COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT PEDIATRIC DENTAL VISITS
Why should I choose a pediatric dentist?
A Pediatric Dentist is trained in the oral health needs of children and has the education and expertise to work with kids of all ages. When you choose a pediatric dentist you will be working with a dentist that knows how to communicate with children to help them feel safe and comfortable.
Our offices are bright and colorful and help making coming to the dentist fun. By making visits to the dentist office more appealing, kids will be more likely to seek out dental care as they grow.
When should my child visit the dentist?
We recommend that you schedule your child’s first dental appointment by 12 months of age or within 6 months of the first tooth coming in. Your child’s first dental visit is an important milestone and helps to start healthy habits early.
How can I help prepare my child for their dental visit?
Here are a few tips to help your child prepare for their first visit and to ensure that it runs smoothly:
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Speak positively - remember to always speak about the dentist positively. Let your child ask questions and give simple positive answers. Share with your child that a nice doctor will be counting their teeth and teaching them how to keep their smile clean and healthy.
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Choose the right time to inform your child about the dental visit - Depending on your child, it may help to wait and tell him or her about the appointment on the same day. Telling your child too far in advance may lead to a lot of anxiety.
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Play same games - Playing a pretend game of dentist can be the best way to help your child imagine what to expect and prepare for their first visit.
How do you manage dental anxiety?
At Greater Houston Pediatric Dentistry, helping your child relax and have a great experience at our office is our first priority.
Preparing your child using the recommendations above can help alleviate anxiety related to an upcoming dental appointment. We also offer several options for sedation dentistry and can help you discuss what will fit your child’s needs best. Our dentists make recommendations for the most appropriate sedation option based on your child’s health, level of anxiety and dental treatment.
If you have any questions about sedation dentistry or your child's dental visit, please contact our office.
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT ORAL HEALTH
What is fluoride and why is it recommended?
Pediatric dentists often receive questions from parents about fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a chemical that naturally occurs in many foods and water and it helps prevent tooth decay. Fluoride reverses early decay and helps remineralize your tooth enamel. Dentists recommend using toothpaste containing fluoride because it helps prevent cavities.
Does it matter if my child gets cavities in baby teeth?
Baby teeth have an important role to play before permanent teeth erupt. They maintain the space for permanent teeth and they also help maintain the growth of the jaw. Cavities in your child’s baby teeth could lead to loss of tooth structure, which could cause space loss and shifting of teeth. This could lead to crowding in permanent teeth.
Sometimes the teeth might be infected which could lead to changing the shape of permanent teeth. It is important that cavities are treated as quickly as possible.
ABOUT INSURANCE AND PAYMENT OPTIONS
What kind of payment options and insurance are accepted at GHPD?
Greater Houston Pediatric Dentistry accepts all major credit cards and personal checks. Financing options are also available for those who qualify.
We accept the following types of dental insurance:
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Cigna PPO
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Delta Dental PPO and Premier
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Dentemax PPO
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Guardian PPO
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Humana PPO
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United Healthcare PPO
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Unicare PPO
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Assurant PPO
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United Concordia Fee for Service Advantage
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Selected Aetna PPO
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Selected Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO
We also participate in in the following plans: Dentex, Careington, CHIP and Medicaid.
If you have questions about your dental insurance or payment at any of our four Houston pediatric dental clinics, please contact our office.
Greater dental care for your child starts here. Just a click away.
Frequently Asked Questions
about pediatric dental care