Watching your child successfully go through various growth and development milestones in their early years is one of the most satisfying aspects of being a parent. Your guidance and support are vital during this crucial and formative time in their life. Responsible parents recognize the importance of dental care as a key part of their overall development and prioritize it to help their child achieve optimal oral health.
You want to be able to navigate through important dental milestones in the best possible way without making any mistakes. Guaranteeing high-quality dental care at every important milestone from a trusted Plano family dentist can help ensure that your kid’s growing years are full of health and happiness.
What Are Dental Milestones?
Dental milestones refer to the stages and events concerning dental health experienced by a person during their lifetime; otherwise called their dental journey. Dental milestones in relation to children refer to various stages from the appearance of their first teeth, all the way to the acquisition of permanent teeth, and wisdom teeth.
As a parent, it is crucial to ensure that your child has proper oral care during the early stages of their life as this can solidify their future oral health. The first dental stage, in short, is the most important.
It’s necessary for parents to take good care of their child’s dental health. This starts by finding an experienced and capable family dental practice in your area. Children are prone to favoring foods that are not just unhealthy, but also plaque forming. You can teach them good dental hygiene practices and discipline at home. It is also recommended that you take them to the dentist for regular visits. Choose the best Plano family dental office for preventive dentistry for your kids with David Wilhite DDS.
Choosing your family dentist can quite possibly be the most important step you take as a parent for maintaining your child’s dental health and preventing oral issues at a later stage in their life. With consistent care, your children will be at a reduced risk of experiencing dental problems in the future. The dentist will provide routine exams and services during the preventive dental care appointment. Remember that dental emergencies occur when you least expect them and periodic visits to the dental office for your child can minimize the risks.
Important Dental Care Milestones in Children
In this guide, we will look at a few important milestones that children pass through in terms of their oral growth and development. You shouldn’t be too concerned if your kids don’t immediately show changes in their teeth. Every child has their own unique growth cycle and there is not much you can do to speed things up. You should not delay visiting a family dentist if you start to notice any dental difficulties.
Milestone 1 – Teething
Teething or the appearance of baby teeth takes place when the child grows in their first teeth (also called primary teeth or milk teeth). Typically, this occurs before the baby hits the 1-year mark. In certain cases, the first teeth may appear as early as 3 months. The bottom front teeth are usually the first to appear, followed by the top front teeth. Canines and molars are next, which may occur after a delay or simultaneously.
Teething is a painful time for babies and often involves a lot of crying, screaming, and crankiness. It’s common for kids to refuse beverages and food at this stage because of the pain. Children often try to relieve the pressure on their gums by chewing on something.
Thumb sucking is a coping mechanism that many children turn into a habit. It starts as a way of relieving pressure in the gums during teething and can become a comfort when they are feeling stressed. Beware, though, because the development of the jaw and palate may be affected in severe cases of thumb sucking due to the added pressure.
A certain degree of thumb-sucking is considered normal. However, you need to make sure that you check in with your family dentist during your routine visit to monitor the behavior and their dental development.
Milestone 2 – Oral Hygiene
You should start a disciplined brushing routine in your toddler once the first tooth shows up. This will help in developing better oral habits later.
Milestone 3 – Losing the First Tooth
Your child will lose their first tooth at the age of five or six, which is an exciting time. The first tooth loss paves the way for permanent adult teeth. You can always play the tooth fairy card in order to make the experience more fun for them. Baby teeth will continue falling out over the course of the next few years until they are about 10–12 years old.
Teeth can fall out naturally or because of an impact. You can prevent a baby tooth from coming out before its time by ensuring your child always wears a mouthguard when playing team sports. Most kids lose their baby teeth between 5–12 years of age. However, the exact timeline will vary for each child.
Refrain from pulling out a tooth that becomes loose. Instead, you should ask your child to use a tissue or clean finger to gently wiggle it. The tooth will come out whenever it’s ready. Yanking out teeth before they are ready can damage your child’s gums. It can also cause unnecessary bleeding and trauma. In severe cases, it may potentially harm the underlying permanent tooth.
Milestone 4 – Eruption of All Adult Teeth
Permanent adult teeth will start replacing baby teeth as they fall out. This is not as painful as a baby’s teething stage. Baby teeth essentially act as placeholders for underlying adult teeth. Your child should ideally have a set of 28 permanent teeth by the age of 13. There will be no wisdom teeth at this stage.
You may want to consider braces during this time. Speak with your family dentist once your child has a full set of adult teeth. Misaligned teeth are far too common because of genetic reasons. Misaligned jaw and overcrowding are just a few issues that can create gaps between teeth and make them crooked. Some children may experience pain in their jaw because of a crossbite or overbite.
Once the adult teeth are all in, it’s a perfect opportunity for investing in braces. Your child’s teeth will look great for years to come if you invest in braces and follow the orthodontist’s advice. This is the time when most of your child’s peers will have braces, which makes it less socially awkward for them. This is also a good time as younger children are more likely to form healthy oral habits, such as wearing a retainer and flossing as compared to older kids.
You should consider speaking with an experienced family dentist like David Wilhite DDS about getting braces for your child if their teeth are misaligned or crooked. It’s best to choose a dentist who is equipped to offer the best in dental technology from dental fillings to dental sealants to orthodontic solutions, and more.
