Finding the Perfect Kids’ Dentist Near You
Finding the right children’s dentist near you can feel overwhelming, especially when your child’s comfort and oral health are your top priorities. Parents throughout Littleton, Colorado, and surrounding communities want a dental practice that combines clinical excellence with a gentle, child-friendly approach.
At Littleton Advance Dentistry, Dr. Tom Bonbright has dedicated his practice to making dental visits positive experiences that children look forward to. From your child’s first tooth to their teenage years, including specialized care for teens, our comprehensive children’s dental services are designed to build healthy habits, prevent problems, and create confident smiles that last a lifetime.
Don’t wait to give your child the dental care they deserve. Call (720) 719-0012 today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bonbright and experience the difference that compassionate children’s dental care can make for your family.
When Should My Child Start Seeing a Dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing. This timeline might surprise many parents who assume dental visits can wait until more teeth are present, but early intervention provides numerous benefits for developing smiles. Early dental visits help monitor developing teeth and provide preventive care, such as cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants, to support healthy oral development.
Establishing a dental home early allows children to become familiar with the dental environment before any treatment becomes necessary. This familiarity reduces anxiety and helps create positive associations with dental care. Early dental visits are essential for establishing a foundation for children’s oral health. Children who begin regular visits as infants typically demonstrate less fear and more cooperation during future appointments.
How To Prepare Your Child For the Dentist
Preparing children for dental visits can significantly impact their experience and willingness to cooperate during appointments. Dr. Bonbright recommends several strategies that parents can use to help their children feel confident and excited about visiting the dentist.
Start conversations about dental visits several days before the appointment, but avoid waiting too long, as this might increase anxiety. Use positive language when discussing the visit, focusing on the fun aspects like getting teeth counted, using special dental tools, and receiving a prize after the appointment. Avoid mentioning words like “pain,” “hurt,” or “shot,” even when trying to reassure children that these won’t happen.
Reading books about dental visits can help familiarize children with what to expect. Many excellent children’s books feature characters visiting the dentist, showing the process in a friendly, non-threatening way.
Role-playing at home can make the dental experience less mysterious and more predictable for children. Parents can take turns being the dentist and patient, using a flashlight to look at teeth and counting them together. This playful approach helps children understand what will happen during their visit while making it seem like a game rather than a medical procedure.
Timing appointments strategically can improve cooperation and reduce stress. Schedule visits when children are typically well-rested and fed, avoiding nap times or meal times when possible. Morning appointments often work well for younger children who may become cranky or tired later in the day.
Bring comfort items that help children feel secure, such as a favorite stuffed animal or blanket. The team at Littleton Advance Dentistry encourages parents to bring whatever helps their child feel comfortable during the visit.
Discuss the visit honestly but in age-appropriate terms. Very young children need simple explanations like “The dentist will count your teeth and make sure they’re healthy.” Older children can handle more detailed information about what might happen during their appointment, including possible treatments if any issues are found.
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Children’s Dental Care At Home
Effective home care forms the cornerstone of good oral health for children. Our children’s dentist in Littleton emphasizes that parents play a crucial role in establishing and maintaining their children’s oral hygiene routines. Consistent daily care at home can prevent most dental problems and reduce the need for extensive treatment.
- Start brushing early: Begin as soon as the first tooth appears with a soft infant toothbrush and a rice-grain-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Increase to pea-sized amount around age three and supervise until age six to eight.
- Use proper brushing technique: Teach gentle, circular motions for at least two minutes, covering all tooth surfaces. Electric toothbrushes with timers can help children brush for the recommended duration.
- Begin flossing when teeth touch: Start around age two to three when teeth touch each other. Parents should help daily until children develop the coordination to floss independently.
- Maintain a healthy diet: Limit sugary snacks and drinks, especially between meals. Encourage sugary treats with meals rather than as isolated snacks. Water should be the primary beverage.
- Establish consistent routines: Create regular brushing and flossing schedules as part of morning and bedtime routines. Many families in Littleton, CO, make oral care a family activity.
- Make oral care enjoyable: Use colorful toothbrushes, flavored toothpaste, reward charts, and songs to make brushing fun and engaging rather than a chore.
- Monitor progress regularly: Supervise children’s brushing occasionally to check thoroughness and technique. Dr. Tom Bonbright assesses home care effectiveness during regular visits.
- Address harmful habits: Work to eliminate thumb sucking beyond age three, prolonged pacifier use, and teeth grinding. The team at Littleton Advance Dentistry provides strategies for breaking these habits.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Most children begin losing baby teeth around age six, starting with the lower front teeth, followed by the upper front teeth. The process typically continues until age twelve or thirteen, when the last baby teeth (usually the back molars) are lost. Dr. Bonbright monitors tooth development during regular visits and can identify if teeth are developing on schedule or if any intervention might be needed to guide the proper eruption of permanent teeth.
Cavities develop when bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars and starches from food, producing acids that attack tooth enamel. Children are particularly susceptible because they often consume more sugary foods and drinks and may not brush as effectively as adults. Prevention involves limiting sugary snacks and drinks, maintaining excellent oral hygiene, using fluoride toothpaste, and receiving regular professional cleanings and fluoride treatments from Dr. Tom Bonbright.
Signs that orthodontic evaluation might be needed include crowded or crooked teeth, difficulty chewing or biting, mouth breathing, thumb sucking beyond age five, or early or late loss of baby teeth. Dr. Tom Bonbright monitors dental development during regular visits and can identify potential orthodontic issues early. Most children benefit from orthodontic evaluation around age seven, even if treatment won’t begin for several years.