early intervention referrals

When should my child have their first dental visit?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth coming in. Early visits let us monitor development, apply preventive treatments, and help your child build a positive relationship with dental care from the very beginning.

Common Questions

Frequently asked questions about Children's Dentistry.

My child is terrified of the dentist. Can you help?

Absolutely, and you are not alone. Many children have dental anxiety, and many adults have dental anxiety because of negative childhood experiences. Dr. Carter is exceptionally patient with anxious children. We use a technique called Tell-Show-Do, explaining and demonstrating each step before we do anything, and we never force a child to proceed if they are not ready. Some children take a few visits to fully relax, and that is completely fine.

How do I prepare my child for their first dental visit?

Read books about going to the dentist together. Play pretend dentist at home. Talk about it positively and avoid words like hurt, needle, or shot. Most importantly, tell your child the dentist is going to count their teeth and help them stay healthy. When you arrive, we take it from there. Our team is experienced at welcoming first-timers of any age.

How often should my child come in?

Most children benefit from an exam and cleaning every six months. This schedule allows us to catch any issues early, when they are easier and less expensive to treat, and gives your child regular positive dental experiences that build long-term healthy habits. Children with a higher risk for cavities may benefit from more frequent visits, which we will discuss with you.

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A dental practice your kids will actually look forward to visiting.

A dental practice your kids will actually look forward to visiting.

When should my child have their first dental visit?

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Frequently asked questions about Children's Dentistry.

Other services we offer at Riverside.

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