Michael Nugent, D.D.SPediatric & Children’s Dental Care in Pasadena
Dr. Nugent sees children in his office and loves working with children. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears or no later than his/her first birthday. Having the child in the room watching Mom, Dad, or an older sibling helps ease the apprehension of the child.
Dr. Nugent understands that your children are the most precious things to you. He feels the same way about his daughters. Dr. Nugent works on his daughters and will ONLY work and recommend treatment on your children if he would do the same thing on his kids. This is a video of Dr. Nugent taking his daughter Katherine’s baby tooth as the adult tooth was coming in behind the baby tooth and the baby tooth was not loose. Dr. Nugent routinely tells parents, “If I would do it on my own child, I’ll do it on yours.” If your child’s dental needs are so severe, then Dr. Nugent will refer you to a pediatric specialist dentist.
Why are Baby teeth so Important?
Baby teeth (primary teeth) are very important in the health of your child. Parents need to play an active role and care of their child’s teeth. (See article on children’s toothpaste) It is imperative to maintain the health of the primary teeth.
Functions of Baby Teeth:
Baby teeth are essential for proper chewing, eating, and nutrition.- Baby teeth hold the space for the adult teeth and help guide the adult teeth into position.
- Baby teeth are necessary for proper speech development.
- Baby teeth allow for normal development of muscles and the jawbone.
Untreated cavities on baby teeth can cause infection, pain, and affect developing adult teeth. The front four teeth will last until six or seven years of age, and the back teeth are not replaced by adult teeth until ages ten through thirteen years of age.
Dental Care for Your Baby
Baby teeth are just as important as adult teeth. Maintaining a good daily dental hygiene routine will help ensure a lifetime of healthy teeth. The care of your child’s baby teeth will impact the state of their permanent “adult” teeth. Good oral hygiene and excellent dental care as a child translate to great dental health as an adult.
Avoid putting baby to bed with a bottle, sippy cup, or while breastfeeding. These habits can cause cavities when your baby has teeth, especially if milk, formula, juice, or other sweetened liquid is used. While your baby is breastfeeding, wipe the teeth with a damp washcloth as soon as your baby falls asleep and stops sucking.
Baby’s First Teeth
Baby teeth normally come in around 6 months, starting with the front four teeth. Don’t be alarmed if they haven’t erupted yet, as every child is different. Dr. Nugent’s second daughter did not get her first teeth until she was almost one year old. Most often, all of the primary baby teeth are normally in by age three.
As the child grows, so does their jawbone, making more room for the permanent adult teeth. Adult teeth first begin to appear around age 6 with their back molars erupting. Most children have the majority of their adult teeth (except wisdom teeth) in by age 14.
Cleaning Your Child’s Teeth
When baby teeth begin to emerge, regular cleaning is vitally important. After feedings, wipe your baby’s gums with a clean wet washcloth to help remove plaque. Establish a routine of cleaning the mouth of your baby. Next, start a habit of brushing twice a day when the first molar tooth comes in. Brushing three times would be awesome. Use only soft-bristled toothbrushes designed for babies with water or a very small amount of non-fluoridated toothpaste. Toothpaste containing fluoride should ONLY be used when your child can spit.
It is normal for a baby to fuss while brushing their teeth. Be calm and methodical while continuing to give proper care to your child’s teeth. If your child refuses to let you brush their teeth, then you MUST give them the loving headlock. Dr. Nugent‘s kids fussed when they were toddlers about not wanting to brush. Dr. Nugent simply told his girls, “Easy way or hard way.” Dr. Nugent used his left hand to initiate the headlock and used his right hand to brush. If your child is screaming, so what? It is 1) your duty as a parent to prevent your child from having disease and health problems. 2) If they are screaming, it is easier to brush their teeth. It is WAY better to make sure your child has clean teeth than for your child to have to experience the pain of a cavity.
Begin flossing when the teeth begin to touch one another to help prevent cavities between the teeth. Dr. Nugent recommends the little plastic pre-threaded floss holders for little kids. Dr. Nugent will floss his daughters teeth and then give the floss to his daughters so they can practice. Flossing is a difficult skill. Therefore, parents need to help floss their child.
Your Child’s First Dentist Visit
Both the American Dental Association and the American Medical Association state that a child’s first visit to the dentist should occur by their first birthday. Although this seems early, it is the best time to begin preventive dental cavity visits. Dr. Nugent will monitor your child’s development. Plus, early dental visits get them comfortable with our office and us to educate parents on kids dental health.
Your first visit to the dentist is important to us! We want your child to have fun at our office. Dr. Nugent will be super silly and make your child feel comfortable.
As a family dentist, Dr. Nugent has specialized training, education, and experience in children’s dental care. He knows how to treat your children’s teeth while keeping your children relaxed and stress-free in the dental chair. The goal is to ensure your young ones develop a positive association with going to the dentist for a lifetime of healthy dental maintenance.
See why so many parents trust our Pasadena, Texas, dental office for their children’s dental care.
At Michael Nugent DDS in Pasadena, TX, we understand that parents want only the best when it comes to their child’s dental health. That’s why we work hard to create a family-friendly environment where both children and parents feel welcome, respected, and cared for. Whether it’s your child’s first dental visit or you’re looking for a trusted dentist to serve your whole family, Dr. Nugent and his team are here to help.
We believe in starting good oral hygiene habits early and making each dental visit a positive experience. From preventive cleanings to cavity checks, we use a gentle and friendly approach to keep kids calm and comfortable. Our goal is to educate parents and children so they understand the importance of brushing, flossing, and maintaining a healthy smile for life.
As a parent, you can also receive outstanding care from our dental team. We offer a full range of services—from routine checkups and cleanings to advanced restorative and cosmetic procedures—all under one roof. Dr. Nugent is known for his honest advice, modern technology, and conservative treatment philosophy, making him a trusted partner in your family’s oral health journey.
If you’re searching for a compassionate and experienced family dentist in the Pasadena or Deer Park, TX area, we invite you to visit our office. Let us show you how easy and stress-free dental care can be—for kids and adults alike.