Milestone 5 – Wisdom Teeth
The arrival of wisdom teeth is usually the last dental milestone for a child. These are back molars that typically pop in between the ages of 16 and 24. These extra teeth were useful to early humans to replace any teeth they may have lost over the years. With that said, they are largely unnecessary in modern times.
Wisdom teeth often cause overcrowding and pain in the mouth. They may result in dental emergencies as well if not timely removed. Your child may have anywhere from 0 to 4 of these late-bloomers. Dentists largely recommend removing them, but it depends on the angle and position of each tooth.
You may place your child at an increased risk of overcrowding and other dental problems if you don’t have their wisdom teeth removed. Licensed dentists don’t usually have a problem getting rid of these molars. You should refer to your family dentist for preventive care and advice if your child begins experiencing dental pain because of these late-blooming molars.
Importance of Early Dental Care through Each Milestone
Early comprehensive dental care is vital for forming and maintaining oral health in children. Parents and caregivers should establish diligent dental care habits during infancy and continue them into adolescence and adulthood.
The American Dental Association recommends that quality dental care and regular checkups begin when the teeth are grown.
The health of milk teeth plays a major role in how permanent teeth emerge as your child grows older. These are a few key benefits of early dental care:
Helps Develop Good Oral Habits at an Early Stage
You can help your child preserve their permanent teeth by establishing basic oral hygiene through flossing, mouthwash gargling, and teeth brushing. In a sense, milk teeth are practice teeth. The habits your child develops while young could mean the success of their oral health when they are older. Children’s dental care should begin at an early age so that they can learn how to take care of their temporary teeth and then permanent ones.
Ensures a Healthy and Bright Smile
Your child should keep their primary teeth healthy and prevent decay by brushing and flossing every day. Routine visits for children’s dental care will also help in ensuring that primary teeth are kept as healthy as possible. Your child will get a boost of confidence from knowing they have good oral health and a nice smile.
Prevents the Occurrence of Gum Disease
Gum disease or gingivitis can develop at any age. You don’t want the gum line of your kids to get infected before permanent teeth start to appear. Gingivitis and periodontitis can occur at an early age if food particles remain stuck around chewing surfaces in absence of proper oral hygiene. This will cause bacterial pockets to form and may result in loose teeth.
Children’s dental health is not the same as adult dental health. Continuing regular visits to your family dentist are essential. You should be comfortable taking your child to the dental office for all their dental needs. This can be for routine checkups or even emergency appointments.
Prevention and education depend on early visits. During a routine appointment, a comprehensive oral examination and thorough cleaning will be performed by the dentist and dental hygienist. Topical fluoride treatment and prophylaxis will be provided if necessary. The dental provider will also perform an assessment for evaluating the risk of decay and will provide treatment and preventive strategies if tooth decay is found.
Visiting a Dentist for the First Time
One of the greatest joys of parenting is watching your children go through a lifetime of firsts. Taking your kids for their first dental treatment or visit can be one such joy. Scheduling regular checkups in young children is a great way of preventing cavities and decay at a young age.
Tooth decay is a common chronic disease affecting children in the US. More than half of American kids require some form of dental work treatment plan before age 8, as per the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Child oral health is a pressing nationwide issue. You need to make your child feels comfortable visiting the dentist. This is best done when you introduce them to a true professional that understands the dental needs of the entire family.
You can also use the opportunity to discuss dental milestones with the dentist. You can ask about potential future concerns, such as dental treatments for a misaligned jaw, a bad bite, or a fractured tooth.
Importance of Your Child’s Visits to a Family Dentist
You can take your kid to any general dentist practicing family dentistry. You should visit David Wilhite DDS, a Plano dentist you can trust and where you and your child will be comfortable with the dentist and office staff.
The growing teeth play a vital role in the formation of permanent teeth. It will have an impact on your child’s smile, speech, and oral development and a dentist can check that the teeth is growing healthily.
Your child will have their baby teeth until around their sixth birthday. This is when permanent teeth will begin coming in and baby teeth start falling out. Unfortunately, most kids have accumulated a build-up of juices, soda, sugary foods, and milk that settles on the gums by this age.
Cavity and tooth decay in baby teeth can harm the foundation of healthy teeth. You should try and ensure that your kids have a healthy diet and regular teeth cleanings through brushing and flossing. Proper dental hygiene makes sure that underlying teeth are free of decay and can prevent the need for emergency dentistry.
Preparing the Child for the First Visit
You should prepare your child for their first visit to the dentist in Plano, TX to make it a more positive experience. Here are some tips:
Remain positive: Your kids will pick up on your anxiety and reservations. You should remain upbeat and relaxed during the appointment. Let the kids know that the dentist is their friend and someone they can trust.
Brush before the visit: Another way to prepare is to have your kids brush their teeth and gums. This will ready them to see the dentist while reinforcing the value of optimal oral health. It will also make it easier for the hygienist to examine them.
Reduce nervousness: Let your children know what they can anticipate to help in reducing their nervousness. Toddlers are curious by nature and will want to see the dentist for the first time if they know a bit about what will happen.
You may want to bring along a few toys if your child finds new experiences frightening. You can bring their favorite books to read during the wait time. Staff at the front desk should be adept at making younger patients feel less apprehensive.
Maintaining Good Dental Hygiene Starts Early
Babies can get cavities, meaning you need to start good dental hygiene habits right away if you want their teeth to stay healthy. Generally, teething begins at the 3–6 month mark. This is when the child will also have inflamed or red gums. You can rub the gums gently with a cold damp cloth, or give them a chilled teething ring or cold compress to soothe the gums.
