Children's Dentistry

In Richardson, TX

Build a foundation for lifelong dental health. Dr. Morgan makes dental visits fun and stress-free for Richardson kids, with gentle care that helps them grow into healthy young adults.

Request An Appointment call (972) 231-7104

WHY EARLY DENTAL CARE MATTERS

Tooth decay often begins at an early age, making young children particularly susceptible. Nearly half of children between ages 2 and 11 have experienced tooth decay, while 32% of kids between ages 9 and 11 develop cavities in their permanent teeth.

Major contributing factors include baby formula with added sugar, heavily-sugared fruit juices, and frequent snacking. Even breast milk can cause cavities in baby teeth because of the natural sugars present, especially when babies fall asleep while nursing.

The good news is that most childhood cavities are preventable with proper care and regular dental visits. Dr. Morgan and our team help Richardson families establish healthy habits early, which sets children up for a lifetime of good oral health.

WHEN TO START DENTAL VISITS

The first visit is more about getting your child comfortable with the dental office than performing extensive treatment. Dr. Morgan will gently examine your child's teeth and gums, check their bite and jaw development, and look for any early signs of problems.

This visit also gives you a chance to ask questions about teething, thumb sucking, pacifier use, and proper brushing techniques. Dr. Morgan will provide guidance tailored to your child's age and development.

Starting dental visits early helps your child see the dentist as a normal, non-scary part of life. Kids who begin regular checkups at a young age are much more comfortable with dental care throughout childhood and beyond.

Regular six-month checkups put kids on a schedule like most adults, establishing a routine that will last a lifetime. These visits allow Dr. Morgan to monitor development, prevent problems, and catch any issues while they're still small and easy to fix.

Protecting Your Child's Teeth at Home

These early steps can help guard your child against tooth decay, even before their first dental visit.

Rinse or wipe teeth after feeding.

Your baby's teeth should always be rinsed with water or wiped down with a damp cloth after feeding, especially before they fall asleep. Milk or formula residue left in the mouth can promote decay even in the youngest patients.

Begin brushing as soon as the first tooth appears

Even if it's barely poking through the gum, a tooth can develop decay if not cleaned properly. Start by brushing with a soft-bristled brush and water. Ask Dr. Morgan when it's okay to begin using a small amount of toothpaste (usually around age 2).

Help your child brush

Kids don't have the dexterity to clean their teeth properly on their own until they can tie their shoes, usually around age 6 or 7. Supervise and help with brushing until then.

Don't give bottles of sugary drinks or milk before bedtime

Falling asleep with milk or juice in the mouth creates a perfect environment for cavities.

Use straws for sugary beverages

If you do choose to offer sugary drinks, have your child use a straw so the teeth have less contact with the liquid.

Limit overall sugar intake

Try to limit the sugary foods and drinks your child consumes. Water and milk are the best choices for beverages.

Comprehensive Care at Ellem Dental

Dr. Morgan provides everything Richardson children need for healthy teeth and gums as they grow.

Dental Exams

Gentle checkups every six months monitor development, check for cavities, and catch problems early when they're simple to fix.

Professional Cleanings

Thorough cleanings remove plaque and tartar, even in hard-to-reach spots that little hands miss during brushing.

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride strengthens developing enamel and helps prevent cavities. We apply it quickly and painlessly during regular visits.

Dental Sealants

Sealants protect the chewing surfaces of back teeth from cavities. They're especially helpful when permanent molars first come in around age 6.

Fillings

If your child does develop a cavity, we fix it with tooth-colored fillings that blend in naturally and restore the tooth's strength.

Orthodontic Screenings

Dr. Morgan monitors how your child's teeth and jaws are developing and recommends orthodontic evaluation when appropriate.

Request an appointment call (972) 231-7104

MAKING DENTAL VISITS FUN

Dr. Morgan and our team know how to talk to children at their level. We explain what we're doing in kid-friendly terms and show them the tools we use. Most kids think the suction tool and water sprayer are fun.

We praise children for sitting still, opening wide, and being brave. Positive reinforcement goes a long way in building confidence and cooperation.

Parents are welcome to come back with younger children during the exam. For older kids who are comfortable, sometimes they do better on their own. We'll follow your child's lead on what works best.

Our Richardson office is designed to feel welcoming and calm, not clinical or scary. We want every visit to be a positive experience that builds your child's trust and comfort with dental care.

Building Lifelong Healthy Habits

Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for babies and just water at first. Around age 2, you can introduce a rice-grain-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

For children ages 3 to 6, use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Teach them to spit it out, not swallow it. Most kids this age still need help with brushing to make sure all surfaces get clean.

Make brushing fun. Sing a song, use a timer, or let them brush their favorite stuffed animal's teeth too. The goal is to establish the routine without making it feel like a chore.

By age 6 or 7, kids can start brushing more independently, but you should still check their work. Once they can tie their shoes well, they usually have the dexterity to brush effectively on their own.

