We Care for Even the Smallest Smiles
Dr. Huff and his team can’t wait to provide a positive first dental experience for the kids of Kerrville. In the US alone, 51 million hours of school are missed due to dental-related causes. Dr. Huff knows that to keep our kids healthy they must learn the ‘how’s and ‘why’s of good dental health.
You and your children will love your experience with Dr. Huff. Our skilled team goes above and beyond to make you and your family comfortable.
Checking on Your Child’s Dental Health
Children should come to our Kerrville office as soon as their first tooth comes in, or after their first birthday. It’s a common myth that baby teeth don’t need to be cared for because they will be lost, but this is not true. The bacteria that cause cavities remains in the oral environment even after baby teeth are lost.
Taking care of your child’s teeth from the beginning is important for their long-term health. Make sure you’re brushing your child’s teeth for them until the age of 6. Prior to age 6, children do not have the skill to brush on their own.
Diet is also extremely important in controlling dental decay. Avoid sugary juices, sticky candies, and starchy or sugary foods before bedtime. Brush and floss their teeth twice a day and avoid putting them to bed with a sippy cup or bottle.
Pediatric Orthodontics
If your child’s teeth are misaligned, we can help. It’s important to address any bite issues and misalignment early on to avoid the risk of tooth decay, gingivitis, snoring, speech issues, teeth grinding, or TMJ disorder. Let Dr. Huff care for your child if they have:
- Crowded teeth
- Underdeveloped jaws
- Crooked teeth
- Thumb sucking issues
- Jaw joint issues
Easing Your Child’s Nerves
We know that going to the dentist can cause anxiety. Often children are nervous if they’re in an unknown environment and don’t understand what’s happening next. We make it a priority to carefully explain what your child will be experiencing with us. We’ll always speak in age-appropriate language and make sure to describe any sensations they may feel.
If we’re cleaning their teeth for the first time, we’ll show them how the chair goes up and down, describe and demonstrate how the overhead light turns on and helps us see, and we’ll let them touch and hear the toothbrush and suction tool before ever putting it in their mouth.
We also like to let parents know that parental encouragement is important during a first visit. Children will cue how to respond when they see how you act. If you’re confident and encouraging, they’ll feel more at ease.
Tips for Their First Visit
- Let them know ahead of time they will be seeing us
- Let them know the dental team is going to help keep them healthy
- Tell them about the positive experiences you have had at the dentist
- Explain the different elements: dental chair, light, toothbrush, suction tool, x-rays
- Be sure to let Dr. Huff know if your child sucks on his/her thumb, pacifier, or bottle
- Be prepared to offer health information to the dental team
- Let your child know they will be able to pick out a prize after their visit with Dr. Huff
Is Your Child Ready for a Check-Up
Schedule an appointment for your son or daughter twice a year to get their regular dental check-up and exam. Dr. Huff and our team will always ensure they feel comfortable throughout their visit. We’ll also make sure they keep up with their dental hygiene routine by informing them what exactly they should be doing every morning and night.
Frequently Asked Questions
We recommend bringing your child to see us as soon as their first tooth comes in, or after their first birthday. Some people assume that baby teeth don’t need dental care since they’ll fall out anyway, but this isn’t true.
In fact, it’s crucial to take care of your child’s teeth from the very beginning if you want their smile to stay healthy.
Children should visit the dentist just as often as adults, about every six months. In some cases, Dr. Huff may recommend that your child visit the dentist more often — for example, if your child has crowded teeth, they’re likely prone to cavities and may benefit from more frequent checkups.
By getting their teeth cleaned and examined twice a year, your child can avoid costly dental issues and maintain a healthy smile for life.
Children should start flossing when their primary teeth begin to touch. Typically, this starts when your child is about two years old.
Your child will need help flossing until they’re able to do it properly on their own, often around the age of seven. Dr. Huff and our team will also help teach your child to floss when you bring them in for a checkup.
We understand that dental anxiety is common and many children are afraid of visiting the dentist. That’s why Dr. Huff and our team use a casual, friendly approach to help your child feel comfortable and relaxed in our office.
We’ll walk them through what’s happening step-by-step so they don’t get nervous or confused, while also emphasizing all the benefits dentistry can offer for their health. Encouraging your child ahead of time will also help them form a positive view of dentistry and make our job easier.
Last but not least, your child can pick out a fun prize from our collection after their appointment is finished.