Cleaning the gums after every feeding can be an early way of starting your baby on good dental hygiene. Baby teeth are critical even though they will eventually fall out. You should take care of them like permanent teeth. You can continue massaging the gums after the first tooth emerges and should regularly check for cavities by looking for spots on the teeth.
Do Baby Teeth Really Matter?
Primary, baby, or milk teeth fulfill the following vital roles:
Help the baby smile, speak, and chew.
Hold space in the jaw to let permanent teeth grow beneath the gums.
Facilitates healthy chewing, which strengthens jaw muscles and prevents bone loss.
Primary teeth play an essential and unique role as the child grows. The baby tooth acts as a placeholder for permanent teeth. Baby teeth are not enough to accommodate the size and extent of an adult jaw. If the primary tooth gets knocked out accidentally or removed because of a cavity, it will cease to act as a placeholder. Permanent teeth may not grow in the proper manner if any babyteeth are removed.
It may also cause overcrowding concerns in the child’s mouth and the shifting of teeth. Early detection by a dentist may prevent any areas of concern from developing. Clearly, you need to make sure that you take care of their primary teeth in the same way as you would their adult teeth.
Proper dental visits to a great family dental practice for baby teeth care is necessary to prevent cavities and other issues from developing.
Schedule Your Child’s Dental Appointment in the North Dallas Area Today
The experienced and compassionate team at the office of Dr. David Wilhite DDS will make it their goal to help your child feel safe and welcome. We have the necessary experience required to detect any early problems and provide preventive dental treatments for your child.
From giving a friendly tour of the facility to completing a thorough oral health exam and professional teeth cleaning, we will do everything your child requires for a healthy and happy visit to our Plano family dental practice. Call us at 972-964-3774 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment and take the first vital step towards ensuring your child’s excellent dental health.
With 6 in 10 Americans feeling anxious and afraid to visit a dentist, we understand how challenging it can be for you and your family to make dental health a priority. But that’s what we are here for!
At the dental office of Dr. David Wilhite DDS in Plano, TX, our goal has always been to take this fear out of the equation and make our patients confident and comfortable while achieving their dental health goals.
“For years, I was scared of visiting a dentist. However since I met Dr. Wilhite, everything changed. The personalized, compassionate care he provides to his patients is exceptional. Dr. Wilhite and his staff go above and beyond to make sure you are comfortable and are OK from start to finish.” – N.H.
Dr. Wilhite is one of the most respected dentists in Texas, with a specialization in family, cosmetic, and pediatric dentistry. He along with his staff are dedicated to providing safe, proven, and advanced oral care for the patients to create healthy, beautiful smiles.
In the words of Dr. Wilhite, “My goal is that you should be able to keep all of your natural teeth in great condition for the rest of your life.” And that’s what our practice is all about – to give you access to state-of-the-art dental care performed by industry-leading professionals who are as invested in your oral health as you are.
Take Control Of Your Dental Health With Ease
We understand that in today’s post-pandemic world, you probably have dozens of reasons to neglect your annual dental hygiene exam. In addition to the fear of potentially painful procedures, you may have other concerns, like taking time off work for your appointment. But have you ever heard the phrase, “prevention is better than cure”? Let us give you a few reasons why prioritizing your oral health is critical:
The Importance Of Oral Health And Preventative Care As It Relates To Overall Health
According to the Academy of General Dentistry, more than 90% of all systemic diseases first manifest in the form of a dental health issue. In other words, your dentist could be the very first professional to diagnose a serious health condition.
For example, if you have gum disease, it could be an indication of undiagnosed rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, respiratory disease, diabetes, or heart disease. Studies have also shown that people with gum disease have three times the risk of having a stroke and twice the risk of dying from a heart attack than others.
Generally speaking, if your mouth is full of bad bacteria, they can enter your bloodstream, compromise your immune system, and result in a host of diseases. When someone has gum disease, for instance, the harmful bacteria bleed into the mouth and can cause infections in other parts of the body.
While many factors influence your overall health – like your diet and lifestyle habits – a healthy mouth is one of them.
Why Regular Dental Checkups Are Essential?
Here’s a fact: most oral problems are preventable. Except in rare cases, the purpose of routine dental examinations is to keep as much of your natural teeth intact as possible. Your dentist can help you spot problems early and build healthy habits for prevention. When it comes to your health, keeping a problem from happening is far better than fixing it after it happens.
Dental checkups are important because that’s when your family dentist recommends the best preventative strategies to keep your teeth and gums healthy. For example, they can show you the right way to brush and floss your teeth twice a day. This may seem inconsequential but one-third of Americans either over-brush or under-brush their teeth on a daily basis!
Additionally, when you visit a dentist twice a year for regular tooth cleaning, you get to know them better over time. This helps build trust so you can feel more comfortable about talking to them. If you have kids, this early relationship will also help them avoid feeling anxious when visiting the dentist.
These routine visits are how Dr. Wilhite and our team get to know our patients and their special needs. Since we keep thorough dental records of each patient, it becomes easy for us to track their oral health and provide them personalized care based on their dental history.
