Frequently Asked Questions
What age should I take my child to the dentist?
Are pacifier and thumb or finger-sucking habits harmful?
Are baby teeth really that important? They're just going to fall out anyway.
How can I prevent cavities in my child's teeth?
What is the best brushing routine?
What are the eating and drinking dos and don'ts?
Do I need to be giving my child a fluoride supplement?
What can I do to make teething more comfortable?
How often should my child see the dentist?
What age should I take my child to the dentist?
We follow the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry guidelines to bring your child for their first dental visit by their 1st birthday. Even if your child does not have teeth yet, we are here to answer questions and help assist you with your home routine.
back to top
Are pacifier and thumb or finger-sucking habits harmful?
Pacifier use and thumb sucking is normal for infants. However, dependence can occur if not stopped at an early age. Pacifier or finger habits should be stopped by age 2. If prolonged, these habits can lead to problems with your child's bite and/or tooth alignment.
back to top
Are baby teeth really that important? They're just going to fall out anyway.
Primary teeth, also known as baby teeth, aid with speech development, eating, self-image, and they serve as a placeholder and guide for the permanent teeth. If not taken care of, baby teeth can develop severe decay which may lead to infections, or even affect the development of permanent teeth.
back to top
How can I prevent cavities in my child's teeth?
Tooth decay develops when plaque is not properly removed from tooth and gum surfaces, and children have decay promoting eating habits. Be sure to brush and floss daily following the recommended routine for your child. If your child is nursing or bottle-feeding, DO NOT allow him/her to fall asleep while doing so. Breast milk and formula contain sugars that promote tooth decay.
Dental check-ups every six months will allow the dentist to regularly monitor your child's oral health. These visits combined with proper home care and a healthy diet will minimize your child's risk for cavities.
back to top
What is the best brushing routine?
back to top
What are the eating and drinking dos and don'ts?
We recommend a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, proteins, carbohydrates, and dairy products following the guidelines of your pediatrician. Limit sweets (high in sugar), sodas (carbonation), and sports drinks (high in acid) to special occasions (less than once a week).
back to top
Do I need to be giving my child a fluoride supplement?
Castle Rock city water is fluoridated following FDA guidelines. You do not need to give your child a fluoride supplement if you are using city water.
back to top
What can I do to make teething more comfortable?
If your child is drooling excessively, irritable, restless, and has loss of appetite, he or she may be teething. Have your child chew on a cold or frozen rubber teething ring. Children's Tylenol will also help alleviate their discomfort.
back to top
How often should my child see the dentist?
We follow the AAPD guidelines to have your child visit the dentist every six months starting around his or her first birthday. We try our best to keep visits as comfortable as possible, explaining each step as we go using kid-friendly terminology. We love surprises, but NOT at the dentist!
Six-month check-ups may include a cleaning, exam with Dr. Layne, fluoride treatment, oral-hygiene instruction, and necessary x-rays.
back to top
