It is recommended that all children should see the dentist by age one.
Pediatric Dentistry FAQs
Your child’s first dental visit is to help your child feel comfortable with the dentist, Dr. James. The first visit often lasts 30 to 45 minutes. Depending on your child’s age, the visit may include a full exam of the teeth, jaws, bite, gums, and oral tissues to check growth and development. If needed, your child may also have a gentle cleaning. This includes polishing teeth and removing any plaque, tartar, and stains. The dentist may show you and your child correct home cleaning, such as flossing, and advise you on the need for fluoride. Fluoride is a parent’s choice. The dentist may recommend X-rays to diagnose decay, depending on your child’s age and needs. X-rays are also used to see if the root of a jammed baby tooth may be affecting an adult tooth.
Here are a few tips for preparing your child for their first visit:
- You should inform your child they have a dental visit and tell them that the dentist and team will explain all procedures and answer any questions
- Reading books about the dentist or “playing dentist” beforehand can be beneficial
- It is best to refrain from using terms that can cause unnecessary fear (examples: needle, pull, drill, hurt). Pediatric dentist offices make a practice of using words that convey the same message, but are pleasant and non-frightening to a child.
- Keep a relaxed and positive attitude – often a child’s behavior is related to their parent’s own fears and anxiety.
We make it a top priority to create a comfortable environment for you and your child. Our friendly staff will happily explain all procedures and answer any questions before, during, and after your visit. We will always take the time to learn about what makes your child comfortable, share preventative tips to care for their teeth and answer all the questions you may have.
Parents are invited to stay with their child through their appointment.
Providing dental care to patients who have special healthcare needs is an important aspect of the specialty of pediatric dentistry. We value the unique qualities of each young smile we treat, and seek to ensure maximal health for all, regardless of developmental disability or other healthcare issues.
Our office offers nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and general anesthesia options for patients who need them.
Yes, we accept medicaid and most insurances. Please call to check if Dino Dental accepts your insurance at 719-260-1600.
A frenectomy is a safe, quick, and common pediatric surgical procedure that releases a “tongue-tie” (lingual frenum) or “lip-tie” (labial frenum)—overly tight or thick tissue restricting movement. It is needed when these ties cause breastfeeding difficulties, speech impediments, or, in older children, teeth gaps and oral hygiene issues.
Maintaining the health of primary teeth is critical. Neglected cavities can and frequently do lead to problems which affect developing permanent teeth. Primary teeth, or baby teeth are important for (1) proper chewing and eating, (2) providing space for the permanent teeth and guiding them into the correct position, and (3) permitting normal development of the jaw bones and muscles. Primary teeth also affect the development of speech and are important for a healthy smile. While the front 4 teeth last until 6-7 years of age, the back teeth (cuspids and molars) aren’t replaced until age 10-13.
- Children’s teeth begin forming before birth. As early as 4 months, the first primary (or baby) teeth to erupt through the gums are the lower central incisors, followed closely by the upper central incisors. Although all 20 primary teeth usually appear by age 3, the pace and order of their eruption varies.
- Permanent teeth begin appearing around age 6, starting with the first molars and lower central incisors. At the age of 8, you can generally expect the bottom 4 primary teeth (lower central and lateral incisors) and the top 4 primary teeth (upper central and lateral incisors) to be gone and permanent teeth to have taken their place. There is about a one to two-year break from ages 8-10 and then the rest of the permanent teeth will start to come in. This process continues until approximately age 21.Adults have 28 permanent teeth, or up to 32 including the third molars (or wisdom teeth).
- Toothache: Clean the area of the affected tooth. Rinse the mouth thoroughly with warm water or use dental floss to dislodge any food that may be impacted. If the pain persists, contact your child’s dentist. Do not place aspirin or heat on the gum or on the aching tooth. If the face is swollen, apply cold compresses and contact your dentist immediately.
- Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek: Apply ice to injured areas to help control swelling. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a gauze or cloth. If bleeding cannot be controlled by simple pressure, call a doctor or visit the hospital emergency room.
- Knocked Out Permanent Tooth: If possible, find the tooth. Handle it by the crown, not by the root. You may rinse the tooth with water only. DO NOT clean with soap, scrub or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Inspect the tooth for fractures. If it is sound, try to reinsert it in the socket. Have the patient hold the tooth in place by biting on a gauze or clean cloth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing the patient’s saliva or milk, NOT water. If the patient is old enough, the tooth may also be carried in the patient’s mouth (beside the cheek). The patient must see a dentist IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.