Why Dr. Wilhite Is The Best Dentist In Plano for General Dentistry and Specialty Services
Whether you need implants, veneers, a full-mouth restoration, or oral treatment for sleep apnea, Dr. Wilhite can provide you with a customized treatment plan along with a seamless experience to get it all done with no hassle. Dr. Wilhite and his team are dedicated to creating exceptional smiles.
Here’s what makes Dr. Wilhite the best in Plano, TX:
Advanced Expertise
Dr. David Wilhite is a Texas native and graduated from the Baylor College of Dentistry, one of the oldest and most distinguished institutions in the country. He has been nominated for the Dentist of the Year award in 2005, 2008, and 2015 by the Texas Academy of General Dentistry, making him one of the handful of dentists in the US who has had the honor more than once. He has also been nominated yearly for the Texas Super Dentist award by the esteemed Texas Monthly Magazine since 2006.
He also served as the Chairman of the Peer Review Council of Texas Dental Association for 7 years.
If that doesn’t impress you, consider this: Dr. Wilhite has received the Mastership Award as well as his Fellowship from the Academy of General Dentistry – less than 1% of American dentists have been able to achieve this distinction so far! The Mastership Award is only bestowed on dentists who have taken more than 1,100 extra hours of continuing training and education across a wide range of disciplines, such as Periodontics, oral surgery, restorative dentistry, treatment planning, and more.
If you are looking for a dentist with remarkable expertise and unequaled experience, you can’t be in better hands than that of Dr. Wilhite. Continuing education is also of great importance for Dr. Wilhite and his team. Each team member attends a minimum of six days per year outside of the office, learning different aspects of hygiene advancements, dental lab procedures, practice management, cosmetic dentistry, and restorative dentistry.
Committed To Preventative Care
Our team believes in prevention more than in procedures, which is why we put so much focus on preventive dental care so you and your family are educated about how to properly take care of your teeth and mouth, and avoid oral diseases.
Once you contract an oral health issue, it can be much more uncomfortable to experience and expensive to treat, so we offer a variety of preventive services to catch the problems early. This includes x-rays, oral evaluations, professional cleanings, sealants, fluoride treatments (especially for kids), as well as education on proper nutrition, tobacco cessation, and correct techniques for flossing, brushing, and use of oral hygiene aids.
Kid-Friendly Environment
“Before meeting Dr. Wilhite, we used to have two different dentists, one for us parents and one for our kids. Finally, a close friend recommended Dr. Wilhite for the whole family and we have never looked back. He has a way with the kids that puts them at ease and makes them enjoy their conversations with him. The kids no longer cringe when we have to go see the dentist! Their whole team treats us like family and in my opinion this is what sets them apart….believe me….I’ve been to many different practices!”– Christina Steinauer
When it comes to caring for children, simply providing comprehensive pediatric dental services is not enough. Dr. Wilhite and his team work hard to create an environment that helps little ones feel comfortable and have fun during their visit.
Relaxing Atmosphere
“After years of neglect due to childhood fears of any dentist, I found Dr. Wilhite when I moved to Plano in 2007. He and all of his staff treated me like my fear of dental treatments was not unusual and went out of their way to make my experience much less stress-inducing than I had ever thought possible. Had it not been for the care and patience the whole staff showed toward me, I don’t think I would have kept coming back. I think of the entire staff as friends and, can you imagine it, I even look forward to my appointments!” – MaryLee Nielson
For most people, the words “relax” and “dentist” just do not belong in the same sentence. But we do things differently here. You will sense the calm as soon as you enter our office in Plano as you are warmly greeted by our friendly staff. From the color scheme to décor to indoor temperature, everything is set up to promote feelings of calm and healing.
Services Offered By The Best Dental Office In Texas
We provide high-quality dental care services to the residents of Plano, Dallas, Carrollton, Frisco, McKinney, Richardson, and Allen, TX. Our team led by Dr. Wilhite approaches dentistry from a whole-body health perspective, regardless of how old you are. Here’s a brief overview of our services:
General Dentistry
Routine dental care is essential in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. To that end, our general dentistry services can prevent many common diseases such as gingivitis or cavities, and diagnose and offer treatment options for all kinds of conditions affecting your jaw, gums, and teeth.
Dental Check-Ups & Exams: A twice-yearly examination of your teeth and gums, which includes teeth cleaning and polishing, x-rays (if applicable), and treatment recommendations (if necessary). Regular exams are critical for catching problems early.
Cleaning and Dental Hygiene: Our professional dental cleaning services will remove the plaque buildup that can turn into tartar and may lead to gum disease and cavities if left unaddressed. Basic cleaning appointments are recommended twice a year but it varies depending on your oral health. Diabetic patients usually need 4 cleanings per year, while patients at risk of developing gum disease may also need more frequent cleanings.
Dental Sealants: Applying sealants to your teeth helps them protect against decay, cavities, and plaque buildup for up to 10 years. Our team generally recommends sealants for kids because their teeth have small depressions in them that make them harder to properly clean via brushing alone. The process doesn’t require any tooth removal or drilling and can be done within a few minutes.
Patient Education: In our experience, a well-informed patient is a healthy patient. So, during each visit, our team sits down with the patient, answers their questions, and discusses tips they can start using right away for better oral health. In addition to the right way to brush and floss, we also talk about your calcium intake, your diet and its impact on your teeth, using oral appliances like mouthguards, and more.
