Pediatric Dentistry in El Paso
The Right Start Makes All the Difference
A child who has a good first experience at the dentist is far more likely to keep coming back as they grow up. At Americas Family Dental, we see kids from their very first tooth through their teen years, and we make every visit something they can handle, not something they dread.
A Team That Speaks Their Language
Every member of our team is bilingual in English and Spanish, so no child or parent ever has to worry about being misunderstood. We explain procedures in plain, age-appropriate language that kids can actually follow, which means fewer surprises and less fear in the chair.
One Office for the Whole Family
Your child grows up seeing the same familiar faces at every visit. There's no switching to an adult practice when they turn 13, no transferring records, and no starting over with a new team. We're here for every stage, from infants through seniors, all under one roof.
We Go at Your Child's Pace
No child gets rushed through an exam at our office. If your little one needs extra time to get comfortable, we give it to them. If they have questions, we answer them. A calm, unhurried visit today builds the kind of trust that makes every future appointment easier.
We Take Your Insurance
Baby Teeth Matter More Than You Think
It's easy to assume baby teeth aren't a big deal since they eventually fall out. But they do a lot of important work before they go.
They hold space for permanent teeth.
When a baby tooth is lost too early, neighboring teeth can drift into the gap and block the permanent tooth trying to come in. That's how alignment problems start.
They support speech development.
Teeth play a direct role in how children form sounds and words. Missing or damaged baby teeth can affect how clearly your child speaks during a critical window of development.
They make it possible to eat normally.
Kids need their teeth to chew. Pain or infection in a baby tooth can make eating uncomfortable and interfere with proper nutrition.
A cavity in a baby tooth that goes untreated can become painful, infected, and require removal long before it's naturally ready to come out. Taking care of them matters.
When to Start and How Often to Come In
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child's first dental visit by their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth appearing. Starting that early might seem unnecessary, but it gives us a chance to check for early developmental concerns and introduce your child to the dental environment before there's ever anything to fix.
After that first visit, two checkups per year is the standard recommendation for most kids. Those visits allow our team to:
- Track how your child's teeth and jaw are developing over time
- Apply fluoride and sealants to protect against cavities
- Catch any issues early, when they're far easier and less costly to treat
- Build a relationship with your child so visits stay comfortable as they grow
If your child has a higher risk of cavities or other concerns, we may recommend more frequent visits. We'll always explain why and give you a clear picture of what we're monitoring.
What Happens When Kids Skip the Dentist
Cavities are the most common chronic condition in children, and they don't have to be. Kids who skip regular dental visits are more likely to develop untreated decay that grows quietly until it becomes painful, infected, or serious enough to require extraction.
The effects go beyond the mouth:
Tooth pain causes missed school days.
It's hard to focus on learning when your mouth hurts.
Difficulty eating affects nutrition.
Kids with painful or missing teeth often avoid the foods they need most.
Early tooth loss can affect confidence.
Children notice when something is different about their smile, and it can affect how they interact with other kids.
Consistent dental care isn't just about keeping teeth clean. It's about making sure your child can eat, learn, speak, and grow without their oral health getting in the way.
Pediatric Services We Offer
We provide a full range of dental care for kids from their first tooth through their teen years. Here's what that looks like in practice.
Dental exams and cleanings starting at six months of age.
Early visits are low-key and brief. We check for developmental concerns, clean what's there, and help your child get comfortable with the dental environment before there's ever anything to worry about.
Digital X-rays to monitor development and catch decay between teeth.
X-rays let us see what a visual exam can't, including decay forming between teeth and how permanent teeth are positioned beneath the surface. Our digital system uses up to 90 percent less radiation than traditional film.
Fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel against cavities.
Fluoride is one of the most effective and straightforward tools we have for protecting kids' teeth. A quick application at each visit reinforces enamel and makes it more resistant to the acids that cause decay.
Dental sealants to protect back teeth.
The chewing surfaces of back teeth have deep grooves where food and bacteria get trapped easily. Sealants fill those grooves with a thin protective coating that keeps decay from getting a foothold. They're quick to apply and can last for years.
Tooth-colored fillings when cavities need treatment.
