Youth Dental & Orthodontics: Denver Pediatric Dentistry

At Youth Dental & Orthodontics, we understand the unique needs of children and provide quality dental care that is tailored to meet their needs.

Kid-Focused Dental Care

It’s no secret that kids are different from adults. They have unique dental needs and require special attention when it comes to their oral health. A kid’s dentist is trained to understand these differences, and they provide a unique dental experience.

At Youth Dental & Orthodontics, our experienced dentists specialise in treating children. Our kid-friendly office helps kids feel comfortable during their visit. Our treatment rooms have toys, TVs, and other fun distractions to help make your child’s experience as enjoyable as possible.

Why See a Kids Dentist?

Kids grow and change quickly, and a kid’s dentist will ensure that they receive the best care possible in these crucial years.

A kids dentist is trained to manage the unique needs of children, including those with special needs. If a child is hysterical or overly anxious, the staff at our office are specially trained to help calm and soothe the child. This can make all the difference in getting a child the care they need.

A kids dentist can provide a full range of dental services for kids, including:

• Preventive care: Regular cleanings and exams, dental sealants or fluoride treatments.
• Diagnostic services:  Digital X-rays, cavity detection and orthodontic evaluations.
• Restorative dentistry: Fillings, crowns and root canals.
• Orthodontics: Evaluation and treatment options for crooked teeth or misaligned jaws.
• Emergency care: If a child has a dental emergency, a kid’s dentist can provide the necessary treatment. This may involve extracting a tooth, treating an infection, or providing other care.

At What Age Should Kids Visit a Dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommend that kids see a dentist by their first birthday.  This early visit will help detect any potential problems and establish good oral health habits from the start. Early visits also allow kids to become familiar with the dentist’s office, making future visits more comfortable.

What To Expect at a Kids Dental Appointment

At your baby’s first appointment, the dentist will examine your baby’s mouth, gums and teeth. They will also check for proper development and may provide guidance on how to care for your child’s teeth at home.

As your child grows, the dentist will continue to monitor their oral health. They will perform gentle cleanings and address any concerns or issues that may arise.

Kids Dental Cleaning

Dental cleanings are a vital part of pediatric dental care. Cleanings are recommended every six months but may vary based on individual needs.

During a kid’s dental cleaning, the dental hygienist will remove any plaque or tartar that has built up on your child’s teeth. The cleaning is followed by a gentle polishing, which helps to remove any remaining plaque and surface stains, leaving the teeth smooth and shiny. The dentist may also apply a fluoride treatment to strengthen their teeth and protect against cavities.

Your child’s comfort is our top priority, and we strive to make this experience as pleasant and fun as possible. We have found that this approach helps children feel more at ease and fosters a positive attitude towards dental hygiene.

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride is a mineral that helps to prevent cavities. It can be found in some foods and water. Fluoride treatments help to provide extra protection against cavities. It works by making the tooth enamel harder and more resistant to decay.

At the end of a teeth cleaning, fluoride is applied as a varnish. It is brushed on the teeth and dries quickly. Fluoride treatments are safe and painless and help to give your child the best defense against cavities.

Toothpaste that contains fluoride is very helpful for maintaining good oral health. Young children should use a pea-sized amount and be supervised while brushing. If kids ingest too much fluoride, it can result in white spots on their permanent teeth.

Sealants for Cavity Prevention

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends sealants for kids on their back baby teeth (primary teeth) to help prevent cavities. Sealants are a protective coating that is applied to the teeth. 

This coating helps to prevent decay by filling in the grooves of the teeth and keeping food and bacteria from getting trapped. They are not a substitute for good oral hygiene but can help protect teeth from cavities. 

How To Prepare Your Child for the Dentist

Visiting the dentist can be a daunting experience for kids. By taking some time to prepare them (and yourself) for the appointment, you can help make it a positive experience. If you’re worried about how your child will do at the dentist, you can do a few things to help them feel more comfortable.

• Talk to your child about the dentist in a positive way. Let them know that the dentist is there to help keep their teeth healthy.
• During the appointment, stay calm and positive. This will help your child stay calm as well. If your child is very young, you may stay in the room with them during their appointment.
• After the appointment, praise your child for being brave. Reward them with a special treat or activity. Doing so will help them associate going to the dentist with positive things.

Helping Children with Special Needs

At our office, we understand that children with special needs may have a difficult time going to the dentist. We are specially trained to care for children with special needs and strive to make the experience as positive as possible. No matter what your child’s needs are, we can help.

At Youth Dental and Vision, our dentists have extensive experience in treating children with a variety of conditions, including

• ADD & ADHD
• Down Syndrome
• Cerebral Palsy
• Autism
• Hearing & Vision Impairment
• Developmental Disabilities
• Craniofacial Conditions (Eg. cleft palate)

Dental Sedation for Kids

In some cases, kids may need to be sedated for their dental appointment. Sedation is safe and can help kids to feel more relaxed during their appointment. There are different types of sedation available. The type used will depend on the child’s age and the procedure being done. 

Some of the most common types of pediatric dental sedation include:

• Nitrous oxide (laughing gas): This gas is inhaled through a mask. It helps kids to feel relaxed and can make them feel like they are in a dream-like state.
• Oral sedation: This involves giving the child a pill to take before their appointment. The child will likely be awake but very relaxed during their appointment.
• IV sedation: This type of sedation is given through an IV, which can help kids feel sleepy and relaxed. Sometimes, kids may not remember anything about their appointment.
• General anesthesia: This type of sedation is used for more lengthy procedures. It puts the child to sleep, and they will not be able to feel anything during their appointment.

We Accept Medicaid

We gladly accept patients with Medicaid coverage. If you have any questions about dental coverage under Colorado Health First or whether your child is eligible for Medicaid, we can assist you with determining what is covered.