Cavity Detection & Prevention: We use sophisticated diagnostic technologies to identify tooth decay early during your regular visits. Dr. Wilhite will check your mouth for any signs of cavities and discuss treatments and other ways of prevention. If you have severe tooth decay, we have many treatments available to repair the damage and restore your beautiful smile, including root canal therapy, dental crowns, and dental fillings.
Periodontal Gum Disease Treatment: We provide gum disease treatment for all stages of the disease to restore your oral health and prevent future damage. This painful disease is effectively treated by Scaling & Root Planning. Your current condition, the extent of tooth damage, and dental history will be evaluated first to determine which will be the best option for you.
TMJ Disorder Treatment: If you are experiencing popping/clicking noises when opening and closing the mouth, tenderness of the jaw, grinding of the teeth (bruxism), headaches, pain in and around the ear, neck aches, or an uncomfortable bite, it could indicate Temporalmandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ).
Book an appointment with Dr. Wilhite right away to start treatment. He has devoted several hundreds of hours towards TMJ disorders and specializes in using the least invasive treatments possible.
Dental Fillings: If you have a cavity, it will need to be filled to prevent further damage to the teeth. During your dental checkup, if we suspect any abnormality, we will X-ray your entire mouth (or a section of it) to determine the extent of the decay. We use natural-looking, composite fillings, which are considered the gold standard and can last 5-7 years. Fillings are quick, painless, and performed under local anesthesia.
Dental X-rays: Since teeth are bones, it’s very easy to diagnose their health using X-Rays. We use both Panoramic X-rays (to examine the entire jaw) and traditional X-rays (to examine a single tooth). This is an essential part of dental care for children as it allows us to see how their teeth are forming.
Dentures: Whether you are looking for partial dentures, full dentures, implant-supported dentures, a replacement for your old dentures, or a brand-new pair, we can help. Our custom-made dentures are comfortable and top of the line. We work with a local dental lab and master technician to ensure your dentures fit you like a glove.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Dr. Wilhite is one of the leading cosmetic dentists in Plano and surrounding areas in Texas. He has dedicated his career to perfecting the art of cosmetic dentistry from full mouth rehabilitation with crowns and veneers to simple dental fillings.
Dental Implants & Implant Dentistry: Missing teeth no longer have to undermine your self-confidence with dental bridges and implants that use advanced materials.
During your appointment, our team will explain how your implants will be placed and they will also carry out a thorough oral exam to accurately diagnose your condition and create the best treatment plan. Dr. Wilhite will refer you to a trusted oral surgeon or periodontist for the implant placement. Once healed, you will return to Dr. Wilhite for your implant crown.
Full Mouth Restorations: When you have one damaged tooth, Dr. Wilhite is usually able to crown it or fill it quickly and effectively. But if you have multiple infected, damaged, or broken teeth as well as gaps, a full-mouth restoration might be a better option.
Dr. Wilhite’s extensive training and interdisciplinary approach in treating full mouth cases makes him the best dentist for major dental reconstruction. He will examine your gums and oral health to determine the condition of any teeth that are whole and what needs to be removed completely. He will fully evaluate your mouth to make a note of any cracks, wear, decay, cavities, gum disease, root canal issues, and the health of your jaw before creating a treatment plan.
Invisalign Braces: When it comes to straightening your teeth, there’s nothing that beats Invisalign in efficacy and aesthetics. To straighten your crooked or misaligned teeth, we offer convenient Invisalign braces, regardless of your age. We begin by taking digital dental scans of your teeth and then send these to a dental lab where the aligners are custom-fabricated. Once the aligners are completed, Dr. Wilhite will personally ensure that your Invisalign braces fit you perfectly.
Porcelain Crowns: Porcelain crowns and bridges are used to cover damaged teeth and replace missing teeth, respectively. Dr. Wilhite has pioneered an advanced technique that blends your natural teeth with the crowns for enhanced appearance.
Porcelain Veneers: We frequently use high-quality porcelain veneers to disguise discolored teeth (if teeth whitening has failed) as well as to close gaps between teeth. These are a poignant option if you’re looking to enhance your smile and correct any kind of tooth imperfection, such as chips, stains, gaps, and misalignments.
Dr. Wilhite can custom-design porcelain veneers to match the exact shape and color of your surrounding teeth, helping you achieve a vibrant, confident, and natural-looking smile.
Teeth Whitening: This is one of our most popular cosmetic services in Plano, TX. If your teeth have darkened due to medications, smoking, certain foods and drinks, aging, genetics, or any other reason, our teeth whitening procedure is just what the doctor ordered! Our in-office Zoom whitening treatment gives you immediate results.
Full Mouth Restoration And Dental Surgery
“I lucked into Dr. Wilhite and his delightful staff about a year or so ago. I’ve had some fairly serious dental issues for a while, lots of crowns and implants. Dr. Wilhite takes his time during exams, carefully explains what is going on, discusses options and then recommends the treatment (or in my case, treatments) needed. After 4 crowns, 2 implants, a few fillings, several cleanings and a lot of time and care, my mouth is in better shape than it’s been in, in decades.” – Todd Myerscough
If you have several missing, discolored, broken, chipped, or cracked teeth, you can count on Dr. Wilhite and our entire staff to give you the glorious smile you’ve always dreamed of. Dr. Wilhite has successfully transformed the smiles of hundreds of men, women, and children in Plano.