- Knocked Out Baby Tooth: Contact your pediatric dentist. Unlike with a permanent tooth, the baby tooth should not be replanted due to possible damage to the developing permanent tooth. In most cases, no treatment is necessary.
- Chipped/Fractured Permanent Tooth: Time is a critical factor, contact your pediatric dentist immediately so as to reduce the chance for infection or the need for extensive dental treatment in the future. Rinse the mouth with water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. If you can find the broken tooth piece, bring it with you to the dentist.
- Chipped/Fractured Baby Tooth: Contact your pediatric dentist.
- Severe Blow to the Head: Call 911 immediately or take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room.
- Possible Broken or Fractured Jaw: Keep the jaw from moving and take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room.
Read more about how to prevent dental emergencies during recreational activities and sports with mouth guards.
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. High-speed film and proper shielding assure that your child receives a minimal amount of radiation exposure.
Tooth brushing is one of the most important tasks for good oral health. Many toothpastes, and/or tooth polishes, however, can damage young smiles. They contain harsh abrasives, which can wear away young tooth enamel. When looking for a toothpaste for your child, make sure to pick one that is recommended by the American Dental Association as shown on the box and tube. These toothpastes have undergone testing to insure they are safe to use.
Use only a smear of toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice) to brush the teeth of a child less than 3 years of age. For children 3 to 6 years old, use a “pea-size” amount of toothpaste and perform or assist your child’s toothbrushing. Remember that young children do not have the ability to brush their teeth effectively on their own. Children should spit out and not swallow excess toothpaste after brushing.
Parents are often concerned about the nocturnal grinding of teeth (bruxism). Often, the first indication is the noise created by the child grinding on their teeth during sleep. Or, the parent may notice wear (teeth getting shorter) to the dentition. One theory as to the cause involves a psychological component. Stress due to a new environment, divorce, changes at school; etc. can influence a child to grind their teeth. Another theory relates to pressure in the inner ear at night. If there are pressure changes (like in an airplane during take-off and landing, when people are chewing gum, etc. to equalize pressure) the child will grind by moving his jaw to relieve this pressure.
The majority of cases of pediatric bruxism do not require any treatment. If excessive wear of the teeth (attrition) is present, then a mouth guard (night guard) may be indicated. The negatives to a mouth guard are the possibility of choking if the appliance becomes dislodged during sleep and it may interfere with growth of the jaws. The positive is obvious by preventing wear to the primary dentition.
The good news is most children outgrow bruxism. The grinding decreases between the ages 6-9 and children tend to stop grinding between ages 9-12. If you suspect bruxism, discuss this with your pediatrician or pediatric dentist.
Sucking is a natural reflex and infants and young children may use thumbs, fingers, pacifiers and other objects on which to suck to make them feel happy, provide security or help them fall asleep.
Thumb sucking that persists once permanent teeth have erupted can cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and tooth alignment. How intensely a child sucks on fingers or thumbs will determine the likelihood and severity of dental problems.
Children should cease thumb sucking by the time their permanent front teeth are ready to erupt. Usually, children stop between the ages of two and four. Peer pressure causes many school-aged children to stop.
Pacifiers can affect the teeth essentially the same way finger- or thumb-sucking, however, pacifier use can be controlled or modified more easily. 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:
- Children often suck their thumbs when feeling insecure. Focus on correcting the cause of anxiety, instead of the thumb sucking, and provide comfort to minimize anxiety.
- 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.
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.
This is a very common occurrence with children, usually the result of a lower, primary (baby) tooth not falling out when the permanent tooth is coming in. In most cases if the child starts wiggling the baby tooth, it will usually fall out on its own within two months. If it doesn’t, then contact your pediatric dentist, where they can easily remove the tooth to create space for the permanent tooth.
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.
Early Infant Oral Care FAQs
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:
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 alcohol-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.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Dental Association (ADA), and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) all recommend establishing a “Dental Home” for your child by one year of age. Children who have a dental home are more likely to receive appropriate preventive and routine oral health care.
You can make the first visit to the dentist enjoyable and positive. If old enough, your child should be informed of the visit and told that the dentist and their staff will explain all procedures and answer any questions. Avoid using language with negative connotations such as such as needle, pull, drill or hurt. The Dino Dental staff use kid-friendly words and activities to create a positive experience for your child.
