Children's Dental Care in North Austin, TX
Gentle, age-appropriate care that gives kids a positive relationship with the dentist from day one.
A Place Where Kids Feel Welcome
Children's dental experiences early in life shape how they think about dental care for the rest of it. At Texas Capital Dental, we work hard to make every child's visit calm, positive, and age-appropriate. Our goal is for kids to leave feeling good — not frightened — so that coming to the dentist becomes a normal, comfortable part of life.
We treat children of all ages, from infants and toddlers through teenagers. We're familiar with the anxious patient and the curious one, the cooperative kid and the one who needs a little extra time. Whatever your child needs, we'll meet them where they are.
When Should My Child First Visit the Dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child's first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth erupting — whichever comes first. This early visit is less about treatment and more about introducing your child to the dental environment, giving parents guidance on caring for baby teeth, and establishing a baseline.
What We Do at Pediatric Visits
- Gentle cleanings — age-appropriate and paced for your child's comfort level
- Exams — checking tooth development, bite, and gum health
- Digital X-rays — low-radiation imaging to catch cavities between teeth
- Fluoride treatments — strengthens developing enamel and protects against cavities
- Dental sealants — thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth
- Cavity treatment — tooth-colored fillings when needed, performed gently
- Orthodontic monitoring — tracking jaw and bite development over time
- Sports mouthguards — custom-fitted guards for children active in contact sports
Tips for Parents
Baby teeth matter. Even though they'll eventually fall out, they hold space for permanent teeth, help with speech development, and affect your child's ability to chew. Cavities in baby teeth can cause pain, infection, and problems with the incoming permanent teeth — so it's worth keeping them healthy.
Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears, using a smear of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice. By age 3, you can increase to a pea-sized amount. Limit sugary drinks and snacks, and begin flossing once two teeth are touching.
Medicaid & CHIP
We are proud to accept Medicaid and CHIP, making dental care accessible for families who depend on these programs. Preventive care is typically covered at no cost for qualifying children under these plans, including cleanings, exams, and X-rays. Call us if you have questions about coverage for your child.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should my child first visit the dentist?
By their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing — whichever comes first. The first visit is low-key: we introduce your child to the environment, check early tooth development, and give parents guidance on home care. There's nothing to be nervous about.
Do you accept Medicaid and CHIP for children's dental care?
Yes. We proudly accept Texas Medicaid and CHIP for qualifying patients. Preventive care — cleanings, exams, and X-rays — is typically covered at no cost for eligible children. Call us and we can help confirm your child's coverage before the appointment.
How do I prepare my child for their first dental visit?
Keep the conversation positive and simple — "We're going to the dentist to keep your teeth healthy and strong." Avoid words like "hurt," "shot," or "drill." Scheduling the appointment in the morning when kids are most alert, reading books about dental visits, or playing pretend dentist at home can all help set a good tone.
Are baby teeth really important if they fall out anyway?
Yes — baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth, support speech development, and allow children to chew properly. Untreated cavities in baby teeth can cause pain, lead to infection, and disrupt the development of permanent teeth coming in underneath. Keeping them healthy matters more than most parents realize.