Questions about Pediatric Dentistry - Answered
Everything you need to know about bringing your kids to Greeley Kids Dental.
We understand that choosing a dentist for your child can feel overwhelming—especially if they’ve had a bad experience with other dentists or you're in an emergency situation. That’s why we’ve put together the most important details in one page to save you time and energy.
Have Questions? We’ve Got Answers!
When should I start bringing my kids to a dentist?
Experts agree that children benefit from having a dental home established by the time they are one year old. Building a connection with a dental team from a young age sets your child up for a lifetime of healthy routines and outcomes.
Why should we see a pediatric dentist instead of a family dentist?
A pediatric dentist has an extra two to three years of specialized training after dental school, and is dedicated to the oral health of children from infancy through the teenage years. Toddlers, children, and teenagers all need different approaches in dealing with their behavior, guiding their dental growth and development, and helping them avoid future dental problems. A pediatric dentist is best qualified to meet these needs.
Why should we take care of baby teeth if they’re only going to fall out?
Flossing not only removes plaque from between teeth but also from under the gumline where a toothbrush can't reach. Flossing should begin when any two teeth touch. Be sure and floss your child's teeth daily until he or she can do it alone. You can find helpful flossers for children in most grocery stores.
Why should we take care of baby teeth if they’re only going to fall out?
It is very important to maintain the health of the baby teeth. Neglected cavities can and frequently do lead to problems which affect developing permanent teeth. Additionally, baby teeth are important for:
- Proper chewing and eating
- Providing space for the permanent teeth and guiding them into the correct position
- Permitting normal development of the jaw bones and muscles
- Developing speech
- Adding to an attractive appearance.
What happens at our first visit?
The most important thing to us is helping your child feel safe and cared for on their first visit. But we also want to make sure their teeth are healthy! For your child’s first visit with us, you can expect:
- Health history questions
- X-rays
- Teeth cleaning
- Fluoride treatment
- Dentist examination
- A plan for future treatment
Can I be with my child during their appointment?
Yes! We welcome you to accompany your child throughout their first visit with us. During future appointments, it may help us build rapport and gain your child’s confidence if you wait in the reception area while they are treated. We will be happy to discuss options with you to best fulfill your child’s specific needs.
What do you mean when you say you practice “preventative dentistry”?
There’s more to dental care than finding cavities and filling them. In fact, we want to help your kids avoid getting cavities altogether! That’s why we practice preventative dentistry--teaching your kids about oral health and helping them establish habits now that lead to a lifetime of health and activity.
Our visits together are all about maintaining your kids’ healthy smiles, taking action before problems get worse, and educating you and your kids about how to take care of their teeth at home.
For additional information, visit this page to learn more about preventative dentistry.
What should I do if I think my child’s tooth is infected?
Schedule a dental appointment right away. Your dentist can check for any infection and clean it right away. Your child may need a pulpotomy to prevent further infection.
To learn more, visit our page on pulpotomies.
Do you provide emergency care?
Yes! At Greeley Kids Dental, we are prepared to provide emergency pediatric dental care no matter what the cause for kids in Greeley, CO and the surrounding area.
To learn more about what qualifies, visit our page on emergency pediatric dental care.
When should we consider Orthodontic Treatment?
Developing malocclusions, or bad bites, can be recognized as early as 2-3 years of age. Often, early steps can be taken to reduce the need for major orthodontic treatment at a later age. This type of treatment is typically started around 6 to 12 years of age, as your child’s hard and soft tissues are usually very responsive to orthodontic or orthopedic forces. If braces are needed, they are typically put on around 12 to 14 years of age.
For further answers about orthodontic care, visit our page on orthodontic treatment.
Is there anything I need to do before my baby’s teeth erupt through the gums?
In short, yes! We recommend that you start cleaning your child's gums with a soft, clean cloth and water at birth. The easiest way to do this is to sit down, place the child’s head in your lap or lay the child on a dressing table or the floor. Whatever position you use, be sure you can see into the child’s mouth easily.
For further answers to infant oral care, visit our page on infant oral care.
What if my child just can’t visit the dentist because of past trauma/special needs/sensory issues, etc.?
We provide sedation for kids who really struggle. Sedation can be useful in a number of situations:
- Your child needs multiple areas in their mouth numbed or a more complex procedure like a root canal or crown.
- Your child has dental anxiety or has trouble holding still for longer periods of time
- Your child has special needs or sensory issues
- Your primary care dentist or pediatrician referred you to us specifically for sedation
In any of these situations (or others!) sedation can help your child have a positive experience. They’ll comfortably and safely sleep through the procedure, making the entire experience easy and trauma-free.
To learn more, visit our page on sedation dentistry.
Does your dentist office believe in using fluoride?
Yup! We’re big believers for a number of reasons, primarily because it is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
You can read more about the hows and whys by visiting our page on fluoride.
What if you didn’t answer my question?
Please contact us! We’d be more than happy to help. You can call us at (970) 330-4600 or fill out a contact form here.
