Your Best Choice for Pediatric Dentistry
In the Abilene, Wylie, Jim Ned & Buffalo Gap Area
Pediatric Dentistry
A child’s first visit to the dentist should be enjoyable. Children are not born with a natural fear of the dentist, but they can fear the unknown. Our office makes a special effort to use pleasant, non-frightening, simple words to describe each treatment. We want you and your child to feel at ease from the moment your family arrives at our office.
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends...
Children should visit the dentist by their first birthday. It is important that your child’s newly erupted teeth (erupting at six to 12 months of age) receive proper dental care and benefit from proper oral hygiene habits right from the beginning.
When new teeth arrive
Your child’s first primary, or “baby,” teeth will begin to erupt between the ages of six to 12 months, and will continue to erupt until about age three. During this time, your child’s gums may feel tender and sore. To help alleviate this discomfort, we recommend that you soothe the gums by rubbing a clean finger or a cool, wet cloth across them. You may also choose to make use of a teething ring.
Your child’s primary teeth are shed at various times throughout childhood. Permanent teeth begin erupting at age six, and continue until age 21. Adults have 28 permanent teeth (32, teeth including wisdom teeth).
Dental Space Maintenance
Space maintenance is an important preventive service in pediatric dentistry that helps guide proper dental development after a child loses a baby tooth too early. Learn More »
Extractions
We may suggest an extraction after careful examination and treatment. Learn More »
Fillings
Restore your smile with expert dental fillings. Our skilled dentists use advanced materials to repair cavities and damage, ensuring strong, natural-looking teeth for lasting oral health. Learn More »
Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry provides a comfortable, stress-free dental experience by using medication to help patients relax during procedures. Ideal for those with dental anxiety, sedation ensures pain-free treatments, reduces fear, and supports optimal oral care. Learn More »
Tongue-Tie Treatment
Tongue-tie treatment is a simple and gentle procedure designed to release the restricted tissue and restore normal tongue mobility. Learn More »
Adopting healthy oral hygiene habits
As your child’s teeth erupt, be sure to examine them every two weeks, looking for lines and discoloration that may be caused by decay. Remember that sugary foods and liquids can attack a new tooth, so take care that your child brushes his or her teeth after feeding or eating. We recommend brushing two times a day for optimal oral hygiene.
Brushing can be fun, and your child should brush as soon as the first tooth arrives. When a baby’s tooth erupts, parents should brush the tooth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. For children younger than two, do not use fluoride toothpaste unless advised to do so by your dentist or other healthcare professional. We suggest reviewing proper tooth brushing procedures with your child.
Flossing is also a part of good oral hygiene habits, and your dentist will discuss with you the right time to start flossing your child’s teeth. If you notice signs of decay, contact your dentist immediately.
Preventing tooth decay with regular checkups
Tooth decay is caused by sugars left in your mouth that turn into an acid, which can break down your teeth. Children are at high risk for tooth decay for a simple reason: many children and adolescents do not practice regular, good oral hygiene habits. Proper brushing and flossing routines combined with regular dental visits help keep tooth decay away.
Your child should visit the dentist every six months for regular dental cleanings and checkups. We recommend fluoride treatments twice a year along with cleanings to keep teeth their strongest. Tooth sealants are also recommended because they “seal” the deep grooves in your child’s teeth, preventing decay from forming in these hard-to-reach areas. Sealants last for several years, but will be monitored at your child’s regular checkups.
Ready to Start Your Orthodontic Journey?
If you're ready to achieve a straighter, healthier smile, call Key City Kids today! Our experienced team is here to provide expert care and customized treatment options to fit your needs.
"We've been taking our 3 children here for a couple of years. Dr. Phillips and Dr. Ellis and the entire staff are absolutely amazing! So friendly, professional, and most importantly, our kids feel comfortable and enjoy the welcoming environment. Our 4th grader recently had his braces removed and the results are absolutely phenomenal!! From start to finish, Dr. Phillips was so great to work with and we could not be happier with the results. We've recommended friends to this location and will continue to highly recommend Key City - Dr. Phillips and Dr. Ellis and all the amazing ladies to everyone we know! My son can't quit showing off his beautiful smile and my other two actually get excited to hear "we're going to get teeth cleaned"🩷 Thank you Key City - Abilene for the great care you provide!"
