http://ccdcsmiles.com/ Colorado Children's Dental Center - Blog RSS Feed 2.0 en-us Tue, 07 Apr 2026 07:20:11 GMT Tue, 07 Apr 2026 07:20:11 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/userfiles/651/images/looseteeth%2Ejpg http://ccdcsmiles.com/ http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/21539/To-Pull-or-Not-To-Pull-- blog Should You Pull Your Child's Loose Tooth? A loose tooth! It's just another rite of passage in your child's smile journey. You may be tempted to pull it out. Here's what you need to know before you do. Why do teeth wiggle? A loose baby tooth typically means a permanent tooth is right behind it. As the permanent tooth takes over the roots, it forces the baby tooth to dissolve, loosen, and finally fall out. Your child's tooth may also wiggle after a fall or face injury. If you suspect your child's tooth is loose because of trauma, follow these tips and call our office. Children generally lose their primary teeth in the same order they first erupted. Front teeth usually go first when a child reaches age 6 or 7. If the timing seems off, or your child is losing teeth out of order, talk to your pediatric dentist. To pull or not to pull? Many parents wonder if they should pull their child's loose tooth. It depends on a couple of things. If your child is one of those kids who doesn't want you anywhere near his teeth, mouth or face, leave it. The tooth will eventually fall out on its own. On the other hand, if your child wants your help, gently touch the tooth. Don't tug on it if it's barely wiggles or if your child feels pain. The tooth is still rooted and not ready to be removed. If it wiggles more than grandma's favorite Jell-O, wrap the tooth with a tissue and squeeze. The tooth should fall out easily. Here's the best scenario, though, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Encourage your child to wiggle the tooth with his or her own fingertips or tongue until it comes out. Your child will experience less pain and bleeding. Plus, they'll feel like a superhero, leaving you to get ready for the tooth fairy. Tue, 22 Sep 2020 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/21539/To-Pull-or-Not-To-Pull-- http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/21541/Eating-Disorders-and-Oral-Health blog How Eating Disorders Wreak Havoc on Teeth and Gums Anorexia, Binge Eating, and Bulimia are all eating disorders that can take a serious toll on a person's health. They raise the risk of heart failure, cause malnutrition, block the intestines from normal function, trigger seizures, lower the thyroid and sex hormones, lead to kidney failure, and more. More than 10 million Americans struggle with an eating disorder. Most sufferers are between the ages of 12 and 25 and the symptoms are alarming. They also prompt a multitude of dental problems. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, here's what eating disorders do to your teeth and gums: Gums may bleed easily and salivary glands may become inflamed, causing chronic dry mouth. Lack of nutrients promote tooth decay, gum disease, mouth sores, bad breath, and dry mouth. Purging washes tooth enamel with stomach acid, causing teeth to become weak and brittle, and change color. The temporomandibular joint is the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull. Eating disorders raise the risk of degenerative arthritis in the joint, causing jaw pain, chronic headaches, problems chewing, and difficulties opening and closing the mouth. Binging and purging can cause salivary glands to enlarge and become painful. Eating disorders are nothing to smile about. In some cases they can be life threatening. Research shows anorexia has the highest death rate of any psychiatric disorder. If you suspect your teen struggles with an eating disorder, seek help from your pediatrician or family doctor right away. Discuss treatment options and ask for referrals to healthcare providers such as dietitians, nutritionists, therapists, psychologists, dentists and psychiatrists. Seek out a support group and talk to your child's school counselor.   Tue, 22 Sep 2020 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/21541/Eating-Disorders-and-Oral-Health http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/21240/Most-Common-Areas-For-Cavities blog Common Places For Decay It's extremely helpful to know where you're most likely to get cavities  - so you can target where you brush and floss.   Here is a list of the places you're most likely to get a cavity. In the Grooves On the chewing surface of your back teeth there are many grooves (called fissures) that run in the teeth as well as small holes or pits.  These are common places for cavities. In Between your Teeth In a normal mouth, all the teeth touch each other except for the ones all the way in the back. In the area between the teeth, it is hard to fit a toothbrush and easy for plaque to grow and create a cavity, especially if you're not flossing daily. At the Margins The margins of fillings, crowns, spacers, and other dental work aren't always as smooth as we'd like it to be.  This area, between the restoration and the tooth, is an easy place for plaque to grow. Just Above the Gumline This is a common place for cavities, especially for people who drink lots of energy drinks and soda because the acids in these drinks can pool around the gumline and attack the teeth, creating a cavity. Tue, 26 May 2020 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/21240/Most-Common-Areas-For-Cavities http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/21239/Before-A-Dental-Treatment-Visit blog How should I prepare my child for their dental visit? We recommend that parents never prepare their child for dental treatment with threats (If you don't behave they will pull your tooth out) or scary language (Shots,drills,etc.).   This sets up a child to be fearful before they even get to the dental office.  Just let them know they are going to the dentist to have their tooth cleaned or to have the sugar bugs washed away. Dr. J and the CCDC staff know how to explain things in a way that is truthful and informative yet non-threatening.  Some children do benefit from clear expectations.  In this case, role playing or imaginative play can be helpful.  Play Dentist with your child.  Take turns being the dentist and the patient or using a stuffed animal or doll as a patient.  practice counting teeth, work on brushing sugar bugs with the toothbrush while laying down, and pretend to rinse and use the straw to suck up the water.  Reading books about dental visits can also be helpful.  Remember we want your child to love their visits and have a strong foundation for future visits! Tue, 26 May 2020 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/21239/Before-A-Dental-Treatment-Visit http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/21238/Cavities-Can-Happen- blog Dont Panic...Cavities Are Common! Are you sure?! How did this happen? Those are just a couple questions that run through a parent's head when they find out their child has a cavity. Cavities and tooth decay are among the world's most common health problems. They're especially common in children, teenagers and older adults. But anyone who has teeth can get cavities, including infants. Yes, even children with good dental habits can get cavities. You see, there are a number of reasons why cavities occur. Some causes, like eating sugary foods or not brushing and flossing regularly, are within your control. Other causes, like genetics, are not. Don't beat yourself up over it, do your best to make healthy changes at home to help prevent cavities and be sure to treat the teeth with cavities so future problems do not arise. Stick to the basics. Proper brushing and flossing, a healthy diet and a limit on sugary foods and drinks will help prevent cavities at every stage of your child's life. Tue, 26 May 2020 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/21238/Cavities-Can-Happen- http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/21234/Printables blog Printables! School is officially out for Summer! If you are needing something to keep your kids busy during quiet time or even a rainy day, look no further! Attached are some fun printables for the kiddos that are also educational! It's a win for all! https://mouthmonsters.mychildrensteeth.org/printable-fun-oral-health-activities-to-do-at-home/ Tue, 26 May 2020 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/21234/Printables http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/21236/Summer-Snacks blog Healthy Summer Snacks It's time to play outside, have picnics and enjoy some fun in the sun! When you're busy with activities, it can be hard to remember those little teeth and smart choices for them. Attached is a link that will share some options for any summer scenario! https://mouthmonsters.mychildrensteeth.org/healthy-summer-snacks/ Tue, 26 May 2020 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/21236/Summer-Snacks http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/21235/Start-The-School-Year-Off-Strong blog Keeping Your Kids Teeth On The Healthy Track! On average, students miss more than 51 million school hours each year because of dental problems or related conditions. To avoid your kids missing school, make sure that they brush and floss regularly and visit their pediatric dentist every six months for a check-up. Visiting the dentist regularly can help prevent cavities and reinforce good dental hygiene practices. Click on the link below for some tips to help keep your kids teeth on the healthy track! https://mouthmonsters.mychildrensteeth.org/how-to-start-the-school-year-off-strong/ Tue, 26 May 2020 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/21235/Start-The-School-Year-Off-Strong http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/21181/Re-Opening- blog   Colorado Children's Dental Center is finally re-opening!!   As some of you may already know, CCDC is finally allowed to re-open.  We are spending the next 2 weeks offering families with dental emergencies and families who had a missed appointment, during the mandatory shutdown, the opportunity to be seen.  Starting May 12th, we will begin seeing patients at their regularly scheduled time.  Someone from the office will be reaching out to confirm those of you with upcoming appointments.   For the next 2-3 months, CCDC will be offering extended hours and days to help ensure that our dental families can be seen in a timely manner.  Since our state-mandated closure began on March 17th, Dr. Jones' cell phone has been available on our office's voicemail 24/7 for any family experiencing a dental emergency.  As of now, our office voicemail will go back to providing the on-call dentist phone number for after-hours emergencies (which, depending on the day, may or may not be Dr. Jones).   Part of re-opening means taking new safeguards to protect our patients, their families, and our staff from the ongoing Covid-19 crisis.  Rest assured that we have met and exceed anything that the Department of Regulations or the American Dental Association has asked of any dental office.  Some of these changes that we will have for the time being include:   1. To help eliminate "gathering" at the front desk, we are asking for all insurance changes, health history changes or address updates to be noted over the phone (or by email) whenever possible.   2. Pagers.  CCDC will be handing out pagers upon checking in for your appointment.  