Introduce flossing as soon as two teeth touch each other. This is usually around age 2 or 3. Kids will need help flossing until around age 10.

What to Do If Your Child Has a Dental Injury

Kids are active and accidents happen. Here's what to do if your child has a dental emergency.

Knocked-out baby tooth

Don't try to put it back in. Call our Richardson office so Dr. Morgan can check for any damage to the underlying permanent tooth.

Knocked-out permanent tooth

Find the tooth, rinse it gently without scrubbing the root, and try to place it back in the socket if possible. If that's not possible, put it in milk and get to our office immediately. Time is critical.

Broken tooth

Rinse the mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Save any pieces you can find and call us right away.

Bitten tongue or lip

Clean the area gently and apply a cold compress. If bleeding doesn't stop after 15 minutes, call us or head to urgent care.

Toothache

Rinse the mouth with warm water and gently floss to remove any trapped food. Give age-appropriate pain reliever and call our office. Don't put aspirin directly on the gums, as this can burn the tissue.

We reserve time each day for dental emergencies. If your child is in pain or has had an injury, call us right away at (972) 231-7104.

DENTISTRY THAT feels different

At Ellem Dental, exceptional care is our standard. Discover how Dr. Morgan's advanced expertise, personalized service, and commitment to your comfort can transform not just your smile, but your entire dental experience.

Diagnostic Precision

We use advanced digital X rays and intraoral cameras with comprehensive screening protocols to detect problems early. This preventive approach helps identify issues before they become painful, complex, or costly.

Kois-Level Expertise

We're one of the few practices in Richardson with Kois Center-trained doctors, a distinction that represents hundreds of hours studying functional occlusion, esthetics, and evidence-based dentistry. This isn't just continuing education; it's mastery.

Concierge Experience

Experience truly personalized care with one-on-one consultations with Dr. Morgan and treatment from our team of experts. We don’t rush, and we don’t double-book. When you’re at ELLEM Dental, you’re always our number one priority.

Anxiety-Free Options

Dental fear keeps too many people from care. We offer multiple sedation levels and comfort amenities so your treatment happens on your terms, relaxed, informed, and in control.

Smile Test Drive

Our doctor and master ceramist will create a 3D model of your proposed new smile, so you can try in and visualize your new smile before committing to treatment.

Beautiful Office

From the moment you walk through our doors you’ll be met with the serene and spa-like atmosphere of ELLEM Dental. With individual treatment rooms you can sit back and relax in privacy and comfort during your visit.

Diagnostic Precision

We use digital imaging and comprehensive screening protocols that catch problems early. Think of it as preventive intelligence, identifying issues before they become painful or expensive.

Kois-Level Expertise

A Concierge Experience

Anxiety-Free Options

Dental fear keeps too many people from care. We offer multiple sedation levels and comfort amenities so your treatment happens on your terms, relaxed, informed, and in control.

Smile Test Drive

Our doctor and master ceramist will create a 3D model of your proposed new smile, so you can try in and visualize your new smile before committing to treatment.

Beautiful Office

faqs

Common questions about childrens's dentistry in Richardson, TX

When should my child have their first dental visit at Ellem Dental in Richardson TX?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the first visit by age 1 or when the first tooth appears. At Ellem Dental in Richardson, TX, Dr. Lily Morgan makes this early visit fun and comfortable, focusing on building trust, monitoring development, and answering questions about teething or habits. Call (972) 231-7104 to schedule.

How much does children's dentistry cost at Ellem Dental in Richardson TX?

Routine children's exams and cleanings at Ellem Dental in Richardson, TX typically range from $100 to $250 without insurance (average $150–$200, including exam, cleaning, and fluoride). Sealants are often $30–$60 per tooth. With insurance, many preventive services are $0–$50 out-of-pocket. We offer flexible options like CareCredit. Call (972) 231-7104 for your child's personalized estimate.

What happens during a children's dental exam and cleaning?

We start with a gentle exam of teeth, gums, bite, and jaw growth. Then, a thorough cleaning removes plaque/tartar, followed by fluoride treatment to strengthen enamel. Everything is explained in kid-friendly terms with positive praise to keep it stress-free.

How can I prevent cavities in my child's teeth?

Limit sugary drinks and snacks, wipe or brush after feedings, start fluoride toothpaste (rice-grain size at first tooth, pea-sized by age 3), supervise brushing until age 6-7, and bring them for regular six-month checkups to catch issues early.

How do you make dental visits fun and less scary for kids?

We explain tools in a playful way (like calling the suction a "water straw"), praise bravery, allow parents to stay with younger kids, and create a calm, welcoming atmosphere so children leave smiling and confident.

Have more questions?

Give us a call to speak with one of our friendly team members, and schedule a consultation with Dr. Morgan .

call (972) 231-7104

Don’t Wait to Feel Your Best

Experience dentistry reimagined with luxurious amenities, a relaxing spa-like atmosphere, and a dedicated team committed to your beautiful, healthy smile