Teething, the process of baby (primary) teeth coming through the gums into the mouth, is variable among individual babies. Some babies get their teeth early and some get them late. In general, the first baby teeth to appear are usually the lower front (anterior) teeth and they usually begin erupting between the age of 6-8 months. See “Eruption of Your Child’s Teeth” for more details.
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay 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.
Prevention FAQs
Brushing Tips:
- Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft cloth and water.
As soon as your child’s teeth erupt, brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush. - If they are under the age of 2, use a small “smear” of toothpaste.
- If they’re 2-5 years old, use a “pea-size” amount of toothpaste.
- Be sure and use an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste and make sure your child does not swallow it.
- When brushing, the parent should brush the child’s teeth until they are old enough to do a good job on their own.
Flossing Tips:
- Flossing removes plaque between teeth and under the gumline where a toothbrush can’t reach.
- Flossing should begin when any two teeth touch.
- Be sure and floss your child’s teeth daily until he or she can do it alone.
Healthy eating habits create healthy teeth. Like the rest of the body, the teeth, bones and the soft tissues of the mouth need a well-balanced diet. Children should eat a variety of foods from the five major food groups, with a minimum of sugary, starchy snacks that can lead to tooth decay. How long food remains in the mouth also plays a role. For example, hard candy and breath mints stay in the mouth a long time, which cause longer acid attacks on tooth enamel. If your child must snack, choose nutritious foods such as vegetables, low-fat yogurt, and low-fat cheese, which are healthier and better for children’s teeth.
Good oral hygiene removes bacteria and left-over food particles that combine to create cavities. For infants, use a wet gauze or clean washcloth to wipe the plaque from teeth and gums. Avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle filled with anything other than water. See “Baby Bottle Tooth Decay” for more information.
For older children, brush their teeth at least twice a day. Also, minimize the number of sugary snacks in your child’s diet.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends visits to the pediatric dentist every six months, beginning at your child’s first birthday. Routine visits will start your child on a lifetime of good dental health.
Your pediatric dentist may also recommend protective sealants or home fluoride treatments for your child. Sealants can be applied to your child’s molars to prevent decay on hard to clean surfaces.
A sealant is a protective coating 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.
Fluoride is a naturally occurring element, which has shown to prevent tooth decay by as much as 50-70%, Despite the advantages, too little or too much fluoride can be detrimental to the teeth. With little or no fluoride, the teeth aren’t strengthened to help them resist cavities. Excessive fluoride ingestion by young children can lead to dental fluorosis, which is typically a chalky white discoloration (brown in advanced cases) of the permanent teeth. Be sure to follow your pediatric dentist’s instructions on suggested fluoride use and possible supplements, if needed.
You can help by using a fluoride toothpaste and only a smear of toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice) to brush the teeth of a child less than 2 years of age. For children 2 to 5 years old, use a “pea-size” amount of toothpaste and perform or assist your child’s toothbrushing. Remember that young children do not have the ability to brush their teeth effectively on their own. Children should spit out and not swallow excess toothpaste after brushing, in order to avoid fluorosis.
When a child begins to participate in recreational activities and organized sports, injuries can occur. A properly fitted mouth guard, or mouth protector, is an important piece of athletic gear that can help protect your child’s smile, and should be used during any activity that could result in a blow to the face or mouth.
Mouth guards help prevent broken teeth, and injuries to the lips, tongue, face or jaw. A properly fitted mouth guard will stay in place while your child is wearing it, making it easy for them to talk and breathe.
Ask your pediatric dentist about custom and store-bought mouth protectors.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recognizes the benefits of xylitol on the oral health of infants, children, adolescents, and persons with special health care needs.
The use of XYLITOL GUM by mothers (2-3 times per day) starting 3 months after delivery and until the child was 2 years old, has proven to reduce cavities up to 70% by the time the child was 5 years old.
Studies using xylitol as either a sugar substitute or a small dietary addition have demonstrated a dramatic reduction in new tooth decay, along with some reversal of existing dental caries. Xylitol provides additional protection that enhances all existing prevention methods. This xylitol effect is long-lasting and possibly permanent. Low decay rates persist even years after the trials have been completed.
Xylitol is widely distributed throughout nature in small amounts. Some of the best sources are fruits, berries, mushrooms, lettuce, hardwoods, and corn cobs. One cup of raspberries contains less than one gram of xylitol.
Studies suggest xylitol intake that consistently produces positive results ranged from 4-20 grams per day, divided into 3-7 consumption periods. Higher results did not result in greater reduction and may lead to diminishing results. Similarly, consumption frequency of less than 3 times per day showed no effect.