This allows each family the option of staying in our waiting room or returning to the car until their appointment time.  This will minimize people in our waiting and office areas. 3. Waiting Room.  We know our waiting room is super fun for your kiddos, but for the time being, we are removing the toys to help prevent the spread of germs. Please plan accordingly.   4. Private Rooms.  Each family will be placed in a private room during ALL appointments...the open bay area of our office will remain closed for now.   5. Sanitation.  All sanitation protocols always have been and will continue to be a top priority. Hand sanitizer will be placed throughout the office and in each room that you may be in.   6. Arrows.  Please make note of our NEW traffic flow indicators placed throughout the office to help keep social distancing within our office.   7.  Masks.  Unfortunately, all of our staff will be in masks throughout the day to keep everyone safe. Please remind your child that it is the same friendly faces underneath! Please do your part and wear masks when entering and exiting our facility.   8. Healthy.  If any staff member or person that they live with is sick, they will not be allowed to come to our office for a minimum of 14 days.  We ask that if you or someone in your family is sick, PLEASE call to reschedule your appointment a minimum of two weeks later.  9.  Limit the number of people.  We ask that you only bring children who are scheduled for an appointment and that only one parent come to the back clinic area for appointments.   Depending on when your next appointment is scheduled, some of these changes at CCDC may still be in place.  Like other businesses, we will be monitoring the COVID-19 response to determine when we may be able to lift some of these modifications to your child's appointment.  We've been so excited to get back to work and have missed seeing you all. We thank you for your patience.   Warmly,   Dr. Jones  Mon, 11 May 2020 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/21181/Re-Opening- http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/21071/COVID-19-UPDATE blog ________________________ COVID-19 UPDATE ________________________  Dear CCDC Family, We understand that you have been inundated with e-mails about COVID-19. This virus has been ever changing, as are the rules posted for our safety. Last week, we were given more information as it pertains to the latest order from Governor Polis who extended the "Stay at Home" order through April 26, 2020.   As a result, we anticipate CCDC remaining closed through the end of April. As always, urgent needs can be addressed by Dr Jones via phone. Please call our office for further details should your child need any urgent care.   If true dental emergencies arise, Dr Jones has been given strict guidelines in terms of in-person care that can be provided during this time.   We will continue to keep you updated with periodic emails in regards to extended closure ...or when we anticipate being able to re-open as more information presents itself to us.   Be safe and take care.   Warmly,   Dr. Jones   Mon, 13 Apr 2020 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/21071/COVID-19-UPDATE http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/20936/Temporarily-Closed---COVID-19 blog Temporarily Closed The COVID-19 situation is changing day by day and CCDC is doing what we feel is best for the safety and well-being of our patients and staff. Please know that we are grateful to have you as part of our dental family, and are keeping your health in mind while navigating through this tough time.  We have consulted with multiple dental offices nationwide and taken into account all the state and federal recommendations as well as those from the CDC, and we have decided to close the office for the next 2 weeks. We feel we need to do our part in helping end this pandemic. Pediatric dentists are on the front lines of oral health and will continue to be challenged to address significant oral infection that can't wait, and to care for patients with significant medical issues, making them at risk and fragile. While certainly some dental visits and treatments can be safely postponed, being a dental home for families means being available when urgent or emergency dental care is required. For those true dental emergencies, our voicemail will provide access to Dr. Jones' cell number. At this point, we will not be rescheduling appointments until we have determined an official re-open date. With that said, please hang tight while we figure out another time to get all of you rescheduled. Please understand that when we do call to reschedule, there will likely not be enough after school and before school appointments, so we ask for your understanding and request you to please try your best to work with our team on this. We will do everything in our power to add appointment times and days to accommodate the appointments we are forced to cancel. If you have a specific concern regarding your child's dental care, or an emergency during this time, please reach out to Dr. Jones and we will make sure you are taken care of. Just to clarify, an emergency would involve bleeding, swelling, and/or pain. If you need an emergency visit, please follow the guidelines below: We prefer to not have siblings at the office.  If you are over the age of 60, please do not come into the office.  Life has been disrupted by this public health scare on so many levels. Thank you for your understanding, and we are truly sorry for the inconvenience. In times like this, it is important for us all to work together for the best interest of the community. Again, we feel so lucky to have you all as part of our dental family, and thank you for trusting us with your kiddos! Stay healthy, Dr. Marc Jones and the CCDC Staff Tue, 17 Mar 2020 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/20936/Temporarily-Closed---COVID-19 http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/20924/Coronavirus-Update blog Coronavirus Update Dear Families, For now, CCDC will operate as scheduled unless otherwise communicated. We continue to closely monitor and adhere to recommendations from the Tri-County Health Dept and CDC regarding COVID-19. WHAT PRECAUTIONS ARE WE TAKING TO PROTECT YOU DURING VISITS TO OUR OFFICE?   Hand soap + sanitizer are always available in each room of our office (including waiting areas).   Toys in the waiting area will be limited and sanitized daily.   Magazines will be removed from the waiting area since we cannot wipe them down.   Tissues and no-touch disposal receptacles available for use.   Frequently touched surfaces, including door knobs, will be sanitized throughout the day. WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PROTECT CCDC?   If you, your child or a household contact have a fever, cough, or other flu-like symptoms, the CDC recommends you stay home until you are free of fever and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing or cough suppressant medication. Our office will then wait 2 weeks before rescheduling your appointment.   If you have traveled internationally OR to any city with sustained COVID-19 transmission within the past 3 weeks, then please call us to reschedule. We appreciate your cooperation during this tough time. As the situation evolves, we may implement additional preventative measures to ensure patient and staff well-being. Please check our Facebook page for updated information. Any changes will also be communicated to families via email. Thank you for your patience as we navigate this challenging situation one day at a time and determine how best to continue serving our families. Best, Dr. Marc Jones Fri, 13 Mar 2020 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/20924/Coronavirus-Update http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/20666/Perinatal-Care blog Perinatal Oral Health The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that all pregnant women receive oral healthcare and counseling during pregnancy. Research has shown evidence that periodontal disease can increase the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. Talk to your doctor or dentist about ways you can prevent periodontal disease during pregnancy. Additionally, mothers with poor oral health may be at a greater risk of passing the bacteria which causes cavities to their young children. Mother's should follow these simple steps to decrease the risk of spreading cavity-causing bacteria: Visit your dentist regularly. Brush and floss on a daily basis to reduce bacterial plaque. Proper diet, with the reduction of beverages and foods high in sugar & starch. Use a fluoridated toothpaste recommended by the ADA and rinse every night with an alocohol-free, over-the-counter mouth rinse with .05 % sodium fluoride in order to reduce plaque levels. Don't share utensils, cups or food which can cause the transmission of cavity-causing bacteria to your children. Use of xylitol chewing gum (4 pieces per day by the mother) can decrease a child's caries rate. Colorado Children's Dental Center Keeping Kids Teeth on the Healthy Track! Serving the Parker, Aurora, Highlands Ranch and Centennial Community!  Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/20666/Perinatal-Care http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/20668/What-to-Know-Before-Getting-Braces- blog Before Getting Braces! It's not just about the look of your smile. While orthodontics help with a cosmetic desire for straight teeth, braces can also help correct teeth, bite and jaw alignment issues and ultimately improve oral health. You'll need to get your dental work done first.  Before getting braces, you'll need to have a  teeth cleaning and have all other dental work completed. This may include having wisdom teeth removed so they don't interfere with the orthodontic treatment. You'll need to adjust your diet. Begin to limit or eliminate certain foods from your diet before you get braces that can become a big problem. This includes gummy and sticky foods like caramels, gummy bears, and gum; foods you have to yank to chew, like taffy or jerky; very hard foods, especially those you bite into like corn on the cob and apples (of course, you can still eat these, they just need to be cut and chewed rather than bitten into). Teeth brushing will be more important than ever. Braces make brushing a little more difficult but it's even more important once braces are in place to ensure the health of your teeth during treatment. Before getting braces, get a travel pack together for your on-the-go oral care. Carry a toothbrush and travel-sized paste with you, as well as a gum-safe toothpick. Items can easily get stuck between wires and brackets, and brushing will help resolve it easily and keep breath fresh. Athletes  You'll want a mouthguard. Patients who play sports will want to make sure they start using a mouthguard to protect the inside of their mouth from potential contact with their braces. Braces are a commitment. Most patients will need to see their orthodontist every 4-6 weeks to ensure treatment is progressing properly and to have adjustments made. It's a time commitment for both the patient and their parent. There might be some pain. At times, patients may experience mild pain, especially after initial placement and when wires are tightened. Patients can try chewing sugar free gum or sucking on ice to relieve discomfort. You'll also want to prepare with over the counter pain medication and plan on only eating soft foods, especially in the beginning when you are getting used to the new braces. You'll want to take a selfie. Of course you want to have before and after photos so make it fun and snap your selfie before getting braces to look back on when they come off and reveal a beautiful, straight new smile! Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/20668/What-to-Know-Before-Getting-Braces- http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/20667/Dental-Apps-for-Kids- blog 5 Dental Apps That Make Dentistry FUN! Brushing teeth is a real pain when you're five years old. When you're a parent trying to make sure your five-year-old is doing it well or often enough, it's an even bigger pain. Sometimes it takes an app with games, characters, music, and rewards to make it more fun for kids and parents alike. Here are five apps that make dental health fun and easy for kids: Disney Magic Timer by Oral-B Brushing is more exciting when you can do it with characters from your favorite movies. Scan any Crest or Oral-B Pro-Health Stages product to reveal characters like Olaf, Darth Vader, Belle, Cinderella, and many others. Collect a new digital sticker after each successful two minutes of brushing; track progress with stars and milestone badges on the Brushing Calendar. Encourages kids to brush for two minutes twice daily. Shows proper technique. Rewards for daily brushing. Price: free Ages: 4+ Available: iTunes store and Google Play Toothsavers Brushing Game Offered by Partnership for Healthy Mouths, Healthy Lives Good brushing habits can be an adventure. In this app, an evil sorceress has cast a wicked spell, leaving everyone's mouths to rot and be overrun by cavities. Kids have two minutes to brush and scrub away the spell for each of the kingdom's quirky inhabitants. For every few days your kids brush, they'll unlock a new Toothsaver to brush with. Brush for 30 days and they'll have the chance to defeat the evil sorceress herself! Encourages kids to brush for two minutes twice daily. Kids can practice brushing on fun characters. Rewards for daily brushing. Parents can designate daily brushing time and monitor progress. Price: free Ages: 4+ Available: iTunes store and Google Play Brush DJ This app makes brushing fun even for older children. Play two minutes of music from your devices, cloud, or streaming services. Kids can choose the color of the screen and timer to match their toothbrush, bathroom, or they can just pick their favorite color combinations. Price: free Ages: 4+ Available: iTunes store and Google Play  My Teeth All Inclusive Learn to brush teeth while imitating one of four different characters. Kids get to choose the character and parents get to choose the brushing sequence for the character to follow. Kids enjoy listening to music and watching the timer count down three minutes while they brush. Encourages kids to brush for three minutes twice daily. Shows proper technique. No need for in-app purchases. Price: $1.99 Ages: 4+ Available: iTunes My Bright Smile By Colgate-Palmolive Company The Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® program is now an educational app. Kids learn to brush twice and floss daily by playing five games, including “Visit the Dentist,Swipe the Sweets and Brush the Teeth. There's even a two-minute song that will help keep your kids brushing until every tooth is cleaned. Encourages kids to brush for two minutes twice daily. Teaches kids about healthy eating. Encourages proper technique. Price: free Ages: 4+ Available: iTunes and Google Play Help your kids practice the correct (and fun) way to brush and floss to maintain healthy teeth and gums.  Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/20667/Dental-Apps-for-Kids- http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/20327/Gummy-Vitamins blog The Truth About Gummy Vitamins!  There are good and bad associated with gummy vitamins. 1st comes the good news: Kids tend to take the vitamin more easily, making it an easier choice. Kids can chew easily, which helps prevent the potential of becoming a choking hazard. They provide added nutrition for those lacking in vitamins such as, the picky eater. 2nd comes the bad news: Risk of overdose, since children like the taste and they look like candy, children can take too much and overdose. Although they contain little sugar, bacteria feeds on any sugar consumed and will increase risk of cavities. They are also sticky which means they will stick to the tooth enamel and this will also increase the risk. Gummy vitamins are less effective than chewable vitamins and vitamins taken in pill form. What can you do to minimize the risks of chewable vitamins?  You can switch to other types of vitamins (some forms still contain sugar, but they are not adding the sticky component). Please still brush after any food, candy or vitamin to minimize risk to teeth. Please Brush after taking gummy vitamin to remove any sticky particles left behind. It may be a good idea to floss as well, gummy vitamins can become lodged between teeth which can increase plaque and bacteria causing tooth decay. If you have any questions on gummy vitamins or any other dental related topic, please ask your dental team. Colorado Children's Dental Center Keeping Kids Teeth on the Healthy Track! Serving the Parker, Aurora, Highlands Ranch and Centennial Community!    Tue, 05 Nov 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/20327/Gummy-Vitamins http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/20326/Storing-Your-Toothbrush-- blog How to Store Your Toothbrush!  Tooth brushing plays an important everyday role for personal oral hygiene and effective plaque removal. Appropriate toothbrush care and maintenance are also important considerations for sound oral hygiene. The ADA recommends that consumers replace toothbrushes approximately every 3-4 months or sooner if the bristles become frayed with use.  Storing Your Toothbrush Properly    Do not store your toothbrush in a closed container at home. It needs to air dry during the day. Store your toothbrush upright.  Store your toothbrush at least 2 feet (0.61 m) from the toilet. Clean your toothbrush holder once a week. Rinse toothbrush thoroughly before storing. Do not let toothbrushes come into contact with one another. Do not share toothbrushes. Replace toothbrush after illness to prevent cross contamination.   Replace toothbrushes at least every 3-4 months. The bristles become frayed and worn with daily use and the effectiveness will be reduced. Toothbrushes will wear out more rapidly depending on habits associated to each patient. Check brushes often for this type of wear and replace them more frequently if needed. Children's toothbrushes often need replacing more frequently than adult brushes. You can google toothbrush storage for some fun ways to store your toothbrush. Storage of your toothbrush can be fun and stylish. Colorado Children's Dental Center Keeping Kids Teeth on the Healthy Track! Serving the Parker, Aurora, Highlands Ranch and Centennial Community! Tue, 05 Nov 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/20326/Storing-Your-Toothbrush-- http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/20325/Keep-Your-Teeth-Straight-- blog How To Keep Those Chompers Straight! Wear your retainer faithfully. Your orthodontist will give you specific instructions on how to wear your retainer, the length of time, care instructions and more at the removal appointment. Teeth will tend to gravitate to original alignment, wearing your retainer will keep them in position. The top reasons people do not wear retainers are: They lose their retainer The retainer breaks The retainer gets old They haven't worn it in a while and can't get it into place anymore-this happens quickly (even a couple of nights without retainer) It wears out over time and doesn't hold their teeth in the right place If any of the above problems arise, please visit your orthodontist or dentist ASAP. A new retainer could be made to keep teeth from shifting any further. Who wants to go through another round of orthodontics?? If you think that a night or two without the retainer is not going to affect the teeth, think again. The retainer may not fit even after a couple of nights without wearing. If this happens, again please call your orthodontist and do not procrastinate. If any questions arise, please call your dentist!  Colorado Children's Dental Center Keeping Kids Teeth on the Healthy Track! Serving the Parker, Aurora, Highlands Ranch and Centennial community!  Tue, 05 Nov 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/20325/Keep-Your-Teeth-Straight-- http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/20041/Flossing- blog Flossing! If your child's teeth are touching (meaning no gaps in between their teeth), then yes, you should be flossing. Flossing helps remove food debris, eliminates cavity-causing plaque, and helps protect gums from gingivitis and gum disease. We recommend trying both the hand-held flossers with the little plastic handles and traditional floss to see what works best in your hands. 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!   Mon, 09 Sep 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/20041/Flossing- http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/20040/Baby-Teeth-Fall-Out--Why-Fix-Them- blog 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!   Mon, 09 Sep 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/20040/Baby-Teeth-Fall-Out--Why-Fix-Them- http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/19723/Nitrous-Oxide blog 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! Tue, 16 Jul 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/19723/Nitrous-Oxide http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/19724/All-About-General-Anesthesia blog 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!   Tue, 16 Jul 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/19724/All-About-General-Anesthesia http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/19717/Pulp-Therapy-Broken-Down blog What is Pulp Therapy?! The pulp of a tooth is the inner, central core of the tooth. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, connective tissue and reparative cells. The purpose of pulp therapy in Pediatric Dentistry is to maintain the vitality of the affected tooth (so the tooth is not lost). Dental caries (cavities) and traumatic injury are the main reasons for a tooth to require pulp therapy. Pulp therapy is often referred to as a "nerve treatment", "children's root canal", "pulpectomy" or "pulpotomy". The two common forms of pulp therapy in children's teeth are the pulpotomy and pulpectomy. A pulpotomy removes the diseased pulp tissue within the crown portion of the tooth. Next, an agent is placed to prevent bacterial growth and to calm the remaining nerve tissue. This is followed by a final restoration (usually a stainless steel crown). A pulpectomy is required when the entire pulp is involved (into the root canal(s) of the tooth). During this treatment, the diseased pulp tissue is completely removed from both the crown and root. The canals are cleansed, disinfected and, in the case of primary teeth, filled with a resorbable material. Then, a final restoration is placed. A permanent tooth would be filled with a non-resorbing material. Mon, 15 Jul 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/19717/Pulp-Therapy-Broken-Down http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/19718/Sippy-Tips blog 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 Mon, 15 Jul 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/19718/Sippy-Tips http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/19719/Beware-of-Sports-Drinks blog 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. Mon, 15 Jul 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/19719/Beware-of-Sports-Drinks http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/19386/Shark-Teeth- blog Two Rows of Teeth! If your child has a tooth growing in behind another tooth, don't panic! We like to call those, "Shark teeth!" It's a relatively common occurrence in children, and although it can look scary, it's easy to treat and there are not usually ongoing problems. Most children will start to lose their baby teeth and get permanent teeth between the ages of five and seven. When a permanent tooth erupts directly underneath a baby tooth, it resorbs the root of the baby tooth, causing it to become loose and fall out so that the permanent tooth can take its place. Sometimes, however, a permanent tooth will not grow in directly underneath the baby tooth, and the root of the baby tooth will remain intact and it will not get pushed out. When that occurs, the permanent tooth will usually start to come in right behind the baby tooth, giving a child a shark tooth appearance. The most common place for this to occur is the lower and upper front teeth, but it can happen anywhere.If your child has a tooth behind a tooth, you need to check how loose the baby tooth is. If it's very loose, encourage your child to work on wiggling the tooth out. If he or she can get it out on their own, that's always best. If the tooth is only a little bit loose or not loose at all, he or she may have to come to our office to get the tooth extracted.Once the baby tooth is out, your child's tongue will naturally push the permanent tooth forward into the correct position. Children who have moderate to severe crowding may not have room for the permanent tooth even after the baby tooth is out, and an orthodontic consultation would be appropriate. If you'd like to call our office to discuss your child's situation, we would be happy to help you decide what the best course of action is. 303-627-8300 Wed, 15 May 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/19386/Shark-Teeth- http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/19357/Lip-Biting-After-Treatment blog Lip Biting After Treatment Some dental procedures use anesthetic to reduce pain for your child. As the anesthetic wears off, typically over 2-3 hours, your child will notice a tingling sensation in the mouth, tongue and/or cheek areas. Monitor your child during this time to ensure that he or she does not bite, chew, or scratch at these numbed areas. Avoid feeding your child solid food until the numbness has subsided. Good choices include soft snacks such as Jell-o, frozen yogurt, milkshakes and/or smoothies. It is best to spoon these snacks instead of using a straw. Also, avoid acidic food and drinks including tomato based foods, sauces, and citric juices while there is an open wound. If your child bites his or her cheek, tongue or lip, there may be swelling which can worsen for up to five days. This is typically seen in a child under the age of 8. A soft scab may form that looks like a yellowish white plaque or a large traumatic ulcer. This is a normal part of the healing process and this lesion should heal during the next 10-14 days. Clean the area well, brush teeth as normal, and be gentle around the affected area. You may give your child children's acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Motrin®) for pain and apply Orabase over the swollen areas. Overall, try to watch your kiddos closely for the few hours following treatment to avoid any complications or lip/cheek biting, Mon, 13 May 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/19357/Lip-Biting-After-Treatment http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/19356/First-Visit-Checklist blog First Visit - Checklist   Have a little one at home?! Make sure establishing a Dental Home is on your list of to-dos, especially if your child has already had their first birthday. Because baby teeth are the blueprint for permanent teeth, caring for them is important. While tooth decay can impact children's ability to eat and sleep, it can also impact a child's ability to learn at school and speak clearly. Remember to schedule a visit with a pediatric dentist to ensure healthy little teeth and keep this checklist handy for an enjoyable first visit and as a refresher for check-ups. Schedule your first pediatric dental visit to establish a Dental Home, or home base, for your child's dental needs by your child's first birthday. Remember, it's never too late! If you have a toddler who hasn't seen a pediatric dentist before, consider a get acquainted visit so your child can get familiar with the dental office before the first appointment. Answer all your child's questions positively and be careful about using scary words. Check-ups and 90 percent of first visits do not have anything to do with hurt, so don't even say the word! Read your child a story about a character who had a good dental visit.  Give your child some control over the dental visit. Such choices as Will you hold your bear or should I? or Which color toothbrush do you like? will make the visit more enjoyable. Give center stage to the pediatric dentist and allow him and his team to do most of the talking to build a better relationship with your child. Remember, you will be able to discuss with the pediatric dentist after the examination. Mon, 13 May 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/19356/First-Visit-Checklist http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/19126/Are-Parents-Allowed-in-Treatment-Rooms- blog Are Parents Allowed In Treatment Rooms? We often get asked if parents are allowed to stay with their children during visits. YES! We always allow parents in the back to be with their children. Some children need a parent's gentle touch or comforting words to help them during treatment. We encourage parents and guardians to get involved by learning how proper home dental care and nutrition can help prevent tooth decay. We ask that parents follow these guidelines so that we can develop a caring and trusting relationship with your child: Please allow Dr. Jones and his team to be the only ones giving your child instructions and explanations of procedures. This helps us establish rapport and trust. You are completely welcome to offer words of praise and encouragement and help support what Dr. J is suggesting. Make sure cell phones are turned off or silent. Please help us by using the same "verbage" at home when discussing the dental office (i.e. "sugar bugs, Mr. Thirsty") One of our favorite things is seeing our patients run into the office and make themselves at home. Dr. Jones feels that by providing an environment that is cheerful, welcoming, fun and cozy that the kids will not only love coming to the dentist but feel like part of our family! Having toys, movies and iPads is certainly popular, but having a team full of genuine, compassionate, fun-loving professionals is the real secret. We strive to make every interaction with our office professional, helpful and kind. We love our patients and thank you for trusting us as your pediatric dental home! Mon, 08 Apr 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/19126/Are-Parents-Allowed-in-Treatment-Rooms- http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/19129/3-Surprising-Sugar-Sources- blog 3 Surprising Sugar Sources! Tooth decay is an ever present danger for your baby's developing teeth. It begins with disease-causing bacteria feasting on leftover sugar, producing high levels of oral acid that slowly dissolves the teeth's protective enamel. The softened enamel then becomes an open door for decay to infect the tooth. Meanwhile, those bacteria continue to eat and produce acid. So how can you stop this devastating cycle? Besides daily oral hygiene and regular dental visits, the most important thing you can do is deprive bacteria in your baby's mouth of sugar through limiting their consumption of it. This means you'll first need to identify the different sources of sugar available to your baby and some of them might surprise you. Here, then, are 3 not-so-obvious sugar sources your baby might be consuming. During feeding. If you're breast-feeding, you may not think this is causing a sugar problem for your baby. True, breast milk by itself doesn't promote decay: it's the combination of it with other sugar-rich foods and liquids the baby might be consuming as they get older. Together this could significantly increase their risk of pediatric tooth decay (also known as early childhood caries or ECC). So, be careful to limit sugar in other things they're eating or drinking in addition to nursing. 24/7 Baby bottles and pacifiers. To calm infants at nap or sleep time, parents or caregivers often use bottles filled with sweet liquids or pacifiers dipped in jam, syrup or sugar. This practice increases decay risk from both the added sugar and its constant availability to bacteria in the mouth around the clock. Instead, avoid this practice and limit any sugary foods or liquids to mealtimes. Medications. Some medications an infant may be taking for a chronic illness may contain small amounts of sugar. Additionally, medications like antihistamines can reduce the production of saliva that's needed to neutralize acid after meals. If your child is on medication, ask your healthcare provider about its dental effects and if there are any sugar-free alternatives. Be sure to keep up daily brushing and flossing and regular dental visits too. Limiting your baby's sugar intake is critical in preventing tooth decay. It's one of the most important things you can do to protect their dental health. https://www.justkidsdentalwi.com/blog.html   Mon, 08 Apr 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/19129/3-Surprising-Sugar-Sources- http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/19125/Space-Maintainers blog Why Does My Child Need a Space Maintainer? Your child's primary teeth (baby teeth) play an important role in their dental health. Not only do they save space for the permanent teeth but they also help guide them into position and encourage normal development of the jaw bones and muscles. A baby tooth usually stays in place until the permanent tooth underneath pushes it out and takes its place. If your child looses a baby tooth too early, the adjacent teeth are more likely to tilt or drift into the empty space and create limited space in the jaw for the permanent tooth to erupt. If left untreated, the permanent tooth can come in crowded or be blocked from erupting. A space maintainer works by keeping open the empty space left by the lost tooth. Usually made of metal, this temporary, custom-fitted appliance steadies the remaining teeth and prevents movement until the permanent tooth takes its natural position in the jaw. Space maintainers are more affordable and easier on your child to keep teeth in normal positions than to move them back into place with orthodontic treatment. Mon, 08 Apr 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/19125/Space-Maintainers http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/18777/Yellow-Teeth blog Yellow Teeth?! Have you noticed your child's permanent teeth appear more yellow than their primary teeth? This is actually normal! Permanent teeth are naturally more yellow than "baby" teeth. This can seem a little alarming especially when the permanent teeth first erupt next to a whiter primary tooth.The enamel on baby teeth is thinner than the enamel on permanent teeth and as a result, the baby teeth usually look a lot whiter than the permanent teeth. Don't worry, this will become less noticeable once more of their "adult" teeth start coming in!  