Unlike a mouth makeover, which is strictly cosmetic in nature, a full-mouth restoration involves correcting several problems of the teeth, gums, and jaw. From broken teeth to the loss of tooth enamel to severe tooth decay and cavities, a complete restoration treatment can do it all.
During this treatment, Dr. Wilhite will evaluate your specific dental needs and goals to determine which procedures may need to be performed. He will create a customized action plan during your initial appointment. While every person is different, some of the most common procedures in a full-mouth restoration include:
Dental Fillings: The purpose of fillings is to restore teeth that have been damaged, restore their normal function and appearance, and prevent further damage.
Dental Crowns: Crowns not only protect your existing teeth that have been cracked, chipped, broken, or decayed, but also improve the appearance of your smile.
Root Canals: A root canal is performed to repair teeth that have been severely damaged by infection or decay.
Dental Implants: If the root portion of one or more of your teeth is missing, an implant can be placed. It is placed into the jaw surgically and serves as a permanent and solid foundation for artificial teeth, restoring your ability to chew as well as the appearance of your smile.
No matter what state your teeth are in right now, once Dr. Wilhite is done, your teeth will be healthier and stronger, and your smile will be as glowing as you’d ever imagined.
Pediatric Dentistry
“I’ve been going to Dr. Wilhite since I was 11 years old! Even though I’ve now moved out of state, I consider Dr. Wilhite the only dentist I trust and make a point of scheduling my appointments during my visits home. The entire staff from the front office to the dental hygiene staff to the dentist himself makes it a priority to make you feel like a valued patient. My whole family including the kids love Dr. Wilhite’s office, and are loyal patients.” – Julia
Our goal is to provide your little ones with a cozy atmosphere to help them build excellent oral care habits early in their lives. Dr. Wilhite and his team treat each child with compassion and respect as they become comfortable with dental treatment, be it a regular checkup and cleaning or something more complicated like orthodontics, bondings, crowns, and cavity fillings.
From the initial appointment at your child’s third birthday to the day they graduate and “leave the nest”, our practice is committed to providing the very best dental care through clinical excellence, clear communication, and genuine concern.
Here are just a few things that make us the best pediatric dental practice in Plano:
Anxiety-Free Care: Dr. Wilhite as well as our dental hygienists and other staff go the extra mile in alleviating any anxiety associated with dental appointments. We offer drawing books and other fun incentives to encourage our little patients to look forward to their visit with us.
One-On-One Relationship: Every child is different and we try our best to treat them as such, which helps them gain confidence in us. We explain what we are doing in easy, friendly language so your child can understand what’s going on – we have found that this works wonders in taking away any anxiety they may be feeling.
Comprehensive First Visit: Before we do any work, you and your child will be introduced to our entire team. Depending on what’s necessary, x-rays may be taken to assess your child’s oral health. During this examination, we will check their mouth, neck, and head, and then discuss with you the results of the exam and required treatment. We may also do a teeth cleaning and preventive fluoride treatment during this first visit.
Preventive Dentistry: Dr. Wilhite believes in teaching and motivating children on how to care for their teeth so they build good oral hygiene habits early on and stay away from dental issues. It’s a joint effort between us, you, and your child to create these habits! Teeth cleanings, sealants, fluoride treatment, and preventive resin restorations (when necessary) are measures taken to prevent a cavity. A check-up every 6 months will also help ensure your child’s teeth are growing the way they should.
Restorative Dentistry: If your child has developed cavities, we offer a variety of restorative procedures in combination with the most appropriate sedation techniques for their safety and comfort.
We offer complete dental care for children, including:
Digital x-rays
Fluoride treatments
Tooth extractions
Dental sealants
Metal-free dental fillings
Emergency dental services
Nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and general anesthesia
And much more
Note: Dr. Wilhite doesn’t see children below the age of 3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Visiting a new dentist can be nerve-wrecking. If you’re feeling a little anxious or you just want to be best prepared for your visit with us, check out these answers to some of the questions we routinely get from new patients like you regarding their first visit:
What will happen during my first visit?
There’s no need for you to be apprehensive about your initial appointment, unless, of course, you are facing an urgent care dental emergency! Our friendly receptionist will welcome you to the office and give you a couple of forms to fill out. After you are checked in, one of our dental assistants will take you for a checkup and go over your medical and dental history. We will also take some digital images and x-rays of your mouth.
Then you’ll meet Dr. Wilhite and have chat about your dental health and goals. He will discuss what issues you may have and possible treatment options. Depending on what you want, he will create a treatment plan, and from there you’ll be able to schedule your next appointment.
Will I get my teeth cleaned during the initial appointment?
Yes, patients usually receive a cleaning at the first appointment.
What information do I need to bring with me?
For your new patient form, you’ll need to bring a list of any current medications you are taking (including vitamin and herbal supplements), your insurance cards, and any notes about your dental and/or medical history. If you are transferring from another dental practice, we’d also suggest asking them to forward all your dental records to us for a better experience.
Will you take x-rays?
If you have had your dental x-rays taken within the last 6 months or so, this is usually not necessary. Otherwise, we will need these digital images to see what’s going in within your tooth structure and under your gums. If we notice any issue while taking your x-rays, we will take a few more for a clearer picture of your mouth.
Will I have a chance to talk to Dr. Wilhite?