To find gum or other products containing xylitol, try visiting your local health food store or search the Internet to find products containing 100% xylitol.
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, children should avoid sports drinks and hydrate with water before, during and after sports. Be sure to talk to your pediatric 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
- seek out dentally friendly sports drinks
Adolescent Dentistry FAQs
You might not be surprised anymore to see people with pierced tongues, lips or cheeks, but you might be surprised to know just how dangerous these piercings can be.
There are many risks involved with oral piercings, including chipped or cracked teeth, blood clots, blood poisoning, heart infections, brain abscess, nerve disorders (trigeminal neuralgia), receding gums or scar tissue. Your mouth contains millions of bacteria, and infection is a common complication of oral piercing. Your tongue could swell large enough to close off your airway!
Common symptoms after piercing include pain, swelling, infection, an increased flow of saliva and injuries to gum tissue. Difficult-to-control bleeding or nerve damage can result if a blood vessel or nerve bundle is in the path of the needle.
So follow the advice of the American Dental Association and give your mouth a break – skip the mouth jewelry.
Tobacco in any form can jeopardize your child’s health and cause incurable damage. Teach your child about the dangers of tobacco.
Smokeless tobacco, also called spit, chew or snuff, is often used by teens who believe that it is a safe alternative to smoking cigarettes. This is an unfortunate misconception. Studies show that spit tobacco may be more addictive than smoking cigarettes and may be more difficult to quit. Teens who use it may be interested to know that one can of snuff per day delivers as much nicotine as 60 cigarettes. In as little as three to four months, smokeless tobacco use can cause periodontal disease and produce pre-cancerous lesions called leukoplakias.
If your child is a tobacco user you should watch for the following that could be early signs of oral cancer:
- A sore that won’t heal.
- White or red leathery patches on the lips, and on or under the tongue.
- Pain, tenderness or numbness anywhere in the mouth or lips.
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue; or a change in the way the teeth fit together.
Because the early signs of oral cancer usually are not painful, people often ignore them. If it’s not caught in the early stages, oral cancer can require extensive, sometimes disfiguring, surgery. Even worse, it can kill.
Help your child avoid tobacco in any form. By doing so, they will avoid bringing cancer-causing chemicals in direct contact with their tongue, gums and cheek.
Orthodontic FAQs
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children first visit an orthodontist around the age of seven.
Dr. Lauren will help you decide between aligners or braces as there are several factors to consider. We want to help you make an informed decision. Factors include treatment duration, treatment complexity, lifestyle factors, appearance and maintenance.
For patients who have braces we typically change their wire and colors every 6-8 weeks. For patients who have aligners we typically see every 10 weeks. For kids that we are monitoring when they are ready for orthodontic treatment we typically see them every 6 months.
This would be a big decision that the patient would be involved in. We would have a consult with Dr. Lauren and the office manager and make sure you are informed and empowered during this big choice.
Dr. Lauren will be checking to see if your progress matches with your treatment estimated time at every appointment. Don’t forget that any broken bracket or missed appointment can affect the efficiency of treatment.
Orthodontics (also referred to as dentofacial orthopedics) is a specialized form of dentistry focusing on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial abnormalities.
If you’re ready to improve the look and feel of your smile, patients can visit Dino Dental at any age. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children first visit an orthodontist around the age of seven; however, orthodontic treatment is not exclusive to children and teens, with about one in every five orthodontic patients being over the age of 21. Whether you’re considering treatment for yourself or for a child, any time is a good time to visit the orthodontist.
Research demonstrates that serious orthodontic problems can be more easily corrected when the patient’s skeleton is still growing and flexible. By preparing the mouth for the eventual eruption of the permanent teeth in younger patients, Dr. Lauren and her team can help ensure there is plenty of space for permanent teeth to come in beautiful and straight and minimize the potential for future orthodontic work. If necessary, complete braces can be placed for final alignment and detailing of the bite when the patient is age 12-14 and once all permanent teeth have come in.
Delivering orthodontic treatment in two steps can provide excellent results, often allowing Dr. Lauren to avoid removal of permanent teeth and jaw surgery. Whatever the recommended treatment, Dr. Lauren and the Dino Dental team provide personalized care to best suit the needs of every patient.
There are many reasons a patient may require orthodontic care. Some are hereditary: extra teeth, large teeth, missing teeth, wide spacing and small jaws can all contribute to a crowded mouth. Other reasons for crooked teeth may be caused by thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, premature loss of baby teeth or a poor breathing airway. No matter the reason for the need for orthodontic care, Dr. Lauren and the Dino Dental team provide personalized care and support to you and your family.
