Children's dentistryGeneral dentistry at Brazos Street Dental
Dr. Mei-Lin Tanabe, DDS · General Dentist · Fictional person
Check-ups, cleanings and fillings for children from their first tooth, at both practices. When we refer to a specialist, and why there is no price on this page.
- From
- The first tooth
- Who
- Dr. Tanabe, Jordan Ashby and the team
- Where
- Both practices
- Price
- No fee shown; quoted after an exam
01Who
Who sees children here
Dr. Mei-Lin Tanabe sees many of our younger patients, and Jordan Ashby, one of our hygienists, does many of our children's hygiene visits. Our other dentists see children too. We are general dentists and hygienists, not pediatric dental specialists.
02First visit
The first visit
The American Dental Association says to schedule a child's first dental visit after the first tooth comes in and no later than the first birthday. Early visits are short. We look at the teeth and gums, talk with you about brushing, feeding and fluoride, and let your child get used to the room.
03Regular care
Regular care
How often a child needs to be seen depends on their risk of cavities. For most children, we suggest a check-up and cleaning every three to twelve months, as their dentist advises. Children's visits can include:
- Check-ups and cleanings.
- Fluoride treatment, if your dentist recommends it.
- Sealants on back teeth, where suitable.
- Tooth-colored fillings if a cavity needs repair.
- Advice on thumb-sucking, pacifiers, snacks and drinks, and night-time brushing.
04Preparing
Preparing your child
Tell your child what will happen in simple words and keep it matter-of-fact. Avoid words like "hurt" and "shot". Tell us if your child is nervous, has had a hard experience at a dentist before, or has additional needs. We will take it at their pace. We explain what we are about to do before we do it, and we use local anesthetic when a treatment needs it.
05Injuries
If your child hurts a tooth
A knocked-out baby tooth should not be put back in, because it could harm the permanent tooth growing beneath it. A knocked-out permanent tooth is an emergency, and time matters: put it back or keep it in milk and call us at once. Our guide explains what to do: What counts as a dental emergency?
06Referral
When we refer you
A pediatric dentist is a specialist with extra training in caring for children. We refer a child to a pediatric dentist if they need more help than a general practice can give, for example a very young child who needs extensive treatment, or a child with complex medical needs. We explain why and help you arrange it.
07Cost
Cost and insurance
If you have dental insurance, your plan's benefits decide what you pay, and we check them with you before any treatment. The illustrative price for a filling and other treatments is on the costs page. The membership plan covers one member per plan.
Illustrative prices for a fictional practice. A dentist confirms your treatment and cost after an exam.
08Questions
Questions parents ask
At what age do you see children?
We see children from the time their first tooth comes in. The American Dental Association says to schedule a child’s first dental visit after the first tooth comes in and no later than the first birthday. Early visits are short, with a look at the teeth and gums and a conversation about brushing, feeding and fluoride.
How can I prepare my child for a dental visit?
Explain what will happen in simple words and keep it matter-of-fact. Tell us if your child is nervous, has had a difficult dental visit or has additional needs. We take it at their pace and explain what we are about to do before we do it.
When would you refer my child to a pediatric dentist?
We are general dentists and hygienists, not pediatric dental specialists. We refer children who need more help than a general practice can give, such as a very young child needing extensive treatment or a child with complex medical needs. We explain why and help arrange it.
09From a parent
One family's first visit
Dr. Tanabe let my four-year-old sit in the chair and count her own teeth before anything started. We were out in twenty minutes.
Reviews on this demo are written by Vulpesco.
Related: What counts as a dental emergency? · Dr. Mei-Lin Tanabe · Every price we can state
Clinical review: Not reviewed by a dentist and not medical advice
Book a visit for your child.
Tell us your name, phone, email and the days and times that suit you. The front desk calls to agree a time.