Helping Your Child Build a Healthy Smile for Life
A positive dental experience during childhood can help establish healthy habits that last a lifetime. From your child’s first tooth to the teenage years, regular dental care supports healthy development, prevents common dental problems and helps children feel more comfortable visiting the dentist.
At Modern Family Dentistry of Oak Hill, Dr. Benjamin Sharfae, DDS, and Dr. Maggie Sharfae, DDS, provide children’s dental care in Austin, TX, with an emphasis on prevention, education and gentle, personalized treatment.
Our privately owned family dental practice welcomes children and families from Oak Hill, Southwest Austin and surrounding communities. We understand that every child has different needs, and our team works to create a supportive environment where children and parents feel informed and comfortable.
Looking for a children’s dentist in Austin? Call 512-301-9002 today to schedule your child’s dental appointment.
What Is Pediatric Dentistry?
Pediatric dentistry focuses on the oral health of infants, children and adolescents, including the development of baby teeth, permanent teeth, gums and jaws.
Children have different dental needs as they grow. Regular examinations allow dentists to monitor tooth development, identify cavities and help families establish effective oral hygiene habits.
At Modern Family Dentistry of Oak Hill, our general and family dentists provide children’s dental services, including preventive examinations, cleanings, oral health education and appropriate restorative treatment.
While our dentists care for children, they are general dentists rather than board-certified pediatric dental specialists. If your child requires specialized pediatric treatment, advanced behavior management or complex dental care, we may recommend a pediatric dental specialist.
When Should Your Child First Visit the Dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first dental visit when their first tooth appears or no later than their first birthday.
Early visits help parents learn how to care for developing teeth and allow dental professionals to identify potential concerns before they become more serious.
During an early dental visit, your dentist may:
- Examine emerging baby teeth and surrounding gums
- Evaluate oral development
- Discuss teething and common childhood dental concerns
- Review appropriate brushing techniques
- Explain fluoride recommendations
- Discuss feeding habits and cavity prevention
- Recommend an appropriate schedule for future visits
For very young children or those with specialized needs, our team can discuss whether care at our office or referral to a pediatric dental specialist would be most appropriate.
Children’s Dental Services in Austin, TX
Our approach to children’s dentistry focuses on preventing dental problems, monitoring development and helping families understand their treatment options.
Children’s Dental Exams
Regular dental examinations allow our dentists to evaluate your child’s teeth, gums and oral development.
We look for cavities, enamel concerns, changes in tooth eruption and other conditions that may require attention.
Dental X-rays may be recommended when clinically appropriate based on your child’s age, dental history and risk factors.
Professional Dental Cleanings
Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that cannot be completely eliminated through daily brushing and flossing.
Our team also helps children learn proper brushing techniques and understand why healthy dental habits matter.
Many children benefit from examinations and cleanings approximately every six months, although individual needs may require a different schedule.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and reduce the risk of cavities.
Professional fluoride applications may be recommended based on your child’s age, cavity risk and exposure to other fluoride sources.
Our dentists can also discuss appropriate fluoride toothpaste use at home.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are thin protective coatings placed on the chewing surfaces of certain teeth, especially permanent molars.
They help prevent food particles and bacteria from collecting in deep grooves where cavities commonly develop.
Sealants are often recommended as permanent molars erupt, typically around ages 6 and 12, depending on the child’s dental development and cavity risk.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
If your child develops a cavity, treatment may be necessary to prevent further decay and preserve the affected tooth.
Tooth-colored composite fillings can repair certain cavities while maintaining a natural appearance.
Our dentists evaluate the size of the cavity, the condition of the tooth and your child’s needs before recommending treatment.
Monitoring Tooth and Jaw Development
As children grow, their teeth and jaws undergo significant changes.
Regular dental visits allow our team to monitor permanent tooth eruption, spacing, crowding and developing bite relationships.
If orthodontic concerns are identified, we can discuss whether additional evaluation by an orthodontic specialist is appropriate.
Why Baby Teeth Are Important
Although baby teeth eventually fall out, they play an important role in your child’s oral health and development.
Primary teeth help children:
- Chew food comfortably
- Develop speech patterns
- Maintain space for permanent teeth
- Support normal oral development
- Smile and interact confidently
Untreated cavities in baby teeth can cause pain, infection and difficulty eating.
Premature tooth loss may also affect the space available for developing permanent teeth.
Protecting baby teeth helps support your child’s comfort and oral health until permanent teeth are ready to emerge.
Helping Children Feel Comfortable at the Dentist
Some children feel excited about dental visits, while others may be nervous about unfamiliar surroundings, sounds or procedures.
Our team focuses on building trust through age-appropriate communication and a calm, supportive approach.
We encourage parents to help prepare children by:
- Talking positively about dental visits
- Explaining that the dentist helps keep teeth healthy
- Reading age-appropriate books about dental care
- Avoiding frightening descriptions of dental procedures
- Allowing children to ask questions
- Maintaining a relaxed attitude before appointments
We recognize that children develop at different rates and may need different levels of support.
If your child has significant dental anxiety, sensory sensitivities or specialized care needs, please discuss these concerns with our team before scheduling.
How Parents Can Prevent Childhood Cavities
Healthy dental habits begin at home, and parents play an important role in helping children protect their teeth.
Brush With Fluoride Toothpaste
Begin cleaning your child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears.
For children younger than 3, use a smear of fluoride toothpaste approximately the size of a grain of rice.
For children ages 3 through 6, use a pea-sized amount.
Parents should supervise brushing and help children develop proper techniques until they can brush effectively on their own.
Floss Between Teeth
Begin flossing when neighboring teeth touch and a toothbrush cannot adequately clean between them.
Parents may need to assist younger children with flossing.