Dr. Lauren and the Dino Dental staff make every effort to ensure patients have a comfortable experience. Sometimes, however, you may feel a small amount of discomfort for a couple days as your teeth, gums, cheeks, and mouth get used to your new braces. This usually lasts about 24 to 72 hours and tends to lessen as treatment progresses. We recommend pain medicines such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to help relieve the pain. Know you can always call our team if pain persists or worsens.
The amount of time you’ll need braces will vary from patient to patient, because every smile responds differently to treatment. Treatment times can take anywhere between six and 30 months, but most standard treatments take about 22 months.
- ALWAYS remember to brush your teeth after every meal and floss at least once a day.
- Make sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride and ask your orthodontist or family dentist if you need a fluoride rinse. This will help prevent cavities!
- If you take out your retainer to eat, make sure you brush your teeth, floss, and remember to keep it safe in its container so that it does not get lost or broken.
- Keep your retainer clean, too, by brushing it gently with a toothbrush and toothpaste. You may also soak it in denture cleaner as instructed by your orthodontist. Do not put your retainer in boiling water or in the dishwasher.
- During your treatment, try to avoid foods with a lot of sugar (sugar increases the amount of bacteria that grows in your mouth, causing more plaque and possibly cavities).
- Avoid sticky and chewy foods (caramel, chewing gum, gummy bears), hard foods (hard candy, nuts, ice cubes), or any foods that could possibly get stuck in your braces (corn on the cob, soft bagels, ribs, taffy, etc.).
- Be sure to schedule your routine checkups with your family dentist. It is recommended that you continue to visit the dentist every six months.
With braces, you should brush your teeth at least three times a day to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy and clean. Brushing regularly will help remove any food that may be caught between the braces. You should also floss daily to get in between your braces where your brush isn’t able to reach. Your orthodontist can show you how to properly brush and floss once your braces are placed.
Yes! In fact, it’s even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush can’t reach. This causes bacteria to build up that can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Your dentist will work closely with Dr. Lauren to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while wearing braces.
Playing an instrument or a contact sport may require some adjustment when you first get your braces, but wearing braces will not stop you from participating in any of your school activities. If you play a contact sport, it is recommended that you wear a mouthguard to protect your braces or appliance.
Call Dino Dental at 719.260.1600. The Dino Dental team will quickly get you scheduled for your next convenient appointment. To expedite your first-time appointment, please let us know if you are a new patient or have been referred to our practice.
Breastfeeding FAQs
In order to get milk from the breast, the baby must move his tongue in a wave motion to draw the nipple and areola into his/her mouth and then press them against the roof of his/her mouth. If the tongue is tied, the baby is unable to make the wave motion, he/she may instead compress the breast tissue instead which can cause nipple pain or damage. It is always good to be evaluated by a healthcare provider if you think your baby may have a tongue tie.
A physical condition that limits the use of the tongue is called a tongue-tie. This restriction often causes a range of issues and affects around 20% of the population. A lip-tie, on the other hand, is a condition where the upper lip is restricted and cannot move normally. It can cause difficulty with nursing, make it harder to brush the top teeth and can also lead to a gap in the teeth. The tongue and lip are made up of a very complex group of muscles and are important for all oral functions. For this reason, having a tongue- or lip-tie can lead to nursing, feeding, dental, speech, sleep, or breathing problems. Problems can even persist into adulthood with sleep issues, headaches, neck pain, shoulder pain, and speech problems.
A lip-tie affects a baby’s ability to latch onto the breast and achieve a good seal because the movement of the upper lip is restricted. The baby’s upper lip is unable to flange and so only the nipple goes into the mouth, Therefore, a lip-tie can also cause pain or nipple damage during breastfeeding.
We use an innovative laser technique right here in our office, different than a snip or clip with scissors. We will remove the full restriction gently and with absolute precision, giving each child the best chance of symptom improvement.
Release
Using a state-of-the-art dental laser, we easily release ties in a few minute procedure, usually with minimal to no bleeding.
Recover
Babies are able to go to mom immediately following the procedure and nurse if needed. Kids typically recover similarly to a routine dental procedure.
Follow up
We’ll provide you with exercises to do at home to help get the best results. Then, we’ll follow-up one week after the procedure.
Results
It’s important to understand that, when your child has a tongue- or lip-tie released, improvement isn’t always instantaneous. It’s typically just the first step in treatment.
