Frequently Asked Questions

"First visit by the first birthday," generally sums it up. Your child should visit a pediatric dentist in New Braunfels, TX when the first tooth comes in — usually between 6 and 12 months of age. Preventive care for your child can ensure lifelong dental health.

The most important reason is to begin a thorough prevention program early in life. Dental problems can begin early.

A big concern is early childhood caries, formerly known as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries. Once a child’s diet includes anything other than breast milk, erupted teeth are at risk for decay. The earlier the dental visit, the better the chance of preventing dental problems. 

Children with healthy teeth will chew food easily and smile with confidence. Start your child now on a lifetime of good dental habits by visiting our pediatric dentist in New Braunfels, TX.

At-will breastfeeding should be avoided after the first primary — or baby — teeth begin to erupt and other sources of nutrition have been introduced. Children should not fall asleep with a bottle containing anything other than water. Drinking juice from a bottle should be avoided. Fruit juice should only be offered in a cup alongside meals or at snack time. For more information, don't hesitate to call our pediatric dentist in New Braunfels, TX.

Children should generally be weaned from the bottle between 12 and 14 months of age. If you have additional questions about this, reach out to our pediatric dentist in New Braunfels, TX and we will be happy to provide more information!

Thumb sucking is perfectly normal for infants and many stop by age 2. However, prolonged thumb sucking can create crooked teeth or bite problems.

If the habit continues beyond age 3, a professional evaluation is recommended. Our pediatric dentist in New Braunfels, TX will be glad to suggest ways to address a prolonged thumb-sucking habit.

The sooner, the better! Starting at birth, you should clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water. As soon as the teeth begin to appear, start brushing twice a day using fluoridated toothpaste and a soft, age-appropriate sized toothbrush.

Use just a smear of toothpaste to brush the teeth of a child less than 2 years of age. For 2 to 5-year-olds, dispense a pea-size amount of toothpaste and perform or assist your child’s toothbrushing. Remember that young children do not have the ability to brush their teeth effectively themselves. Call our pediatric dentist in New Braunfels, TX for more info.