It can be reassuring to be able to speak directly with your new dentist and ask them questions regarding your situation, especially if you suffer from dental fear. During your appointments, Dr. Wilhite will spend time with you going over your oral healthcare needs. While talking with you, he will answer any questions and ease any fears or concerns you may have. His goal is to comfort and educate his patients.
How do I know what my insurance will cover?
We recommend calling your insurance provider directly to learn what they will cover. You can usually find this information on their website. You can also read your dental policy paperwork to see whether the procedure you want is covered or not. If it’s something major, our office can provide you with an estimate. This will help you know what you are likely to owe after any deductible, co-insurance, and policy maximum.
Will you provide a quote for the recommended treatments?
Yes, we will. We don’t like to throw unexpected costs on our patients, so we always provide a detailed estimate for all treatment services.
What do I do if I don’t have any dental insurance?
We have worked with many patients who didn’t have any insurance so don’t worry, just call us to learn about your options. Dr. Wilhite has always emphasized accessible, affordable, and quality dental care, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
For Healthy Teeth And A Great Smile, Visit The Dental Offices Of Dr. David Wilhite
If you’re looking for the most skilled and dependable dentist in Texas, look no further than Dr. David Wilhite. With unrivaled expertise, countless awards and accolades, and a deep commitment to his patients, there isn’t a challenge Dr. Wilhite can’t handle. Now that you know what to expect from your first visit with the dental offices of Dr. David Wilhite in Plano, TX, it’s time to set up your appointment.
Start the journey towards better oral health and get your dream smile today! You can fill out this form or call our office directly at 972-964-3774 to request a dentist appointment. If you have any questions or concerns, we are ready to answer you promptly.
A canker sore is a mouth ulcer or sore that is open. They are commonly found on the inside of lips or cheeks. They are also found on the gums and under the tongue. Canker sores are usually white or yellowish oval shaped sores and surrounded by red, irritated tissue. Canker sores are most common during adolescence and young adulthood and become less common as we age. About 1 in 5 children develop a canker sore. Though often confused for cold sores, they are not related. In addition, canker sores are not contagious.
Canker Sore Causes
Researchers are not sure what is the exact cause of a canker sore, however they believe a combination of factors may contribute.
Potential contributing factors include:
accidental cheek bite
anxiety
food sensitivities
vitamin deficiencies
allergic response to bacteria in your mouth
stress
hormone changes
toothpastes containing sodium lauryl sulfate
Cankers sores may occur because of diseases such as:
celiac disease
Chrohn’s disease
ulcerative colitis
Behcet’s disease
HIV/AIDS
immune system issues
Treatment
Canker sores usually heal on their own within a few weeks, with pain diminishing in about a week. If your canker sore has not healed in three weeks, you may need to seek medical care. Several over the counter remedies exist, including pastes, gels, or mouth rinses with ingredients to minimize canker sore pain. A doctor may prescribe oral medication for severe canker sores.
To help healing at home you can use a salt-water rinse. In addition, it is advisable to avoid spicy or acidic foods, which can exacerbate the sore. You may also find relief in allowing ice chips to dissolve over the sore. Lastly, it’s important to brush your teeth gently (including with a gentle toothpaste) to avoid irritating the sore further.
If you can identify what triggers canker sores in your mouth, it is best to avoid it. Pay attention to potential food allergies. Eat healthfully to prevent nutritional deficiencies. Always practice good oral health and brush daily and floss and use mouthwash regularly.
Dental tips for children are important this time of year. As Halloween may not be first the major show, and fall treats alone steal the spotlight! Before we share those tips to help your kids care for their teeth during this time of year, we will share some of the treats we’ve come across.
The first treat comes from “15 Fabulous Fall Treats That Aren’t a Mouthful of Pumpkin Spice,” so you don’t necessarily have to be a fan of the pumpkin flavor that seems to be all the rage. Full articles listed later.
Oatmeal Cookie Apple Crisp: “You’re going to want to serve this crisp while it’s warm from the oven, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.”
The next recipe is something a little different… what do you think of Sweet Potato Snicker Doodles?!
Our last recipe comes from a hearty list, “40 of Our Best Fall Desserts,” Chai Cupcakes. “You’ll get a double dose of the spicy blend that’s frequently used to flavor tea in these moist single-size cakes. Both the cupcake and frosting use the blend, which combines some of the best flavors of the season.”
In order to help, we’re going to share some holiday dental tips for kids provided by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Read the tips below to keep your kids healthy.
The AAPDS recommends that a child’s first visit to a pediatric dentist should be by the AGE OF ONE or when the FIRST TOOTH APPEARS. Regular check-ups should occur every SIX MONTHS.
Parents should help their children brush their teeth TWICE DAILY – after breakfast and before bedtime are ideal. It’s recommended that parents/caregivers supervise the brushing for school-age children until they are 7 to 8 years of age.
The BEST TOOTHBRUSHES for children have soft, round-ended (polished) bristles that clean while being gentle on the gums. The handle should be proportionate to the size of the child’s hand.
Parents can begin FLOSSING for their children when two teeth are touching. Children can begin flossing on their own around age 7.
Look for FLOURIDE TOOTHPASTE with the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance.
Sugary candy, food, and drinks are part of the holidays. With this, the risk of cavities and poor dental health also increases. Parents should try to moderate sugar intake, and WATCH OUT FOR CARBONATED DRINKS, which actually erode teeth more than sweetened drinks.