Just like any other muscle in the body, the tongue is used to functioning in a certain way. When it’s restricted by a tongue-tie, the body adapts and other muscles have to help compensate. When a tongue-tie is released, your child will have no muscle memory of how to use the tongue effectively without the restriction, so your child’s brain will need some time to learn the new skill.
While many mothers notice an immediate improvement in their infants’ ability to nurse, it is also completely normal for this to take time, as well. There may even be a little regression in sucking for a day or two as your child learns how to use an unrestricted tongue.
The rate of breastfeeding has increased dramatically and doctors used to prefer to watch and wait or recommend bottle feeding rather than this simple procedure.
Traditional treatments for baby tongue-tie consists of “clipping and/or cutting” which then results in bleeding and a lot of undue stress on the child and parents. We do a CO2 Laser Frenectomy, which uses cool water during the procedure, there is little bleeding, very little pain, and very little risk of infection and the healing is instantaneous for infants.
For frenectomy procedures, Dino Dental will still see your child regardless of whether or not your child is active on the policy. Once the child is enrolled, for most insurances it can take up to a few weeks to a month sometimes for the child to show active coverage. We recommend when enrolling your child you make a request to make sure the insurance company back dates the policy to the birthdate of the child that is being seen for the frenectomy procedure. We will wait to submit the dental claim to your insurance policy until your child is active on the policy. We understand insurance enrollment can be complex and that is why we recommend being seen as soon as you know your child has a lip/tongue tie and we will accommodate and work to help you with any insurance concerns you may have.
Billing and Insurance Transparency FAQs
Insurance is verified prior to appointment. The estimated patient responsibility is told to patient prior to appointment. Payment is due at the appointment.
Estimates are calculated prior to the claim being processed.The final responsibility is after the claim has been processed and certain factors can cause a difference.
A credit card is left on file to be run monthly with balance divided over a set amount of months.
We will determine why it was denied and do all we can do to have it covered.
Dino Dental FAQs
Dino Dental is a pediatric dentistry and orthodontic office in Colorado Springs focused on providing high quality dental care for children in a fun and welcoming environment. The office is known for its dinosaur themed atmosphere that helps kids feel comfortable while receiving professional dental care. Dr. James and Dr. Lauren are a husband-and-wife team who have been the practitioners at Dino Dental for 10 years.
Dino Dental is led by Dr. James Busch and Dr. Lauren Busch, a husband-and-wife team
dedicated to pediatric dental care and orthodontics. Dr. Lauren and Dr. James are Board-certified in their respective specialties. Their focus is helping children build healthy smiles while creating a positive dental experience. Dr. Lauren also treats adults for orthodontic needs. Parents like knowing the same dentists see their children consistently and that is offered at Dino Dental.
Dino Dental is in Colorado Springs at 8890 N Union Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80920 and serves families throughout El Paso County including Monument, Falcon, Fountain and surrounding communities.
Dino Dental combines high quality pediatric dental care with a fun and welcoming environment designed for children. The dinosaur themed office helps kids feel relaxed and excited about their dental visits while parents appreciate the experienced team and consistent care. Children see the same doctor each visit which also eases anxiety. The child will always see Dr. James for pediatric dental care which makes it unique to Colorado Springs.
Many families say their children enjoy visiting Dino Dental because of the fun dinosaur themed office, friendly team and the opportunity to pick a special toy after their appointment.
Yes. Dino Dental offers both pediatric dental care and orthodontic services so children can receive comprehensive dental care in one office as they grow. Parents can also be seen at Dino Dental for orthodontic services so they can make appointments easier while with their children.
The pediatric dentist, Dr. James treats children that are infants to college-age The orthodontist, Dr. Lauren treats children and adults. . Pediatric dentists receive specialized training to help develop teeth and growing smiles. It is best to start the first dental exam at age 1. It is best to have your first orthodontic exam at age 7.
The Dino Dental team focuses on creating a positive and comfortable environment for children. The dinosaur themed office and friendly team help reduce anxiety and make dental visits easier for kids.
Parents can schedule appointments by calling or texting the office at 719-260-1600 or requesting an appointment through the Dino Dental’s website at www.dinodent.com. The team works with families to find convenient appointment times.
Dino Dental works with many dental insurance providers and helps families understand their benefits and coverage options. Dino Dental even takes Medicaid.
Many parents recommend Dino Dental because of the welcoming environment, friendly team and the way the office helps children feel comfortable during dental visits.