Reviewed By Dr. Jodi Kuhn
Reading time: 4 minutes
Parenting comes with countless questions, and your child’s dental health is often one of the biggest. When should their first dental visit happen? Do baby teeth really matter if they eventually fall out?
We hear these concerns every day, and we’re here to provide clear answers. This guide answers the questions parents ask most often, so you can feel confident about your child’s oral health at every stage.
We are always accepting new patients at our offices in Denver, Aurora, Thornton and Hampden
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Early dental visits, strong home habits, and preventive care are the foundation for keeping your child’s teeth healthy as they grow..
1.When Should My Child Have Their First Dental Visit?
Your child’s first dental appointment is an important milestone, just like their first steps. The rule of thumb recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry is to schedule their first visit by first birthday. If their first baby tooth comes in earlier, schedule a check-up within six months of its appearance.
These early dental visits provide parents with trusted information, allow their dentist to detect early signs of tooth decay, and help children get comfortable in the dental office.
Learn how to prepare your child for their first visit to the dentist.
2.Are Baby Teeth Really That Important If They’re Just Going to Fall Out?
Yes, baby teeth matter a lot. Even though a baby tooth only stays in place for a few years, it shapes your child’s dental health for life. Baby teeth:
- Guide permanent teeth into position: They hold the space so adult teeth erupt in the correct alignment and help prevent orthodontic problems later.
- Allow proper chewing: Healthy teeth let kids eat nutritious foods comfortably, which supports growth.
- Support speech development: Clear speech depends on strong, intact teeth.
If a baby tooth is lost too soon, it will affect how their permanent teeth grow in.
3.What Are Dental Sealants and Does My Child Need Them?
Dental sealants work like a shield for your child’s teeth. They are thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back molars, which have deep grooves where food and bacteria often collect. Once placed, sealants help prevent cavities and keep those surfaces strong.
Most children benefit from sealants when their permanent molars appear, usually around ages 6 and 12. This quick, painless dental treatment is one of the most effective preventive treatments available for children’s teeth.
4.My Child Is Scared of the Dentist. What Can I Do?
Dental anxiety is common, but it doesn’t have to last. Parents can ease their child’s fears by:
- Using positive reinforcement: Describe the dentist as a friendly helper who keeps their smile strong.
- Reading children’s books about dental visits: Stories make the idea of going to the dental office more familiar.
- Modeling calm behavior: Kids often mirror their parents’ energy, so your reassurance is powerful.
At Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics, our team specializes in helping anxious children. We also offer sedation options for children with extreme anxiety or for children with special healthcare needs.
5.How Can I Prevent Cavities in My Child’s Teeth?
Cavity prevention starts with healthy habits at home and continues with regular care at the dentist. Parents can:
- Brush with their child twice a day: Help your child brush until they are able to do it correctly on their own..
- Limit sugary foods and drinks: Sugary snacks and acidic drinks fuel bacteria that damage dental enamel.
- Encourage water: Drinking water, especially fluoridated tap water, strengthens healthy teeth and washes away food particles.
Regular dental visits, fluoride treatments, preventive treatments like sealants, and check-ups all help reduce the risk of dental decay.
Family Dental Care for Every Age
Have more questions? We’re here to help. At Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics, we are dedicated to building a lifetime of healthy smiles for children, teens, and adults. Our four convenient locations make dental care accessible across the Denver area:
📍Denver Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 1400 Grove Street, Denver, CO 80204 | (303) 825-2295
📍Aurora Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 14251 E. 6th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80011 | (303) 343-3133
📍Thornton Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 550 E. Thornton Parkway, Suite 240A, Thornton, CO 80229 | (303) 280-8878
📍Hampden Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 7400 East Hampden Ave. Unit C1, Denver, CO 80231 | (720) 826-3694
We proudly accept Medicaid and are committed to caring for your entire family with preventive care, advanced dental treatments, and personalized treatment plans.
FAQs
What should I look for in a dentist?
A good dentist combines strong clinical skills with clear communication and a comfortable office environment. They should take time to explain treatment options, emphasize preventive care, and tailor their approach to the needs of each patient. A welcoming atmosphere and a professional who makes you feel at ease are just as important as the quality of the dental work itself.
What is the 2-2-2 rule for teeth?
The 2-2-2 rule is a simple way to remember the basics of oral hygiene: visit the dentist two times a year, brush teeth two times a day, and spend at least two minutes brushing each time. Following this rule helps maintain healthy teeth and reinforces good dental habits.
Where can I find a family dentist near me?
If you are in Denver, Aurora, Thornton, or Hampden, you can find complete family dental care at Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics. We provide pediatric dentistry, preventive care, and sedation dentistry when needed, all under one roof. Our dental office makes it easy for families to access the right dental treatment at every stage of life.