Limit Frequent Sugary Snacks and Drinks
Frequent exposure to sugar increases the risk of tooth decay.
Encourage water between meals and limit frequent sipping of juice, soda and other sweetened beverages.
Avoid putting children to bed with bottles containing milk, formula, juice or other sugary liquids.
Maintain Regular Dental Visits
Routine examinations help identify cavities and developmental concerns before they become more extensive.
Our dentists can recommend preventive treatments and home-care strategies based on your child’s individual needs.
What to Do if Your Child Has a Dental Emergency
Children can experience dental injuries during sports, playground activities or everyday accidents.
Contact our office if your child experiences:
- A broken or chipped tooth
- Persistent tooth pain
- Swelling around a tooth or the gums
- A loose or displaced tooth following an injury
- A lost filling
- Bleeding or other oral injuries
If a permanent tooth is knocked out, seek immediate dental care. Handle it by the crown, avoid touching the root and keep it moist in milk or an appropriate tooth-preservation solution if it cannot be gently reinserted.
Never attempt to reinsert a knocked-out baby tooth. Doing so could damage the developing permanent tooth.
For serious facial injuries, uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing or rapidly spreading swelling, seek emergency medical care.
Call 512-301-9002 to discuss urgent dental concerns and appointment availability.
Experienced Family Dentists Caring for Austin Children
At Modern Family Dentistry of Oak Hill, children’s dental care is provided within a comprehensive family dentistry setting.
Our dentists combine extensive general dental experience with an emphasis on prevention, communication and long-term oral health.
Dr. Maggie Sharfae, DDS
Dr. Maggie Sharfae graduated from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School in 1999.
She completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at the VA Medical Center in Indianapolis from 1999 to 2000.
She has practiced dentistry since 1999 and has extensive experience providing general, preventive and restorative dental care.
Dr. Maggie Sharfae also taught clinical dentistry at Indiana University School of Dentistry for two years.
Dr. Benjamin Sharfae, DDS
Dr. Benjamin Sharfae graduated from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 2001 and has practiced dentistry since that year.
His clinical background includes general and family dentistry, preventive care, restorative treatment and comprehensive dental rehabilitation.
He also taught preclinical and clinical dentistry at Indiana University School of Dentistry for two years.
Both dentists are members of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association and Capital Area Dental Society.
Continuity of Care for Growing Families
Our privately owned practice has been under the care of Dr. Benjamin Sharfae and Dr. Maggie Sharfae since 2003.
We emphasize continuity of care with familiar dentists and long-term team members.
As children grow into teenagers and adults, having an established dental team can help maintain consistent preventive care and a detailed understanding of their oral health history.
Children’s Dentistry in Oak Hill and Southwest Austin
Modern Family Dentistry of Oak Hill welcomes families from Austin, Oak Hill, Southwest Austin and surrounding communities.
Whether your child needs a routine dental examination, preventive care or evaluation of a dental concern, our team can help you understand the appropriate next steps.
We aim to make dental visits positive, educational experiences that support healthy habits throughout childhood.
Frequently Asked Questions About Children’s Dentistry
When should my child first see a dentist?
Children should have their first dental visit when their first tooth appears or by their first birthday, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Contact our office to discuss your child’s age and whether an appointment at our practice or referral to a pediatric specialist is appropriate.
How often should children visit the dentist?
Many children benefit from dental examinations and cleanings approximately every six months. Children with a higher cavity risk or other oral health concerns may need more frequent visits. Our dentists recommend a schedule based on individual needs.
Are baby teeth important if they eventually fall out?
Yes. Baby teeth help children chew, speak and maintain space for permanent teeth. Untreated decay can cause pain and infection, so primary teeth require regular care even though they will eventually be replaced.
What if my child is afraid of the dentist?
Dental anxiety is common among children. Our team uses age-appropriate explanations and a supportive approach to help children feel more comfortable. If your child has significant anxiety or specialized needs, we can discuss appropriate care options or specialist referral.
Are fluoride treatments safe for children?
Fluoride treatments are generally safe and effective when used appropriately. Our dentists consider your child’s age, cavity risk and other fluoride exposure before recommending professional applications.
Do children need dental sealants?
Sealants may benefit children whose molars have deep grooves or who are at increased risk for cavities. They are commonly applied to permanent molars after eruption. Our dentists can determine whether sealants are appropriate.
What should I do if my child knocks out a tooth?
If a permanent tooth is knocked out, seek immediate dental care and keep the tooth moist. Do not reinsert a baby tooth. Contact our office for guidance or seek another available emergency dental provider if prompt treatment is not available.
Do you provide pediatric dentistry in Oak Hill, Austin?
Modern Family Dentistry of Oak Hill provides children’s dental care within our general and family dentistry practice in Austin, TX. Dr. Benjamin Sharfae and Dr. Maggie Sharfae offer preventive examinations, cleanings and appropriate treatment for children. Specialist referral may be recommended when needed.
What is the difference between a family dentist and a pediatric dentist?
A family dentist is a general dentist who treats patients across different age groups. A pediatric dentist completes additional specialty training focused on infants, children, adolescents and patients with special healthcare needs. Our general dentists provide children’s dental care and recommend specialist referrals when appropriate.
Schedule Your Child’s Dental Appointment in Austin
Healthy smiles begin with positive experiences and consistent preventive care. Regular dental visits can help protect your child’s teeth, monitor development and establish lifelong oral health habits.
At Modern Family Dentistry of Oak Hill, Dr. Benjamin Sharfae and Dr. Maggie Sharfae provide personalized children’s dentistry for families in Austin, Oak Hill and Southwest Austin.
Ready to schedule your child’s visit? Call 512-301-9002 today to make an appointment and learn more about our family-focused dental care in Austin, Texas.