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Habits That Harm Teeth | Tips for Protecting Kids’ Smiles

Posted on October 10, 2025 by Webmaster

As parents, we all want our children to grow up with strong, healthy smiles. Everyday habits that seem harmless, like thumb sucking or chewing on ice, can actually cause dental problems. These actions may affect your child’s teeth and gums over time. With early awareness and regular pediatric dental exams, you can protect their smile. Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Use Thumb sucking and pacifiers can be comforting for young children, but when these habits continue past the toddler years, they may affect tooth alignment an...

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How to Prep for Your Child’s First Dentist Appointment

Posted on September 24, 2025 by Webmaster

What to Expect at Your Child’s First Dentist Appointment Visiting the dentist for the first time is an important milestone for your child. That first dentist appointment not only helps protect their smile but also shapes the way they feel about dental care for years to come. At Rio Dental & Orthodontics, we make every effort to create a positive and welcoming environment so your child can feel comfortable from the very beginning. Read More →

Teeth Whitening Frequently Asked Questions

Posted on September 19, 2025 by Webmaster

Teeth Whitening Frequently Asked Questions A bright, confident smile can make a big difference—and teeth whitening is one of the most popular ways to achieve it. Whether you're thinking about whitening your teeth at home or looking into professional options at a dental office, Rio Dental & Orthodontics is here to help you make an informed decision. Below, we cover the basics of teeth whitening and answer some of the most common questions patients have about the process. What Is Teeth Whitening? Teeth whi...

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A dentist flashes a light into the mouth of a young girl.

Common Dental Injuries in Children and How to Handle Them

Posted on August 25, 2025 by Webmaster

Children are energetic explorers, which means bumps and falls are often part of the territory. But when playtime leads to a dental injury, parents need to know what to do next. If your child says their mouth hurts after a fall or you spot something like a chipped tooth, it’s helpful to know what kind of injury it might be and when it’s time to call the dentist. This guide lists the most common dental injuries in kids and explains how to treat each one. 1. Chipped Tooth What it is: A small portion of the tooth ename...

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A young woman with a nose mask on listens to a dental hygienist while she gets sedated.

When Is Sedation Dentistry Right for Your Child?

Posted on August 25, 2025 by Webmaster

Some children feel nervous at the dentist. Others have special health or behavioral needs that make dental visits more challenging. In these situations, sedation dentistry can help children stay calm, safe, and comfortable throughout their appointment. If you're curious about sedation dentistry or would like to know if your child could benefit from it, then read this guide. What Is Sedation Dentistry? Sedation dentistry uses safe, controlled medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. In pediatric seda...

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A child holds their cheek in pain.

Toothache Home Remedies: Get Fast Relief

Posted on June 3, 2025 by Webmaster

Toothaches can be sharp, dull, constant, or come and go, but one thing they all have in common is how uncomfortable they can be. Some toothaches may need a dentist, but you can still find quick relief at home. Knowing how to stop tooth pain fast can help you stay calm and comfortable until your dentist visit. This guide explains the types of toothaches, the best home remedies for tooth pain, and what to do if the pain doesn't stop. Types of Toothaches Not all toothaches are the same. Understanding the kind of pain ...

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child looking at invisalign retainer

Invisalign vs Braces For Kids​: Which One’s Better?

Posted on May 9, 2025 by Webmaster

Deciding between Invisalign® and braces for your child is an important choice you must make as a parent. Both options can be effective, but they have different features. This guide helps you understand how Invisalign® and braces compare for kids, so you can make the best decision for your child. Understanding Braces and Invisalign® Traditional braces use metal brackets that are glued to each tooth. Thin wires connect the brackets and gently move the teeth over time. Your child’s orthodontist adjusts the wires during r...

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child wearing sunglasses and getting teeth cleaned

When Should Kids go to the Dentist​

Posted on May 9, 2025 by Webmaster

Your baby's first tooth is a precious milestone, but it also marks the beginning of dental care needs. When should kids go to the dentist for the first time? Timing this initial visit right can help establish good oral health habits that last a lifetime. The First Dental Visit: Earlier Than You Might Think The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit the dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth coming in—whichever comes first. This recommendation surprises...

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young child with braces

Can You Get Braces With Baby Teeth?

Posted on May 9, 2025 by Webmaster

If you’re a parent wondering whether your child needs braces, even though they still have some baby teeth, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common dental questions parents of young children have. The good news? Yes, you can get braces with baby teeth, and in many cases, early orthodontic treatment is actually the smartest move. Let’s talk about why that is, how it works, and what to expect if your child still has baby teeth but might be ready for braces. What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment? Also called Phase ...

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Close-up of a smiling girl face with braces on white teeth holding green apple.

The Worst Foods for Braces: From Annoying to Dangerous

Posted on May 9, 2025 by Webmaster

Braces help straighten teeth and create a healthy smile, but they also require extra care—especially when it comes to food choices. Certain foods stick to braces, break wires and brackets, or make cleaning more difficult, which can lead to oral health problems. Knowing what foods you can’t eat with braces can help prevent unnecessary repairs and keep your orthodontic treatment on track. Sticky and Chewy Foods: A Nightmare for Braces Sticky foods cling to brackets and wires, making them difficult to clean and increasin...

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  • Your Child's First Visit
  • Baby's First Appointment
  • Appointment Scheduling
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You can play a part in preparing your child for his or her first visit to our office. Informing your child of the visit as an exciting experience for both of you can ease any hesitations. As a parent try to act relaxed, since your child may sense any anxiety on your part.

Explain to your child that the doctor will “count, brush, and maybe take pictures of their teeth”. We also ask that you assume the role of a silent observer. Cooperation and trust must be established directly between the doctor, staff, and your child and not through you. Your child may become confused if receiving instructions from multiple sources.

We recommend bringing your baby in for their first dental appointment by their first birthday, or within 6 months of their first tooth appearing (whichever comes first). During this appointment, we will examine your baby’s mouth to track their dental development and discuss age-appropriate dental care.

It’s easy to make appointments to visit our office online or over the phone. Rio Dental sees patients both for checkups and dental emergencies. Using our online scheduler, you can select the location and time slot that works best for you for either type of appointment. If you have any questions regarding our practice, or simply prefer to make your appointment with a live member of staff, please don’t hesitate to call!

Rio Dental Group accepts most PPO insurances. We recommend that new patients and returning patients with new insurance policies reach out to us before their appointment to confirm coverage. Our Fort Worth location also sees patients who are covered by Medicaid and CHIP programs.

We don’t like surprises, either! Our staff is prepared to discuss the cost of dental services before you undergo treatment so that you know what to expect in terms of fees. The cost of your services will be due at the end of your appointment. Our office accepts payment by cash, credit card, or check.

Rio Dental Group allows patients to pay with their CareCredit card. CareCredit is a healthcare credit card designed to cover out-of-pocket costs at over 225,000 providers nationwide. After leaving the office, card holders will be able to make convenient monthly payments towards their balance. To learn more, visit the CareCredit website.

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    Farmers Branch

    2740 Valwood Pkwy #144
    Farmers Branch, TX 75234

    (972) 746 2533

    Irving

    1111 W Airport Fwy #201
    Irving, TX 75062

    (972) 793-0735

    Fort Worth

    1114 N Beach St
    Fort Worth, TX 76111

    (817) 768-3838

    Dallas

    9310 E R L Thornton Fwy.
    Suite 100, Dallas, TX 75228

    (972) 885-8089
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