Keep an eye on on snacking – ideally, children should have NO MORE THAN THREE SNACK TIMES a day.
COOKED STARCHES CAN LEAD TO CAVITIES just as sugars can. In fact, cooked starches such as bread, crackers, pasta, pretzels and potato chips frequently take longer to clear the mouth than sugars.
LIMIT SUGAR INTAKE by checking labels and buying sugar-free varieties of food options, if available.
CHEESES such as aged cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella and Monterey Jack are great as a snack or to eat after a meal because they clear the mouth of food and neutralize the acids that attack teeth.
This story originally appeared on The Mouth Monsters
Our community has been through a lot over the last few months, and all of us are looking forward to resuming our normal habits and routines. While many things have changed, one thing has remained the same: our commitment to your safety.
Infection control has always been a top priority for our practice and you may have seen this during your visits to our office. Our infection control processes are designed to make you feel both safe and comfortable. We want to tell you about the infection control procedures we follow in our practice to keep patients and staff safe.
Our office follows infection control recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We follow the directives of these agencies so that we are up to date on any new rulings or guidance that may be issued.
You may see some changes when it is time for your next appointment. We made these changes to help protect our patients and staff. For example:
Our office will conduct a health screening and temperature check upon your arrival.
We have hand sanitizer available throughout the office.
You may see that our waiting room no longer offers magazines, books, children’s toys, etc. to reduce the spread of germs.
Our clinical staff will wear additional personal protective equipment (PPE) to better protect themselves and their patients.
Appointments will begin with an oral rinse to reduce bacteria in the mouth prior to treatment.
We look forward to seeing you again and are happy to answer any questions you may have about the steps we take to keep you, and every patient, safe in our practice. To make an appointment, please call our office at (972) 964-3774 or contact us today.
Thank you for being our patient. We value your trust and loyalty and look forward to welcoming back our patients, neighbors and friends.
Can I put off my dental appointment until after the COVID-19 pandemic is over?
Regular dental appointments are an important part of taking care of your overall health. While it can be tempting to put off your regular checkup until things feel more “normal” again, I advise against it. Routine appointments give me an opportunity to check for a number of health conditions and catch them early. Some conditions, like tooth decay, can be more difficult, painful and expensive to treat if they’re left undetected.
Your health and safety is, and has always been, my top priority. My staff and I are taking every precaution to limit the risk of COVID-19 transmission at your visit.
What about teledentistry? Can / substitute a virtual visit for my regular appointment?
A phone or video appointment isn’t the same as your regular appointment. Teledentistry can be helpful in some situations, such as deciding if an oral health issue you’re experiencing is an emergency that requires immediate treatment or if it’s something that can wait a bit. If you think you may be experiencing a dental emergency, call my office and we’ll help you decide if you need to come in.
What are you doing differently because of COVID-19?
There are a number of science-backed steps my staff and I are taking to help limit the spread of COVID-19. These include:
Increased personal protective equipment including masks, face shields, goggles and surgical gowns or long-sleeved lab coats.
Increased cleaning protocols. This includes using disinfectants known to kill the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, removing high-touch items like magazines and toys from waiting rooms and frequently cleaning items like pens and clipboards.
I’ve heard it’s safer to schedule your appointment for first thing in the morning – the office will be cleaner because there haven’t been patients coming through before me. Is that true?
You should schedule your dental appointment for the time of day that works for you. The same enhanced cleaning protocols occur all day long, including leaving the room empty after a patient leaves to allow the appropriate time necessary as part of thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the space between patients.
How is your dental team monitoring themselves for COVID-19?
Staff at our practice are subject to daily health screenings. This includes taking their temperatures to make sure they don’t have a fever and asking them a series of health-related questions each day to make sure they’re not experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19.
You said you cannot see me as a patient because of my COVID-19 risk. Can you do that?
Yes. The safety of our patients and the dental team is our highest priority. As Dentists, we use our professional judgment and guidance from the CDC and the American Dental Association (ADA) to determine risk levels for seeing patients. If it was determined that you were high risk, or had a high temperature on the day of your appointment, we can have a conversation about which factors determined delay of service, so that you can self-monitor and reschedule.
Children dentistry is part of our specialty and one thing we know about children dentistry is…animal tooth facts are always fun for dental pediatric time! We pulled some of our favorites to share with you this time around. Get ready to learn!
A is for…alligator! Did you know… alligators have between 74 and 80 teeth in their mouth at a time, but as their teeth wear down, new ones constantly replace them.
B is for Blue Whales. Even though they’re the largest mammals in the world, blue whales only eat tiny shrimp called krill, so they don’t need teeth to chew their food. Instead, they have bristle-like filters called baleen that comb through the water.
What’s next? Giraffe! Giraffes have 32 teeth just like humans, but no upper front teeth. Most of them are positioned in the back of their mouths. They use their lips and 20-foot long tongues to grab leaves and twigs and grind them up with their back teeth.
Hippopotamus. Hippos have the longest canine teeth of any animal. At three-feet long, the incisors of a hippo can bite right through a small boat.
Mosquitoes……. have teeth that help them saw into your skin. Yikes!
Rabbits, squirrels, and rodents have teeth that never stop growing. They have to chew on tough foods like nuts, leaves, and bark to wear down their teeth and keep them from growing too long.
Zebras…are the same! They must constantly gnaw on bark, leaves, and grass to shave down their teeth.
