Castle Rock Smiles

It’s a big deal when your child loses their first baby tooth! Although they may initially feel a bit nervous or scared, turning that anxiety into optimism can be extremely helpful. Thankfully, there are fun traditions that help celebrate this oral health milestone. While they may look a bit different depending on their location, the tooth loss traditions like the tooth fairy are a mainstay in many countries and cultures. Here are a few iterations from around the world that your child may find fascinating, too!

Did you know that, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, over 23% of kids between 2 and 5 years and over 50% of those who are 6 to 8 years old have cavities? This incredibly common concern occurs when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that erode their enamel and cause harm.

Fortunately, your pediatric dentist can provide dental sealants to prevent tooth decay from developing. If you’re unsure about what’s involved in this treatment, continue reading to learn about 3 frequently asked questions and their responses!

No matter how old your child is, getting them to brush, floss, and take care of their smile can be challenging. Whether it’s trying to make an active toddler sit still long enough to clean their teeth or pull your school-aged child away from their tablet so they can complete their nightly routine before bed, it’s a struggle most parents face. How can you make this process easier or even enjoyable for your kids? Discover 4 things you can do to help your children adopt good oral hygiene habits while also having fun.

Most children get their first baby teeth right around their first birthday, but did you know that the teething process can start as early as four months? Their primary teeth take time to grow, and it may not be the most pleasant experience. Your little one may be more irritable than usual or have swollen gums. You may even be doing your best not to let them put everything in their mouth!

Pacifiers have been a solution to this as they help your child self-soothe, but you should be aware that they can affect their dental health if you aren’t careful. Continue reading to learn more about some concerns about binkies.

Does your dental insurance plan cover your child’s oral health? Are you using it to ensure the health and longevity of your little one’s teeth and gums? If not, it’s time to start! Not only will using these benefits safeguard their smile throughout the year, but you’ll also enjoy greater savings each time they visit the dentist. Read on to learn how you can maximize your plan so that your child can smile comfortably and confidently day after day.

If your child just got a dental crown or is scheduled to get one soon, you might be wondering what to expect next. Dental crowns are a common solution for protecting and restoring damaged or decayed teeth. While the procedure itself is simple and safe, it’s normal for kids to need a little time to adjust afterward.

Here’s a quick guide to help you support your child during the healing process and make sure their new crown stays strong and comfortable.

Dental crowns aren’t just for adults – they’re often used in pediatric dentistry to restore and protect baby teeth that are severely decayed or damaged. If your child has been recommended for a crown, you might be wondering what its lifespan is and whether it’s necessary for a tooth that will eventually fall out. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect from children’s dental crowns and how long they typically last.

When your child starts complaining of a toothache, you might think that the only way to solve the problem is by extracting the damaged tooth. In some cases, that is the best option. But did you know that kids can undergo a treatment that is very similar to a root canal? Pulp therapy can save damaged baby teeth and allow them to stay in the mouth until they are ready to fall out naturally. What is pulp therapy, and why is it often a better option than an extraction? This blog post explains.

There is a common misconception among parents that baby teeth do not require regular treatment or maintenance, as they will simply fall out over time. While it’s true they do not last forever, it does not mean they should be neglected. Childhood cavities remain one of, if not, the most frequently treated oral health problems among pediatric dentists, which is why dental fillings are important, even for primary teeth. Read on to discover how these early chompers set the stage for the foundation of your child’s smile.

Has your child mentioned any issues with the appearance of their smile? Are they struggling with mild imperfections such as stains or chips in their teeth? If you wish to help enhance their smile, you might consider cosmetic dentistry to get the job done. Keep reading to learn how safe this kind of treatment is for your child and what you can expect from different kinds of options.