PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

children's dental services

At Pediatric Dentistry Office in the Rio Grande Valley, TX Area

The dental office of Melissa Rivera, D.D.S. provides complete dental services for children. It takes a lot of care, compassion and skill to be a great kids’ dentist. The family dental office of Melissa Rivera, D.D.S. has displayed all of these qualities to earn her reputation as the top children’s dentist in the Rio Grande Valley.

Please bookmark our website and save our phone number in case of a child dental emergency. Call or contact us to schedule your next pediatric dental appointment.

Dental Checkups for Small Children and Big Kids

A dentist for kids should examine the patient’s mouth for cavities, gum development and other dental issues children commonly deal with. Since most kids’ teeth are still forming, an examination will mostly check for healthy development and cavities. If your dentist does discover decay, it may be treated with sealants or other child-friendly options. Other issues that may be revealed are typically addressed at later visits.

Complete Range of Dental Treatments for Common Children’s Dental and Gum Problems:

Tooth Decay
Gum or Periodontal Disease
Severe Tooth Pain
Bad Breath (Halitosis)

Canker Sores
Orthodontic Problems
Dental Emergencies
Traumatic Dental Injuries

What You Need to Know About a Child's First Teeth

A child's first 20 “baby teeth” will begin to show usually between six and nine months of age. In some cases, it may start as early as three months or as late as twelve months. The two lower front teeth tend to erupt first, followed by the two upper ones. The first molars come in next, followed by the canines (eyeteeth). Sometimes your baby can experience teething discomfort during this process. If so, let us know and we will advise you as to the best course of action.

Your infant's gums and newly erupting teeth should be gently wiped after each feeding with a water-soaked gauze pad or damp washcloth. Starting at age 2, when there are more teeth in the mouth, establish a daily brushing routine with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and no more than a thin smear of fluoridated toothpaste. Your child may need your help with this important task until about the age of 6.

Schedule Your Child's First Dental Appointment

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that you bring your child in to see a dentist by the first birthday. This may seem early in life, but we can teach you the correct children’s oral hygiene techniques, check for cavities, and watch for developmental problems.

We want to make sure your child has a positive experience at our dental office and hope they will be a regular dental patient for many years in their life.

Some Steps to Prevent Tooth Decay

Contact our office. We can explain effective tooth brushing methods plus recommend other steps that you can use at home. We may recommend special tooth pastes or dental rinses. If necessary, in-office dental treatments such as topical fluoride applications are available. Anti-bacterial treatments may also be beneficial along with some nutritional counseling.

If you are concerned that your child's teeth are possibly at risk of tooth decay problems, we can apply a dental sealant. This is a nearly invisible layer of a special type of dental resin that is placed on the top (chewing) surfaces of the back teeth. It is a painless procedure that fills in the natural pits and contours of the tooth.

Why Choose Our Pediatric Dental Office?

Our dental staff is trained in modern pediatric dental techniques.
We love working with and providing dental care for children.
We offer pediatric dental care at an affordable cost.

We accept Medicaid and CHIP (all programs)
We accept most dental insurance plans.

Our Commitment to Dental Service for Children Relies on the Following Principles:

Reward Good Dental Health: It’s easy to hand out a lollipop or small toy, but we go above and beyond to congratulate kids who maintain great dental health.

Be Gentle: Kids might be nervous, and we understand this, so we aim to put every patient at ease before beginning any exam or procedure.

Make it Fun: Going to the dentist should be fun. We implement a positive environment and carefree atmosphere to eliminate any trepidation young patients might feel.

Whether your child is 5 or 15, we will accommodate them and put their dental needs first.

Please call or contact us today to schedule your next dental appointment.

Getting your child on track to great dental health is a lot easier if you have help from a qualified kids’ dentist. Melissa Rivera, D.D.S. provides superior care for children, as well as prosthodontics, in the Rio Grande Valley. The office also serves San Juan, Pharr, Alamo, Donna, Weslaco, Mercedes, Edinburg, McAllen, Elsa, Mission and Harlingen.

Appointments can be made by calling 956-787-9866.