Setting Your Child Up for a Lifetime of Good Oral Habits with Pediatric Dentistry
Are you looking for a child-friendly dental office in Centennial, Colorado? Please partner with Piney Creek Family Dentistry to provide your child with a lifetime of a healthy and beautiful smile. Dr. Tiffany Fritz and the team take your child’s dental care seriously. This can be evidenced through our comprehensive dental care services to patients of all ages, including infants, adolescents, and teens.
Grow your child’s smile with our pediatric dentistry services
We understand the importance of making your child comfortable in our office. Besides a friendly atmosphere, we maintain a casual demeanor to make your child feel at ease around us. Parents can take a breather in our practice, knowing that their young ones are in capable hands.
Your child will enjoy numerous dental care services at our practice, including
- Dental exams: Your child should see our dentist by the time the first tooth erupts and no later than one year. During dental exams, we track your child’s oral development and educate you on best practices to maintain your child’s dental health at home.
- Dental cleanings: We offer professional teeth cleaning to remove plaque and tartar in hard-to-reach areas in your kid’s mouth.
- Digital x-rays: We recommend a digital x-ray for children aged 3-6 years, depending on the stage of dental development and the child’s cooperation. Digital x-rays help diagnose cavities, gum disease, erosion, swelling, and unexplained tooth sensitivity.
- Silver Diamine Fluoride. We offer Silver Diamine Fluoride, a less invasive treatment, less drilling, and less intimidating for pediatric patients. The procedure helps prevent tooth cavities by remineralizing the tooth enamel at the beginning stages of decay.
Benefits of Pediatric Dental Care
In the same way, your child sees a pediatrician as a primary medical provider; the pediatric dentist is the primary provider for your child’s oral care. The sooner your child starts routine dental visits, the healthier their mouths will stay for the rest of their lives. The other benefits of pediatric dentistry include:
- Eliminates dental fear from a young age
- A pediatric dentist has specialized training in handling kids
- Prevention for a healthy future
Are you looking for a dental home for your little one? Don’t look beyond Piney Creek Family Dentistry. We go the extra mile to create a safe and pleasant environment for young patients. We customize our treatments to suit your child’s unique needs. Please dial (303) 562-1051 to become a member of our dental family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Dentistry
Why are baby teeth important, yet they’ll eventually fall out?
Baby teeth do more than fill space. They have several functions, and it’s very important to keep them healthy until they fall out naturally.
- Support oral function: Baby teeth help your child chew properly, helping maintain a proper diet. They also support proper speech development.
- Confidence boost: Healthy baby teeth help children love how their smile looks.
- Hold space for permanent teeth: More importantly, baby teeth guide permanent teeth into the right position. Losing them too early can affect alignment and oral development.
When should my child first visit the dentist?
Schedule the first visit by your child’s first birthday or within 6 months of the first tooth appearing. Early visits help your child familiarize themselves with the dental environment. These visits also allow us to monitor oral development and detect dental problems, such as caries.
After the first visit, your child should visit the dentist every six months. Routine dental care helps detect and treat minor issues before they progress into painful and costly problems.
Why are children vulnerable to cavities?
It’s true, children are more prone to cavities. The common causes involve the anatomical composition of baby teeth. They have softer and thinner enamel, which makes it susceptible to dental caries.
Another risk factor is poor oral hygiene. Remember, your child is learning the ropes of brushing and flossing. They can miss a few spots, which leads to cavities. Diet can also lead to tooth decay. Sugary treats, acidic drinks, and refined carbs like potato chips cause cavities by fueling bacteria that destroy tooth enamel.
Should I be concerned with thumb sucking?
Thumb sucking is a natural reflex for infants to soothe themselves. However, most children stop thumb sucking on their own once they learn other coping skills. Ideally, children should stop thumb sucking by the age of 3-4. If it continues beyond that, it may affect tooth alignment and jaw development. If the child doesn’t break the habit on their own, our dentist can guide you on ways to help them stop it.
Is fluoride toothpaste healthy for children?
Yes, when used correctly. Fluoride enhances enamel and aids in cavity prevention. For children under 3, apply a small amount of fluoride toothpaste and encourage your child to spit it out. If your child is above three, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Supervise your child when brushing until they learn how to do it on their own, usually around age 7-8. Proper guidance fosters lifelong habits that stick.
What is the best way to take care of children’s teeth and gums at home?
Infant dental care is simple but essential.
- Wipe your baby’s gums with a gentle cloth, even prior to the emergence of the first tooth.
- Don’t allow your baby to sleep with a baby bottle
- Discourage thumb sucking and pacifiers at the appropriate age
- Once teeth appear, brush twice a day with a soft, small-headed toothbrush
- Floss when teeth begin to touch
- Encourage a tooth-friendly diet and limit sugary and acidic foods
Do you have an in-house membership plan?
Yes. We offer an affordable in-house membership plan for both adults and children. It’s a great option for families without insurance and helps make preventive and routine care more affordable. Call our team to learn how to join. It’s quick and easy, and you enjoy the benefits right away.
Who offers child-friendly dental care services in Centennial, CO?
Your child deserves the best dental care in a fun, relaxing environment. Dial (303) 562-1051 and discover expert, comfortable pediatric dental care at Piney Creek Family Dentistry.