Thu, 21 Feb 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/18777/Yellow-Teeth http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/18776/Cotton-Candy- blog Cotton Candy! Did you know that cotton candy was co-invented by a dentist? Machine-spun cotton candy was invented in 1897 by a dentist named William Morrison and confectioner John C. Wharton. They originally introduced it as, "Fairy Floss" before the name later changed to what we know today as cotton candy. While it's okay to enjoy this sweet treat, remember it's still "spun sugar" so moderation is key and remember to brush and floss after you indulge! Thu, 21 Feb 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/18776/Cotton-Candy- http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/18778/Does-Your-Toothbrush-Type-Really-Matter- blog What Type Of Toothbrush Is Recommended? There are so many different types of toothbrushes to choose from so how do you know which toothbrush is the right one for you? Soft-bristled toothbrushes are always best as medium or hard-bristled toothbrushes can damage your tooth enamel and gums. Stick to soft-bristled brushes for your kiddos teeth and save the hard-bristled brushes for deep scrubbing around the house!  Often times, we get questions on whether parents should invest in an electric toothbrush for their child. The answer is...IT'S UP TO YOU! Honestly, If you're considering brushing your child's teeth with an electric toothbrush, wait until your child is at least three years old. If they are older, sometimes the electric Spinbrushes are fun and can help motivate a child to continue brushing habits, but are not necessary to keep those chompers cavity free!  Happy Brushing! Thu, 21 Feb 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/18778/Does-Your-Toothbrush-Type-Really-Matter- http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/18644/Board-Certified-Pediatric-Dentist blog What is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist? A pediatric dentist that is board certified has gone through a rigorous examination process with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Only dentists that have completed a residency in pediatric dentistry can sit for the board certification examinations. Board certification tests the knowledge and problem-solving abilities of a pediatric dentist.   Not all pediatric dentists are certified by American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD). The ABPD certifies pediatric dentists based on standards of excellence that lead to high quality oral health care for infants, children, adolescents, and patients with special health care needs. Certification by the ABPD provides assurance to the public that a pediatric dentist has successfully completed accredited training in addition to a voluntary 2-part examination process designed to continually validate the knowledge, skills, and experience requisite to the delivery of quality patient care.   A pediatric dentist certified by ABPD is also known as a Diplomat of American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.   Dr. Jones is a Diplomat of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. For more information, visit www.abpd.org Tue, 05 Feb 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/18644/Board-Certified-Pediatric-Dentist http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/18645/Why-Kids-Bite- blog Stop Children From Biting!   Kids bite for a number of reasons -- and most of them aren't intentionally malicious. They're in pain. When babies bite, typically it's because they're teething. They're just doing it to relieve the pain of their swollen, tender gums. They're exploring their world. Very young children use their mouths to explore, just as they use their hands. Just about everything infants or toddlers pick up eventually winds up in their mouths. Kids this age aren't yet able to prevent themselves from biting the object of their interest. They're looking for a reaction. Part of exploration is curiosity. They'll bite down on a friend or sibling to hear the surprised exclamation, not realizing how painful the experience is for that person. They're craving attention. In older kids, biting is just one of several bad behaviors used to get attention. When a child feels ignored, discipline is at least one way of getting noticed -- even if the attention is negative rather than positive. They're frustrated. Biting, like hitting, is a way for some children to assert themselves when they're still too young to express feelings effectively through words. To your child, biting is a way to get back a favorite toy, tell you that he or she is unhappy, or let another child know that he or she wants to be left alone. https://www.webmd.com/parenting/stop-children-from-biting#1 Tue, 05 Feb 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/18645/Why-Kids-Bite- http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/17837/New-Years-Brushing-Chart blog Happy 2019! A new year means NEW habits! Join CCDC in keeping your kids teeth on the healthy track, and make brushing and flossing fun! Attached is a fun brushing chart for the little ones at home. This chart may help keep them excited to brush! Try offering a small reward if they are able to complete their chart for the week! Thu, 03 Jan 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/17837/New-Years-Brushing-Chart http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/17838/Tooth-Fairy-Fun- blog Did your child lose a tooth?!  This is the perfect, fun little note to add under their pillow tonight! Below are a few fun traditions to start with your kids once they start losing those chompers! 1. Make your own tooth fairy pillow! 2. Try leaving a $2 bill or a gold coin! 3. Try leaving a fun dental themed book instead of money! 4. Leave glitter footprints nearby! 5. Try catching the tooth fairy on camera! (icaughtthetoothfairy.com)  Thu, 03 Jan 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/17838/Tooth-Fairy-Fun- http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/17839/Little-Teeth-Truths blog  Worried that your child has not popped their first tooth?! Well don't be! Kids teeth are just like kids themselves.lots of variety! While there is a general timeframe that we anticipate the baby teeth coming in, there is much variability in the process. Typically, infants will get their lower front teeth (incisors) between six-10 months of age with the upper incisors a few months behind. However, that doesn't mean they won't get teeth earlier or later. Most children will get their first tooth by the time they are 1-year-old, but you shouldn't panic if your child hasn't sprouted a tooth by then. When your child visits their pediatric dentist at age one, they will evaluate your child individually to make sure there are not any other factors at play. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends establishing your child's Dental Home by their first birthday to help ensure a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime! Reza Ardalan, DMD http://mouthmonsters.mychildrensteeth.org/little-teeth-truths-when-will-my-childs-teeth-come-in-should-i-be-concerned-if-my-child-has-no-teeth-when-they-are-1-year-old/ Thu, 03 Jan 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/17839/Little-Teeth-Truths http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/17409/Healthy-Habits-for-the-Holidays blog Healthy Habits for the Holidays!  The holiday break is a great time to help your kids establish and maintain healthy dental habits. This includes good brushing, flossing and eating habits that are essential for healthy teeth. Parents and caregivers can learn more in this holiday themed tip sheet. http://mouthmonsters.mychildrensteeth.org/healthy-habits-at-the-holidays/ Colorado Children's Dental Center Keeping Kids Teeth on the Healthy Track! Serving the Parker, Aurora, Highlands Ranch and Centennial Community!  Mon, 12 Nov 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/17409/Healthy-Habits-for-the-Holidays http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/17411/Stocking-Stuffers-for-a-Healthy-Holiday blog Stocking Stuffers! CCDC wants to keep your kids off the, Naughty list by helping come up with fun, dental-friendly stocking stuffers! Consider these items when filling those stockings this year! 1. New toothbrush maybe find one with your child's favorite character on it or invest in their FIRST electric toothbrush! 2. Toothpaste -  find a fun, holiday flavor like cinnamon or cookie dough! 3. Flossers- make flossing fun with animal shaped or bright colored flossers! 4. Water Bottle  water consumption is the key to oral and overall health! Help wash away all those sugary treats during the holidays and grab a fun patterned water bottle or even a smart water bottle for those a little older! 5. Xylitol Gum  think Trident! Help keep sugar bugs away with a yummy flavored, xylitol containing gum! 6. Chapstick  always a necessity for DRY Colorado!   7. Sports Mouthguard  maybe find a cool color or design that your little athlete would love!   8. Dental App Coupon  these can be fun to help remind kids to brush and floss, tips and tricks and even help time them when brushing!   9. First Visit Coupon  provide the gift of a healthy smile! Contact us for a FREE exam and CLEANING in the month of January (for new patients only while appointments last). Just mention this blog and we will be sure to make your child's FIRST visit the BEST gift of the year! www.ccdcsmiles.com Mon, 12 Nov 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/17411/Stocking-Stuffers-for-a-Healthy-Holiday http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/16892/Kids-and-Grinding blog Kids and Grinding!   