Pediatric Dentist in Highlands Ranch

It’s common for kids to complain about tooth sensitivity, especially when eating cold foods like ice cream or sipping on a cold drink. But as a parent, it’s hard to know when it’s a minor issue and when it could be something more serious.

Here’s how to tell the difference:

Typical sensitivity usually presents as brief discomfort triggered by temperature changes or sweet foods and doesn’t linger. It could be due to mild enamel wear, a new adult tooth coming in, or even a minor issue with brushing technique.

More serious concerns include:

• Sensitivity that lasts more than a few seconds
• Spontaneous pain (not caused by hot/cold or food)
• Swelling or redness around a specific tooth
• Pain when biting or chewing
• Trouble sleeping due to dental pain

Give Our Children's Dentist a Call!

Is your child experiencing any of these symptoms? If so, it may mean your child has a cavity, infection, or cracked tooth. In these cases, it’s important to please contact our emergency pediatric dentist right away.

At our dental office, your trusted pediatric dentist in Highlands Ranch and Castle Pines, we’re here to help you get to the root of the issue, quickly and gently. When in doubt, give us a call! 

Thumb sucking and pacifier use are not always problematic. They are a normal rite of passage for many children. However, if these habits go on too long or disrupt oral development, it’s crucial to intervene. Fortunately, your child’s dentist in Castle Pines or Highlands Ranch can help.

Remember that a pediatric dentist can help with thumb sucking and pacifier use. We know it can be a challenging habit for your child to break!

About Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Cessation

Your child’s dentist is uniquely qualified to monitor the impact of these mouthing habits on oral development. If issues arise or it’s time for your child to wean off these activities, the dentist may use any combination of therapies, including:

• Guidance and tips for at home
• Behavior modification strategies
• Appliance therapies  

Some techniques discourage the habit. Others modify the behavior or introduce alternatives. It can be challenging, but your child’s dentist and our entire team have helped countless children give up their thumbs and pacifiers. We can identify target strategies tailored to your child’s unique temperament and habits.

Contact Your Pediatric Dentist in Castle Pines or Highlands Ranch

If your child’s sucking habits are a growing concern or if you would like to book a consultation with the dentist, call us today at (303) 865-4066. We are conveniently located in Highlands Ranch and Castle Pines.

Pediatric dentistry offices are colorful, fun, and child-friendly. Dental phobias are often rooted in childhood, so it is essential that the child feel comfortable, safe, and trusting of the dentist from the outset.

The pediatric dentist focuses on several different forms of oral care:

• Prevention – Tooth decay is the most prevalent childhood ailment. Fortunately, it is almost completely preventable. Aside from providing advice and guidance relating to home care, the pediatric dentist can apply sealants and fluoride treatments to protect tooth enamel and minimize the risk of cavities.
• Early detection – Examinations and x-rays allow the pediatric dentist to predict future oral problems.  Examples include malocclusion (bad bite), attrition due to grinding (bruxism), and jaw irregularities. 
• Treatment – Pediatric dentists offer a wide range of treatments. Aside from preventative treatments (fluoride and sealant applications), your pediatric dentist also performs pulp therapy, treats oral trauma, and provides tongue tie release procedures to improve feeding, speech, and oral development. If primary teeth are lost too soon, space maintainers may be provided to ensure the teeth don't become misaligned. We also offer myofunctional therapy to help correct improper oral muscle habits that can impact breathing, speech, and bite development.
• Education – Education is a major part of any pediatric practice. Not only can the pediatric dentist help the child understand the importance of daily oral care, but parents can also get advice on toothpaste selection, diet, thumb-sucking cessation, and a wide range of related topics.
• Updates – Pediatric dentists are well informed about the latest advances in the dentistry field. Children who do not see the dentist regularly may miss out on both beneficial information and information about new diagnostic procedures.

Schedule Today!

If you have questions or concerns about when to see a pediatric dentist, please contact our office or schedule your child's first visit online. We are conveniently located in Highlands Ranch and Castle Pines.

Even before your baby's first birthday, their emerging teeth are at risk for dental issues. Understanding these potential problems and implementing early preventive measures are key to a lifetime of healthy smiles. At Sierk Children's Dentistry in Highlands Ranch and Castle Pines, CO, we're here to guide you.

Common Baby & Toddler Dental Concerns

The most common concern is early childhood caries (baby bottle tooth decay), which can affect teeth as soon as they appear. This is especially true for infants and toddlers who frequently drink sugary liquids like formula, juice, or sweetened water from bottles or sippy cups, particularly at bedtime. These sugars pool around the teeth, leading to cavities.

Additionally, Dr. Jon offers comprehensive oral evaluations to assess for conditions like tongue tie, which can impact feeding, speech, and overall oral development. We can discuss services such as gentle tongue tie release and supportive myofunctional therapy when needed.

Preventing Dental Problems in Infants

Prevention starts early. During your baby's first visit, our pediatric dentist will help you establish a preventive strategy and demonstrate proper infant teeth brushing.

Dr. Jon and our team also emphasize:

• Limiting Sugary Liquids: Avoid filling cups with sugary drinks.
• No Sweetened Pacifiers: Never dip pacifiers in honey or other sweet substances.
• Preventing Bacterial Transmission: Avoid sharing spoons or cleaning pacifiers in your mouth.
• Promoting Water Intake: Encourage water throughout the day and after feedings to rinse away sugars.
• No Bedtime Bottles: Dr. Jon and The American Board of Pediatrics strongly advise against putting children to sleep with a bottle containing anything other than water.

Affordable Dental Care for Children

If you have any questions about your dental plan, LendingClub, or CareCredit, please call our dental office today. One of our friendly staff members can answer your questions and address your concerns. Call us to inquire about our complimentary examination for children under age of 3; without a dental plan.

We look forward to seeing you at Sierk Children’s Dentistry at our Highlands Ranch or Castle Pines location!