If Children Lose Their Baby Teeth, Why Fix Them?

Yes, baby teeth do ultimately end up falling out, but they serve many important functions until they are lost. First and foremost, baby teeth are important for eating and chewing. In addition to making any smile a happy and beautiful one, baby teeth also help in speech development. Baby teeth reserve space for the developing permanent teeth growing below the surface and help guide them into the proper place for eruption. If baby teeth are lost before the permanent teeth are ready to erupt, the teeth that are already in the mouth can drift into a different spot and the permanent teeth that will eventually grow in can get off track and wind up in the wrong spot or stuck. This can lead to additional orthodontic work (often braces) later on for your child.

Check us out at our new Parker location opening November 2019! 
Colorado Children's Dental Center
www.ccdcsmiles.com
Keeping Kids Teeth on the Healthy Track in Parker, Centennial, Aurora, Highlands Ranch and more!
 

All About General Anesthesia!
 

General anesthesia provides a way of effectively completing dental care while a child is unconscious. Usually only children with severe anxiety and/or severe tooth decay are recommended for general anesthesia. Typically, these children are young or have compromised health issues. Standard behavior management techniques may not be effective to accomplish treatment.

IS GENERAL ANESTHESIA SAFE?
YES. While normal risks are always present with surgery, a pediatric anesthesiologist will put your child to sleep. They are responsible for delivering the general anesthesia, monitoring and the medical care of the child. Many precautions are taken to provide safety for the child during general anesthesia care. Patients are monitored closely during the general anesthesia procedure by anesthesia personnel who are trained to manage complications. We will discuss the benefits and risks involved with general anesthesia and why it is recommended for your child’s treatment.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH GENERAL ANESTHESIA:
Most times, your child’s surgery will be done on an “outpatient” basis. This means they will have their surgery in the morning at Children's Hospital or at our Parker office (opening in October of 2019) will then be allowed to go home in the afternoon.

A physical examination – is required prior to a general anesthesia appointment to complete dental care. This physical examination provides information to ensure the safety of the general anesthesia procedure. We will advise you about any evaluation appointments that may be requested. On the day of treatment, the pediatric dentist and the anesthesiologist will chat a few things over with you and your child before proceeding to treatment.

Prior to surgery – Minimal discussion to your child about the appointment may reduce anxiety. Explain they are “going to go to sleep when their teeth are being fixed”.

Eating and drinking – It is important NOT to have a meal the night before general anesthesia. You will be informed about food and fluid intake guidelines prior to the appointment.

Changes in your child’s health – If your child is sick or running a fever, contact our office immediately! It may be necessary to arrange another appointment.

Usually, children are tired following general anesthesia. You may wish to return home with minimal activity planned for your child until the next day. After that, you can usually return to a routine schedule.

If you have any questions regarding GA, please contact us or another pediatric/kids dentist at any time!

Colorado Children's Dental Center
303-627-8300
www.ccdcsmiles.com
PARKER LOCATION OPENING IN OCTOBER OF 2019!

Laughing Gas!

Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective sedative agent that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose to help you relax.

Nitrous oxide, sometimes called “laughing gas,” is one option your pediatric dentist may offer to help your child feel more comfortable during certain procedures. It is not intended to put them to sleep. Your child will be able to hear and respond to any requests or directions the dentist may have. Your kids dentist will ask your child to breathe normally through their nose, and within a few short minutes they will/should start to feel the effects of the nitrous oxide. Your child may feel light-headed or a tingling in their arms and legs. Some people say their arms and legs feel heavy. Ultimately, they should feel calm and comfortable. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off soon after the mask is removed and pure oxygen is administered following the procedure.

If you have any questions regarding nitrous oxide, please contact us or another pediatric/kids dentist at any time!

Colorado Children's Dental Center
303-627-8300
www.ccdcsmiles.com
PARKER LOCATION OPENING IN OCTOBER OF 2019!

Beware of Sports Drinks!

Due to the high sugar content and acids in sports drinks, they have erosive potential and the ability to dissolve even fluoride-rich enamel, which can lead to cavities.

To minimize dental problems, your pediatric dentist will recommend children avoid sports drinks and hydrate with water before, during and after sports.  Be sure to talk to your childs dentist before using sports drinks.

If sports drinks are consumed:

• Reduce the frequency and contact time

• Swallow immediately and do not swish them around the mouth

• Neutralize the effect of sports drinks by alternating sips of water with the drink

• Rinse mouthguards only in water
  
  If you have any questions regarding diet or oral health, please contact us or another pediatric/kids dentist at any time!
  
  Colorado Children's Dental Center
  303-627-8300
  www.ccdcsmiles.com
  PARKER LOCATION OPENING IN OCTOBER OF 2019!
  Board Certified Pediatric Dentist serving kids in Parker, Aurora, Centennial and Castle Rock.

Sippy Cup Tips!

Sippy cups should be used as a training tool from the bottle to a cup and should be discontinued by the first birthday. If your child uses a sippy cup throughout the day, fill the sippy cup with water only (except at mealtimes). By filling the sippy cup with liquids that contain sugar (including milk, fruit juice, sports drinks, etc.) and allowing a child to drink from it throughout the day, it soaks the child’s teeth in cavity causing bacteria. Yikes!

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child's diet, please dont hesitate to reach out to us or a pediatric dentist/kids dentist!
www.ccdcsmiles.com