If a cavity develops, we treat it with a composite filling that blends in with the tooth. No metal, no noticeable color difference.
Dental crowns for teeth that are too damaged for a filling alone.
When decay is too extensive for a filling to hold, a crown protects and restores the tooth so it can stay in place until it's naturally ready to come out.
Emergency pediatric dentistry for broken teeth, toothaches, and unexpected dental injuries.
Kids are active, and dental injuries happen. We keep same-day availability every day for young patients in pain or distress so you're never left scrambling for someone who can see your child quickly.
Orthodontic monitoring to track bite and alignment as permanent teeth come in.
As your child grows, we keep a close eye on how their permanent teeth are erupting and how their bite is developing. Catching alignment concerns early gives us more options and often makes treatment simpler down the road.
Dental Care That Puts Your Family First
Compassionate, Honest Dentistry
We treat every patient with respect and integrity, never rushing care and always recommending what’s truly best for your health.
Flexible Financing & Insurance Help
We accept most major insurance plans and offer financing options like Cherry to help families stay within budget.
Complete Family Dentistry
Most treatments are performed right here in our office, and when specialty care is needed, we coordinate within our network for a smooth experience.
We’re Here to Help, Not Judge
Life happens. We meet you where you are with compassionate care, honest recommendations, and clear answers, always.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my child knocks out a tooth?
If it's a permanent tooth, pick it up by the crown, not the root, rinse it gently without scrubbing, and try to place it back in the socket or keep it moist in milk. Call our office immediately. Time is critical. If it's a baby tooth, don't try to reinsert it, but still call us so we can assess the area and make sure nothing else was affected.
My child plays sports. Do they need a mouthguard?
Yes, if they're playing any contact sport or activity where there's a risk of impact to the face. A custom-fitted mouthguard from our office offers significantly better protection than a store-bought boil-and-bite option. Ask us about it at your next visit.
At what age do kids usually lose their baby teeth?
Most children start losing their front baby teeth around age six. The process continues through the early teen years as permanent teeth gradually replace them. We monitor this process at every checkup to make sure everything is moving along as it should.
Do you accept Medicaid for pediatric patients?
Yes. We accept several Medicaid plans that cover children, including UHC Texas Medicaid (Children) and TMHP. Our front desk team can verify your child's coverage before the appointment so there are no surprises.
How do I prepare my child for their first visit?
Keep it simple and positive. Tell them they're going to meet the dentist, who is going to count their teeth and make sure they're healthy. Avoid using words like "hurt," "shot," or "drill." Books and videos about dental visits can also help younger kids know what to expect before they arrive.
What are sealants and does my child need them?
Sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth, where the deep grooves make it easy for bacteria and food to get trapped. They're one of the most effective tools we have for preventing cavities in kids. Our team will let you know if your child's teeth are good candidates.
Are dental X-rays safe for children?
Yes. Our digital X-ray system produces up to 90 percent less radiation than traditional film. We also only take X-rays when they're clinically necessary, not on a fixed schedule regardless of your child's needs.
What if my child cries or won't cooperate?
It happens, and it's completely normal, especially for very young children. Our team is experienced with kids at every comfort level. We know how to keep things calm and can adjust the visit to focus on what's manageable for that day. Building a positive relationship over time matters more than getting through a perfect exam on visit one.
My child is scared of the dentist. What do you do to help?
We go at their pace. Before we start any exam, we take time to show your child what each tool is, explain what it does, and let them get comfortable with the environment. Nothing happens until your child is ready. If you know your child has anxiety, let us know when you book and we'll plan accordingly.
When should my child have their first dental visit?
By their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth coming in, whichever comes first. Starting early helps us spot any developmental concerns and gives your child a positive first impression of dental care before there's ever anything to fix.
Located in El Paso
Find us at 201 S. Americas Ave, Ste 206, El Paso, TX 79907. We’re next to Academy with free parking, and we offer Saturday appointments and family scheduling to make care easy.
Free on-site parking available. If you need help finding us, call and we’ll guide you in.
Coming from Socorro, San Elizario, Fabens, or Clint? We’re a quick drive and easy to reach.