At Gentle Smiles of Colorado, we know parents only want the best for their kids. You want your kids’ futures to be filled with happiness and free of health and dental problems. That’s why we offer early dental care to the families in Denver, Golden, Wheat Ridge, and the surrounding areas. We are passionate about providing the best dental care for your children, helping them start their adventure through life with a strong foundation of great oral health and healthy dental habits.
Teething & Your Baby’s First Teeth
A baby’s first tooth erupts somewhere between six to 12 months of age. When your baby is teething, gums will be sore, tender, and irritable until the age of three, which usually leads to a crying baby. You can help soothe your baby’s gums by rubbing them gently with a clean finger, the back of a cold spoon, a cold, wet cloth, or a teething ring.
While your baby is teething and they’re still being fed with a bottle, you should monitor your baby’s teeth for baby bottle decay and know the signs of dental decay.
- Bottle decay occurs because sugar in the liquid drink mixes with bacteria in dental plaque to form acids that attack the tooth enamel.
- Your baby is a high risk of developing decay if they are left sleeping with their bottle, since saliva production is reduced while they sleep, meaning that the bacteria isn’t washed away and left to sit on the teeth overnight.
- Even if your baby’s teeth aren’t permanent, damage to the teeth and gums could lead to other dental issues, which can cause other dental problems later in life.
- You’ll want to examine the teeth (especially the ones on the inside) every two weeks for dull spots or lines (whiter than the tooth surface).
If you notice any dental irregularities, contact our family dentist in Golden, CO right away.
Caring for Your Infant’s New Teeth
Children’s teeth actually start forming before birth. During their first 4 to 12 months, the first primary teeth push through the gums. The lower central incisors come in first, followed by the upper central incisors. The rest of the 20 primary teeth usually come in by the age of three. Baby teeth play an important role in dental development, so caring for them is of the utmost importance. Obviously, children need teeth to chew food and speak clearly, but they also guide the permanent teeth into place when they start to come in around the age of six.
Your Child’s First Dental Visit
A child’s first visit to our family dentist in Golden should generally be scheduled around their first birthday. A pleasurable initial visit will build trust and put the child at ease for future trips to the dentist, which is why our staff has experience working with kids of all ages, and we have a warm, welcoming office that’s kid-friendly. Even if your kids are a little bit older, it’s important that you talk to your kids about the importance of going to the dentist, and letting them know that they can always ask their dentist any questions that they have. Regular dental visits will help avoid dental fillings in Wheat Ridge and allow your child to feel comfortable while in our office.
Your Child’s Eating Habits & Lifestyle
The teeth, bones, and soft tissue of the mouth require a well-balanced and healthy diet. Eating a variety of foods from the five food groups will help avoid cavities and other dental problems. Children should consume a healthy diet high in the following foods:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Healthy carbohydrates like potatoes, sweet potatoes, and rice
- Low fat proteins like beans, lentils, and chicken
- Water
Avoid feeding your child high processed foods and foods high in sugar. These can include desserts and cookies, potato chips, sugary juices and sports drinks, soda, and other packaged foods. If you have any questions about your child’s diet and promoting good oral health, never hesitate to contact our Denver cosmetic dentist!
Contact Your Denver Children’s Dentist Today!
If you have any questions or you’re looking to set up an appointment for your kids, please contact Gentle Smiles of Colorado. You can call us at (303) 756-2770 for our Denver office, (303) 278-2800 for our Golden office, or (303) 425-5100 for our Wheat Ridge office. Set your kid up for a happy, healthy future today by choosing our Denver cosmetic dentist! We look forward to helping you and your family achieve perfect and radiant smiles by doing what we do best: providing the highest quality dental care available.