A peaceful, sleeping child is the best kind, right?! Sure, but...truth is, often times kids grind their teeth and you are left hearing that awful, "nails on the chalkboard" sound where your skin begins to crawl! ha! Well, Bruxism (the fancy term for grinding of teeth or jaw clenching) is actually quite common and sometimes educating yourself on potential causes, can help with eliminating and treating it! Experts aren't always sure why bruxism happens. In some cases, kids may grind because the top and bottom teeth aren't aligned properly. Others do it as a response to pain, such as from an earache or teething. Kids might grind their teeth as a way to ease the pain, just as they might rub a sore muscle. Many kids outgrow these fairly common causes for grinding. Stress usually nervous tension or anger  is another cause. For instance, a child might worry about a test at school or a change in routine (a new sibling or a new teacher). Even arguing with parents and siblings can cause enough stress to prompt teeth grinding or jaw clenching. Some kids who are hyperactive also have bruxism. And sometimes kids with other medical conditions (such as cerebral palsy) or who take certain medicines can develop bruxism. What can Bruxism Cause? Sometimes teeth grinding can go unnoticed and the child may not have any side effects. Other times, bruxism can leave a child with severe sensitivity, lack of enamel on the teeth, a chipped tooth, and even can lead to TMJ problems and severe earaches. Treating Bruxism Most kids outgrow bruxism, but a combination of parental observation and dental visits can help keep the problem in check until they do. In cases where the grinding and clenching make a child's face and jaw sore or damage the teeth, dentists may prescribe a special night guard. Molded to a child's teeth, the night guard is similar to the protective mouthpieces worn by athletes. Though a mouthpiece can take some getting used to, positive results happen quickly. Helping Kids With Bruxism Whether the cause is physical or psychological, kids might be able to control bruxism by relaxing before bedtime  for example, by taking a warm bath or shower, listening to a few minutes of soothing music, or reading a book. For bruxism that's caused by stress, ask about what's upsetting your child and find a way to help. For example, a kid who is worried about being away from home for a first camping trip might need reassurance that mom or dad will be nearby if needed. If the issue is more complicated, such as moving to a new town, discuss your child's concerns and try to ease any fears. If you're concerned, talk to your doctor. In rare cases, basic stress relievers aren't enough to stop bruxism. If your child has trouble sleeping or is acting differently than usual, your dentist or doctor may suggest further evaluation. This can help find the cause of the stress and a proper course of treatment.   Tue, 02 Oct 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/16892/Kids-and-Grinding http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/16522/Why-Choose-a-Pediatric-Dentist- blog   Why Choose a Pediatric Dentist?! Dr. Jones is a pediatric dentist, specializing in the treatment and prevention of dental disease as well as the overall oral health of children. Through additional years of schooling, training, experience, and certification, a pediatric dentist is uniquely qualified to treat the needs of infants, children and teens. A pediatric patient not only has a different dentition that adults, but he/she may have specific dental and behavioral needs that are unique to a child patient. In addition to treating existing dental problems, our office focuses on prevention through patient and parent education. We like to feel that you and your child do not come to our office to have their cavities fixed but rather to prevent them and enjoy a cavity-free future. Wed, 29 Aug 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/16522/Why-Choose-a-Pediatric-Dentist- http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/16523/What-Does-a-First-Visit-Look-Like-- blog Your First Trip to CCDC When you arrive for your first dental visit, you and your child will be greeted warmly.  If you have dental insurance, please bring that information with you so that our staff may assist in filing an electronic claim for you. We have some new patient forms on our website that you may fill out and bring with you to this appointment, or you may fill these forms out here at our office once you arrive. Your child's first visit will begin with a friendly, caring introduction to our dental home; where lifelong relationships begin.  During the visit we will discuss topics such as homecare instruction, nutrition counseling, growth & development evaluation, orthodontic evaluation as well as a comprehensive examination to identify any potential dental concerns. You are always welcome to accompany your child at all times during your visits to our office. The American Academy of Pediatrics and The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry both recommend that a child's first dental visit be scheduled by his/her 1st birthday. This first visit establishes a positive relationship between the dentist, the child and the parent that will last through adolescence. Let your child know we encourage them to discuss any fear or anxiety that they are experiencing. You may also let your child know that the doctor and staff will explain everything in detail and answer any questions he/she might have. Tue, 21 Aug 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/16523/What-Does-a-First-Visit-Look-Like-- http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/16536/Wisdom-on-Wisdom-Teeth blog The "ins" and "outs" of Wisdom Teeth A few people are born without wisdom teeth (those BIG teeth in the way back). Others have enough room in their mouths for the teeth. But many of us, get our wisdom teeth taken out as young adults. Many of us are first alerted to the problem when our wisdom teeth can't come in all the way. If that happens, part of the tooth may be covered by a flap of gum. Bits of food and bacteria can get trapped under the flap. This can cause swelling and a low-grade infection called pericoronitis. This usually happens with lower wisdom teeth. Pericoronitis, and the pain it causes, are the most common reasons people need wisdom teeth taken out. There are other reasons to have your wisdom teeth removed. In many people, the wisdom teeth are blocked from coming in, usually by bone or other teeth. Sometimes the teeth are tilted under the gum. Dentists call these "impacted" teeth. They may cause pain, but not always. You may feel nothing at all for years. You may not even be aware that you have wisdom teeth until your dentist sees them on an X-ray. Regular dental visits are important during your teens and early 20s. If you visit your dentist regularly, he or she can use X-rays to follow the progress of your wisdom teeth. Any problems will be seen early. Dr. Jones will evaluate if your child needs to be seen by an oral surgeon and will help determine if the wisdom teeth are there and need to be removed. Even if your wisdom teeth aren't causing any pain or other problems, they may cause problems at some point. The most common problems are decay, infection and crowding or damage to other teeth. Teeth next to the wisdom teeth are more prone to developing gum problems. But more serious complications can occur. Some people develop fluid-filled growths called cysts. These can cause permanent damage to bone, teeth and nerves. In rare cases, other tumors may develop as well. Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. But if there's a chance your wisdom teeth will cause problems, it's easier to take them out when you're young. That's because the roots of the teeth are not fully developed yet, and the bone around the teeth is less dense. Younger people also heal faster than older ones. As you age, it will take longer to recover from the surgery. www.ccdcsmiles.com www.colgate.com Tue, 21 Aug 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/16536/Wisdom-on-Wisdom-Teeth http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/16541/Kids-and-Coffee blog Kids and Coffee! Coffee is often found in the hands of children these days. Although Frappuccinos can be caffeine free, they are NOT sugar free! Would you be willing to just give your child 19 packets of sugar?! Probably not. Sugar is notoriously destructive to teeth and is often a leading cause of tooth decay, so think #healthy and think twice before letting your kiddos enjoy those yummy drinks on a regular basis! Colorado Children's Dental Center Keeping Kids Teeth on the Healthy Track! Serving the Parker, Aurora, Highlands Ranch and Centennial Community!    Tue, 21 Aug 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/16541/Kids-and-Coffee http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/16540/Chewing-Gum blog Can Chewing Gum Fight Cavities?! YES!!!   The chewing of sugarless gum increases the flow of saliva, which washes away food and other debris, neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth and provides disease-fighting substances throughout the mouth. Increased saliva flow also carries with it more calcium and phosphate to help strengthen tooth enamel. Therefore, gum containing the ingredient Xylitol (like Trident) can help keep teeth clean and fight cavities! Xylitol is the ingredient that helps increase saliva production, which in turn helps wash away sugar bugs.  Don't let chewing sugarless gum replace brushing and flossing. It's not a substitute. The ADA still recommends brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning plaque from between your teeth once a day with dental floss or other interdental cleaners. Look for chewing gum that carries the ADA Seal. The ADA Seal is your assurance that the sugar-free chewing gum has met the ADA criteria for safety and effectiveness. You can trust that claims made on packaging and labeling for ADA-accepted products are true, because companies must verify all of the information to the ADA. Products with the ADA Seal say what they do and do what they say. Tue, 21 Aug 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/16540/Chewing-Gum http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/16293/Dental-Emergencies blog Dental Emergency Information Please see below for advice regarding various common dental emergencies. In order to ensure 24-hour care for your child, Dr. Jones shares calls with several pediatric dentists in the south metro Denver area. If you have an AFTER HOURS dental emergency involving pain, swelling, or bleeding  please call our office to determine how to reach the on call dentist. Emergency fees may not be covered by your dental insurance since the on call dentist may not be contracted with them. Toothache Begin by cleaning around the sore tooth meticulously. Use warm salt water to rinse the mouth and floss to displace any potential food trapped between teeth. For temporary pain relief, ibuprofen is recommended. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you use aspirin on the aching tooth or on the gums. In the event of facial swelling, apply a cold compress to the area and contact our office ASAP to get in and have it looked at. Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek Ice can be applied to any bruised areas. For bleeding, apply firm (but gentle) pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. If the bleeding does not stop with pressure or continues after 15 minutes, contact our office or go to an emergency room. Broken Tooth (permanent or baby) Rinse the area with warm water. Recover any broken tooth fragments, if possible. For temporary pain relief, ibuprofen is recommended. Call our office to get in and have it looked at. Knocked Out Baby Tooth Recover the tooth and place under the pillow. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry does not recommend replanting a knocked out baby tooth due to risk of damaging the underlying permanent tooth bud. Call out office to get in and have the area looked out it is likely that the adjacent baby teeth that are still in the mouth sustained some trauma, too. Bleeding After a Baby Tooth Falls Out Fold a piece of gauze and place it (tightly) over the bleeding area. Bite down on the gauze for 15 minutes; if bleeding continues, call our office. Knocked Out Permanent Tooth Recover the tooth, making sure to hold it by the crown (top) and not the root end. Rinse with saline if you have that handy, but do not clean or handle the tooth more than necessary. Reinsert the tooth in the socket and hold it in place using a clean piece of gauze or cloth. If the tooth cannot be reinserted, carry it in a cup containing milk or saliva (ie: spit). Because time is essential in the long-term prognosis of this tooth, call our office and see Dr. Jones immediately! Cold or Canker Sores Over-the-counter medications will usually provide temporary relief. If sores persist longer than 10 days, call our office to schedule a visit so that we can rule out any other potential problem. Colorado Children's Dental Center Keeping Kids Teeth on the Healthy Track! Serving the Parker, Aurora, Highlands Ranch and Centennial Community! Tue, 31 Jul 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/16293/Dental-Emergencies http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/16295/Thumb-Sucking-Habits blog Thumb Habits Sucking on a thumb or finger is normal for infants and young children and most children stop on their own. However, if a child doesn't stop on their own, we do advise parents to discourage the habit ideally after age 3. Prolonged thumb sucking can lead to crooked teeth and bite problems affecting both baby teeth and permanent teeth that are developing, causing upper front teeth to tip outward and upper jaw to narrow in the back. Be sure to use a positive approach and focus on praising your child when they are not thumb sucking. Initially, you could try limiting the time and location thumb sucking occurs, for example only at home or only while the child is in their bedroom to help them ease out of the habit.  Pacifiers are no substitute for thumb sucking. They can affect the teeth essentially the same way as sucking fingers and thumbs. However, use of the pacifier can be controlled and modified more easily than the thumb or finger habit. If you have concerns about thumb sucking or use of a pacifier, consult your pediatric dentist. A few suggestions to help your child get through thumb sucking: -Instead of scolding children for thumb sucking, praise them when they are not. -Children often suck their thumbs when feeling insecure. Focus on correcting the cause of anxiety, instead of the thumb sucking. -Children who are sucking for comfort will feel less of a need when their parents provide comfort. -Reward children when they refrain from sucking during difficult periods, such as when being separated from their parents. -Your pediatric dentist can encourage children to stop sucking and explain what could happen if they continue. If these approaches don't work, remind the children of their habit by bandaging the thumb or putting a sock on the hand at night. Your pediatric dentist may recommend the use of a mouth appliance. Reference: http://mouthmonsters.mychildrensteeth.org/little-teeth-truths-is-thumbsucking-hurting-my-childs-teeth/ Tue, 31 Jul 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/16295/Thumb-Sucking-Habits http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/16297/Dental-Statistics blog Click on the link below (or copy and paste) to read some VERY interesting stats on pediatric dentistry! http://mouthmonsters.mychildrensteeth.org/stats-on-little-teeth/ Tue, 31 Jul 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/16297/Dental-Statistics http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/16296/Orthodontic-Treatment blog Orthodontic Treatment   Developing malocclusions, or bad bites, can be recognized as early as 2-3 years of age. Often, early steps can be taken to reduce the need for major orthodontic treatment at a later age. Stage I Early Treatment: This period of treatment encompasses ages 2 to 6 years. At this young age, we are concerned with underdeveloped dental arches, the premature loss of primary teeth, and harmful habits such as finger or thumb sucking. Treatment initiated in this stage of development is often very successful and many times, though not always, can eliminate the need for future orthodontic/orthopedic treatment. Stage II Mixed Dentition: This period covers the ages of 6 to 12 years, with the eruption of the permanent incisor (front) teeth and 6 year molars. Treatment concerns deal with jaw malrelationships and dental realignment problems. This is an excellent stage to start treatment, when indicated, as your child's hard and soft tissues are usually very responsive to orthodontic or orthopedic forces. Stage III Adolescent Dentition: This stage deals with the permanent teeth and the development of the final bite relationship. ***If you have orthodontic concerns about your child, please call our office and schedule an appointment with the doctor. Tue, 31 Jul 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/16296/Orthodontic-Treatment http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/16110/Pediatric-X-rays blog Pediatric X-Rays Radiographs (X-rays) are a vital and necessary part of your child's dental diagnostic process. Without them, certain dental conditions can and will be missed.   Radiographs detect much more than cavities. For example, radiographs may be needed to survey erupting teeth, diagnose bone diseases, evaluate the results of an injury or plan orthodontic treatment. Radiographs allow dentists to diagnose and treat health conditions that cannot be detected during a clinical examination. If dental problems are found and treated early, dental care is more comfortable for your child and more affordable for you.   The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends radiographs and examinations every six months for children with a high risk of tooth decay. On average, most pediatric dentists request radiographs approximately once a year. Approximately every 3 years it is a good idea to obtain a complete set of radiographs, either a panoramic and bitewings or periapicals and bitewings. Pediatric dentists are particularly careful to minimize the exposure of their patients to radiation. With contemporary safeguards, the amount of radiation received in a dental X-ray examination is extremely small. The risk is negligible. In fact, the dental radiographs represent a far smaller risk than an undetected and untreated dental problem. Lead body aprons and shields will protect your child. Today's equipment filters out unnecessary X-rays and restricts the X-ray beam to the area of interest.   Wed, 11 Jul 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/16110/Pediatric-X-rays http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/16111/Start-The-New-School-Year-Off-With-New-Habits- blog Start The New School Year With New Habits!   What is a Sealant?   A sealant is a clear or shaded plastic material that is applied to the chewing surfaces (grooves) of the back teeth (premolars and molars), where four out of five cavities in children are found. This sealant acts as a barrier to food, plaque and acid, thus protecting the decay-prone areas of the teeth.   What is Fluoride?   Fluoride-containing compounds are used in topical and systemic fluoride therapy for preventing tooth decay. Fluoride treatment works to prevent cavities by (i) stopping the demineralization, or breakdown, of your child's teeth, (ii) promoting the remineralization, or strengthening, of those very same teeth, and (iii) providing antibacterial effects by disrupting the enzymes used by bacteria found in plaque. We recommend the use of fluoride-containing toothpastes for your child upon eruption of the first tooth.  If your child cannot spit, then we recommend using only a minimal smear of toothpaste.  For pre-school aged children who have developed the ability to spit productively, a small, pea-sized amount of toothpaste containing fluoride is adequate. We recommend parents to supervise and assist small children with their brushing.    What's the BEST toothpaste/toothbrush for my child?   We recommend the use of fluoride-containing toothpastes for your child upon eruption of the first tooth.  If your child cannot spit, then we recommend using only a minimal smear of toothpaste.  For pre-school aged children who have developed the ability to spit productively, a small, pea-sized amount of toothpaste containing fluoride is adequate.  We recommend parents to supervise and assist small children with their brushing.   Either a soft bristle tooth brush or an electric tooth brush with a soft bristle head is recommended. Electric tooth brushes can remove plaque with less effort on your child's part than a regular brush. A soft bristle brush is preferable for use by children. However, both are effective with your supervision.   Wed, 11 Jul 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/16111/Start-The-New-School-Year-Off-With-New-Habits- http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/16112/Bottle-Rot blog Baby Bottle Tooth Decay (Early Childhood Caries) One serious form of decay among young children is baby bottle tooth decay. This condition is caused by frequent and long exposures of an infant's teeth to liquids that contain sugar. Among these liquids are milk (including breast milk), formula, fruit juice and other sweetened drinks. Putting a baby to bed for a nap or at night with a bottle other than water can cause serious and rapid tooth decay. Sweet liquid pools around the child's teeth giving plaque bacteria an opportunity to produce acids that attack tooth enamel. If you must give the baby a bottle as a comforter at bedtime, it should contain only water. If your child won't fall asleep without the bottle and its usual beverage, gradually dilute the bottle's contents with water over a period of two to three weeks. After each feeding, wipe the baby's gums and teeth with a damp washcloth or gauze pad to remove plaque. The easiest way to do this is to sit down, place the child's head in your lap or lay the child on a dressing table or the floor. Whatever position you use, be sure you can see into the child's mouth easily. Wed, 11 Jul 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/16112/Bottle-Rot http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/14281/Toddlers-and-Brushing- blog Toddlers and Brushing! Getting a toddler to brush can be quite tricky...here are some fun tips and tricks to help keep their teeth on the healthy track!  One of those necessary life skills every child needs to learn is brushing his or her teeth. Helping your child get in the habit of brushing twice a day for two minutes is no small feat, but a little creativity can go a long way when it comes to his or her long-term dental health. Have 4 Minutes of Fun Don't just set a timer and supervise make brushing twice a day for two minutes an event! Crank up your child's favorite song and have a two-minute dance party. Videos or brushing apps may also make that time fly by. (Older children might enjoy the videos on 2min2x.com, and younger brushers might like these.) Try reading a 2-minute story using all your best voices. Whatever you do, get creative and switch things up so brushing time is always a good time. Start a Routine and Stick to It You may be tempted to let your child skip brushing after a long day or during times when your normal schedule is off (like vacation), but keep at it. The more second nature brushing becomes the easier it will be to make sure your child is brushing twice a day for two minutes. Reward Good Brushing Behavior What motivates your child? If its stickers, make a reward chart and let him add one every time he brushes. If he's a reader, let him pick out the bedtime story. Maybe it's as simple as asking to see that healthy smile, saying eIm so proud of you and following up with a huge high five.   