Top Orthodontist and Pediatric Dentist in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Pediatric Dentistry FAQs
What is a Pediatric Dentist?
A Pediatric Dentist is a specialized dental professional dedicated to the oral health of children, from infancy through early adulthood. They receive advanced training to address various dental issues common in developing mouths. These specialists are also skilled in caring for children with special needs and work closely with pediatricians to create comprehensive health plans that integrate both oral and overall health care.
Can Parents Accompany Their Child in the Dental Area?
Parents are welcome to accompany their children during cleanings and treatments. However, if you prefer, you can relax in the waiting room with complimentary coffee and Wi-Fi. Sometimes, children pick up on their parents’ anxiety, which can affect their behavior and cooperation. For this reason, we ask that you remain a quiet observer, allowing us to give your child our full attention. Your positive experience can make it easier for you to refer us to friends and family.
What to Expect at Your Child’s First Dental Visit
Your child’s first visit is crucial, and our goal is to make it a positive and memorable experience. For young children (4 years or younger), we strongly recommend scheduling the appointment in the morning when they are more rested and cooperative. This timing can significantly impact your child’s ability to have a smooth visit. We provide work and school excuse forms to accommodate this schedule.
When you arrive, our friendly staff will greet you and take you on a tour of the office to help your child feel comfortable. We’ll use behavior management techniques like “Tell-Show-Do” and “Positive Reinforcement” to build trust with your child. They’ll be introduced to the dental instruments and even get to see how they work on their hand.
Dr. Libby Paulsen will then perform a comprehensive exam. Depending on your child’s age and comfort level, the appointment length may vary. Younger or more nervous children can sit on their parent’s lap for the cleaning and exam. Our priority is to establish the dentist’s office as a safe and welcoming place. If needed, we may also take low-dose digital X-rays during this visit.
After the exam, Dr. Paulsen will review the findings with you, discussing topics like cavity prevention, diet, hygiene, thumb-sucking, pacifier use, and fluoride. We highly value your involvement in your child’s health care, and together, we’ll create a tailored treatment or preventive plan. Before leaving, your child will receive a gift bag and a token to choose a prize from our toy tower!
How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Dental Visit
To prepare your child, be open and honest about what to expect at the dentist. Explain that the doctor will count their teeth, take pictures, and even “tickle” their teeth. Practice opening and closing their mouth at home, and make it fun by counting their teeth together. Let them know they’ll receive a “goodie” bag, and assure them that kids usually enjoy their visits to the dentist.
Can My Child’s Cavities Be Treated on the Same Day as the First Appointment?
Typically, we do not perform treatment immediately after the first exam. Our top priorities are providing a positive experience and high-quality care, which often means scheduling treatment for another day when your child is well-rested. However, in some cases, it may be possible to provide same-day treatment.
Are X-Rays Safe?
Our office follows strict guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD), Washington Society of Pediatric Dentists (WSPD), American Dental Association (ADA), and American Medical Association (AMA) regarding X-rays. We use digital X-rays, which significantly reduce radiation exposure—up to 80% less compared to traditional methods. We also provide proper protection, such as thyroid collars, to ensure your child’s safety. Our X-ray policy is based on your child’s risk factors for developing cavities, and we’ll recommend X-rays accordingly after an initial exam.
Is Fluoride safe?
Fluoride is highly effective in reducing the risk of dental caries and is considered the most effective method for preventing cavities. It is commonly found in tap water, toothpaste, and some foods. Fluoride is endorsed by all major dental associations and is safe when used in appropriate amounts. Preventive care is a key aspect of pediatric dentistry, and we encourage you to discuss any concerns about fluoride with us. Ultimately, the decision to use fluoride is yours.
How Should I Clean My Baby’s Teeth, and What About Night Feeding?
Frequent nighttime feeding has been linked to dental caries. It’s recommended to wipe your baby’s mouth after nursing, as bacteria can reside on the tongue and cheeks even before teeth emerge. Night feeding should be discontinued by age 1. Sleeping with milk or juice is a significant risk factor for cavities, so we encourage the use of a cup by the first birthday.
What Should I Do if My Child Sucks Their Thumb?
Thumb or pacifier sucking can be soothing for young children, but prolonged habits can reshape the facial structure or move teeth into improper positions. Most children stop on their own as they grow, but positive reinforcement between 24-36 months is the most successful way to break the habit. If your child continues to suck their thumb after their permanent teeth come in or does so aggressively, let us know so we can monitor for potential issues.
Do You Offer Sedation Dentistry?
Yes, we offer nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas,” to help ease mild to moderate anxiety in children. For those with more complex treatment needs, Dr. Libby Paulsen can provide general anesthesia at a nearby Colorado Springs area hospital.
What If My Child Is Scared or Traumatized by a Previous Dental Experience?
We understand that some children may have had negative dental experiences in the past. Our team at Life Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry uses specific techniques to reduce anxiety and create a comfortable environment for your child. Many parents are pleasantly surprised at how well we can help even the most apprehensive children feel at ease.
Why Are Baby Teeth Important if They’re Going to Fall Out Anyway?
Maintaining the health of primary (baby) teeth is crucial for establishing a strong foundation for your child’s oral health. Neglected baby teeth can lead to problems that affect the developing permanent teeth, cause pain, dangerous infections, and result in long-term dental issues. Baby teeth are essential for proper chewing and eating, speech development, spacing for permanent teeth, and normal jaw and muscle development. They also contribute to your child’s self-esteem.
How Can I Prevent Cavities in My Child?
For infants, gently wipe their teeth and gums with a wet washcloth after feedings, especially before bedtime. Avoid putting your baby to bed with anything other than water once teeth have erupted.
Toddlers and young children need adult assistance to brush their teeth twice a day and floss daily. Fine motor skills required for effective brushing don’t typically develop until ages 7-8. When your child can write in cursive, they may be ready to brush their teeth independently.
Many children respond well to using an electric toothbrush. Ask us when it’s appropriate to introduce one into your child’s routine.
Regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months are essential, and teaching your child to make healthy food choices will support their oral health.
What are sealants?
A sealant is a clear or white plastic material applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (premolars and molars). Sealants act as a protective barrier against food, plaque, and acid, reducing the risk of cavities in these decay-prone areas. Sealants are most effective when applied soon after the teeth erupt, usually around age six. While sealants protect the grooves of the teeth, it’s important to continue brushing and flossing daily for comprehensive dental care.