Characters Count Who is the character your child can't get enough of? Many children's shows and books, including Sesame Street, have stories about brushing. Watch and read them together, so when it's time to brush you can use that character as a good example. Make Up a Story Haven't found a story or character to inspire your child? Make up your own. Your child just might be the only superhero who can brush away the bad guys that cause cavities. Go Shopping Let your child pick out his own toothbrush and toothpaste. (We recommend ones with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.) Choosing a character toothbrush might make brushing more fun, and fluoride toothpastes come in a variety of flavors and colors. Sing A Fun Song  Your children learn from you, so set a good example. What's your childs favorite song?! Maybe try making up a fun brushing jingle or play it on your phone or ipad while they brush. Get them to brush the entire length of the song!   Reference: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/babies-and-kids/fun-ways-to-encourage-kids-to-brush Tue, 27 Feb 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/14281/Toddlers-and-Brushing- http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/14121/Baby-Teeth blog Teething 101!   Signs of teething Short of actually seeing a tooth poking through, and given that the process is different for every baby, some possible symptoms to watch for: The need to gnaw The pressure of an emerging tooth beneath the gums may be relieved by counterpressure, so teething babies often want to chomp on things. The chewing instinct may also be a response to the odd sensation that something's going on in there. Puffy gums Before a new tooth erupts, it can cause a red, swollen and bruised-looking area on a baby's gums. Sometimes the gum bulges with the emerging tooth, which you can see faintly beneath the skin (if you can convince your baby to open his mouth for long enough). Excessive drooling Increased spittle can herald a new tooth but it's also a normal developmental stage of infancy, so don't assume that drooling means teething. There's no way to tell whether your baby's saliva is the result of teething or not, though it may be if you also see... Fussiness, especially at night Tooth eruption when the tooth moves through the bone and gum tends to come in stages, with more activity at night than during the day, so your baby may be more irritable then. Ear pulling While it can also be a sign of an ear infection, tugging can be a symptom of teething: The pain from the jaw gets transferred to the ear canal. A change in eating habits Babies who are eating solids may want to nurse or bottle-feed more because a spoon irritates their inflamed gums. Others may do the opposite, eating more than usual because the counterpressure feels good. And babies who are still on the bottle or breast may begin feeding eagerly but pull back because the activity of sucking puts uncomfortable pressure on the gums and ear canals. Ways to soothe the pain You may need to try a few methods to see what works best for your child: A wet, frozen washcloth (leave one end dry so she can get a good grip) The thick fabric feels good, and the icy cold numbs sore gums. A teething toy that's been chilled in the refrigerator also works, but frozen toys may be too harsh on an infant's sensitive gums. Massage If the tooth is still deep in the gum and hasn't formed a painful bruise, counterpressure or friction where it's about to erupt can work wonders. Try rubbing the area with your clean finger (bare or wrapped in a washcloth). Pain Reliever Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are good bets for temporary pain relief, as are topical oral anesthetics, as long as you don't exceed the recommended dosage. Distraction Teething pain is like headache pain it causes chronic, low-grade discomfort. You can often soothe your child simply by getting her mind off the pain. Give her more one-on-one time or offer her a new toy. And don't underestimate the healing power of touch: A little extra cuddling on the sofa may be all that's needed to take a child's mind off her mouth. Reference: http://www.parenting.com/article/guide-teething-symptoms Mon, 05 Feb 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/14121/Baby-Teeth http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/14122/Sealants blog Frequently Asked Questions About Sealants When you visit your child's dental office for a regular checkup, a common treatment that they may recommend for your children are sealants. There can be many questions associated with sealants, so we hope that we can answer some of the most common questions here. What are sealants? A sealant is a thin plastic coating that is applied to the grooves on the chewing surface of teeth. The chewing surface is the most common area of teeth to get decay, and by placing the sealant onto the teeth, it helps protect them from decay. The sealants protect the grooves of the teeth by keeping food particles from sitting there. Although it does not guarantee that your child will not get a cavity, it dramatically reduces the risk of decay. Which teeth will get the sealant? Permanent molars benefit the most from sealants because they are the most susceptible to decay on the chewing surface. The first set of molars usually comes in around age six and the second set comes in around age 12. Ideally, the sealants should be applied when the molars first erupt so that there is not time for decay to occur. Will I be able to see the sealant? Sealants can only be seen when you are looking at your children's teeth up close. They are tooth colored material, so they are difficult to see even when you’re looking for them, and they definitely can't be seen when the child is talking or smiling. How are sealants applied? Applying sealants is quick and easy, and will be completed by one of our assistants. No numbing is needed, but we do recommend using laughing gas while the sealants are being applied to help relax your child and lower their gag reflex. No tooth structure is removed when applying the sealant, so there is no drilling. After the tooth is cleaned, a special gel called etch is applied to the chewing surface of the tooth. This prepares the tooth so that the sealant will be able to stick to it in the most effective way. After the gel has been on the tooth for a few seconds, it is washed off with water and then the tooth is dried with air. Then, the sealant is painted into the grooves on the tooth. A blue light is then used to change the sealant from being soft and malleable, into a hard, tooth like material. It only takes a few minutes to do each sealant, however the tooth must be dry. To achieve this, an assistant may place cotton roles under the tongue and cotton on the cheek, or a plastic device that keeps the patient's tongue, cheek and lips away from the tooth. How long does a sealant last? Sealants last between five and ten years. It is possible for a sealant to come off, but we will check them at each of your child's regular dental checkups. Sealants can be reapplied if they do come off. Do sealants replace the need to use fluoride to prevent cavities? No, fluoride, like that found in toothpaste and community water supplies, acts in a different way than sealants to protect teeth from cavities. Fluoride acts both systemically to strengthen teeth before they have erupted, and topically where it is incorporated into the surface of the teeth to make them more decay resistant. Sealants prevent decay by keeping food and germs out of the grooves of the teeth. Although fluoride and sealants work together to reduce cavities, one is not a replacement for the other. Sealants are just one part of your child's entire preventative dental program. Remember that it is important to include twice ­daily brushing, once ­daily flossing, fluoride and smart food choices in order to keep your children cavity free!  Sources: http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/publications/factsheets/sealants_faq.htm Mon, 05 Feb 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/14122/Sealants http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/14120/Dental-Health-Month blog Early Dental Care   It's February and we all know what that means...DENTAL HEALTH MONTH!!! Below are some of the frequently discussed topics and what Dr. J's view on them is!   A Child's First Dental Visit Dr. Jones recommends scheduling your child's first dental visit around his/her first birthday. The most important part of the visit is getting to know and becoming comfortable with a doctor and his staff. A pleasant, comfortable first visit builds trust and helps put the child at ease during future dental visits. Children should be encouraged to discuss any fears or anxiety they feel. Infant's New Teeth The primary, or baby, teeth play a crucial role in dental development. Without them, a child cannot chew food properly and has difficulty speaking clearly. Primary teeth are vital to development of the jaws and for guiding the permanent (secondary) teeth into place when they replace the primary teeth around age 6. Teething Normally the first tooth erupts between ages 6 to 12 months. While your baby is teething, it is important to monitor your child's teeth for signs of baby bottle decay. Examine the teeth, especially on the inside or the tongue side, every two weeks for dull spots (whiter than the tooth surface) or lines. A bottle containing anything other than water that is left in an infant's mouth while sleeping can cause decay. This happens because sugar in the liquid mixes with bacteria in dental plaque, forming acids that attack the tooth enamel. Each time a child drinks liquids containing sugar, acids attack the teeth for about 20 minutes. During sleep, the saliva flow significantly decreases and liquids pool around the child's teeth for long periods, covering the teeth in acids. Our office is dedicated to fighting baby bottle tooth decay. Let us know if you notice any signs of decay or anything unusual in your child's mouth.   Good Diet and Healthy Teeth   The teeth, bones and soft tissue of the mouth require a healthy, well-balanced diet. A variety of foods from the five food groups helps minimize (and avoid) cavities and other dental problems. Most snacks that children eat cause cavities, so children should only receive healthy foods like vegetables, low-fat yogurt and cheeses, which promote strong teeth. Colorado Children's Dental Center Keeping Kids Teeth on the Healthy Track! Serving the Parker, Aurora, Highlands Ranch and Centennial Community!  Mon, 05 Feb 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/14120/Dental-Health-Month http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/14123/Reminder- blog A friendly reminder from your dental home... Mon, 05 Feb 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/14123/Reminder- http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/12336/Back-to-School- blog Back To School!   School may have started this week (yipee), but it's easy to rush out the door not realizing your kiddos have forgotten to brush their teeth, and are munching on a yummy muffin or donut as they head to class! YIKES! CCDC wants to help make your life easier by reminding you of some healthier options, that will keep teeth strong and cavity free! This Tooth Snack Guide shows the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to picking the right snacks for your teeth! We know it's not realistic to always say, "NO" to all the yummy treats, but we hope you will choose Gatorade, cookies and fruit snacks in moderation! Go on...have a fantastic school year and remember, brush twice a day to keep the sugar bugs away! Tue, 15 Aug 2017 06:00:00 GMT http://ccdcsmiles.com/blog/12336/Back-to-School-