Preventative Dentistry for Children in Denver, CO
At Cherry Creek Pediatric Dentistry, prevention is at the heart of everything we do. Our goal is to help your child maintain healthy teeth and gums from the very beginning — so they never have to experience the pain or inconvenience of avoidable dental problems. Through consistent preventive care, we can protect your child’s smile and set them up for a lifetime of excellent oral health.
Request an AppointmentWhy Preventative Dentistry Matters for Kids
Children are especially vulnerable to tooth decay. Between their developing enamel, love of sweet foods and drinks, and still-developing brushing habits, cavities can form quickly if preventive steps aren’t in place. The good news is that most dental problems in children are highly preventable with the right care — and that’s exactly what we focus on at Cherry Creek Pediatric Dentistry.
Preventative dentistry is about more than just cleanings. It’s a comprehensive approach that includes professional treatments to protect the teeth, patient education for both children and parents, early detection of any concerns, and building habits that carry your child through a healthy, cavity-free childhood and beyond.
Professional Dental Cleanings
Even children who brush and floss diligently at home can develop plaque buildup in hard-to-reach areas. During a professional cleaning, our team removes plaque and tartar from all surfaces of your child’s teeth — including underneath the gumline where toothbrushes can’t reach. We then polish the teeth to leave them smooth and clean, which also makes it harder for plaque to adhere between visits.
We recommend most children come in for a cleaning every six months. Some children with a higher risk of decay may benefit from more frequent visits, and we’ll let you know if that applies to your child.
Comprehensive Dental Exams
Every preventive visit includes a thorough exam by Dr. Kojo Danso. We check the health of your child’s teeth, gums, jaw, and bite — monitoring for any changes that need attention. We also assess how your child’s teeth are developing and growing, which allows us to anticipate future needs and address any concerns before they become more complex.
Digital X-rays are taken as needed to detect problems between teeth and beneath the surface that aren’t visible during a visual exam. These images use a fraction of the radiation of traditional X-rays and are completely safe for children.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is one of the most effective tools we have for preventing tooth decay. Applied at the end of a cleaning, a professional fluoride treatment strengthens your child’s enamel and makes teeth more resistant to the acid attacks that lead to cavities. The American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Medical Association all endorse topical fluoride as essential to good oral health for children.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a thin, protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The grooves and pits of the molars are particularly vulnerable to decay because food and bacteria collect there easily. Sealants fill in those grooves, creating a smooth surface that is much easier to keep clean. They’re quick to apply, completely painless, and can dramatically reduce your child’s cavity risk in the back teeth.
Cavity Prevention Guidance
We provide personalized cavity prevention guidance at every visit, covering the best brushing and flossing techniques for your child’s age, dietary habits that support strong teeth, the role of fluoridated water, and warning signs to watch for at home. We want to be a resource for your family — not just for dental appointments, but as a partner in your child’s overall oral health.
To schedule a preventive dental visit for your child in Denver, CO,, contact Cherry Creek Pediatric Dentistry today at (303) 757-8844.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preventative Dentistry
How often should my child have a dental cleaning?
Most children benefit from a professional dental cleaning every six months. Children with a higher risk of tooth decay or gum problems may need more frequent visits. After your child’s first exam, Dr. Danso will recommend the schedule that’s right for them.
What’s included in a preventive dental visit?
A preventive visit typically includes a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, tooth polishing, a comprehensive exam by Dr. Danso, X-rays as needed, a fluoride treatment, and personalized guidance on at-home care. It’s a complete health check for your child’s mouth.
At what age should children start getting professional cleanings?
We recommend starting dental visits by your child’s first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing. Regular cleanings and exams should continue every six months from that point forward.
Are fluoride treatments safe for children?
Yes. Professional fluoride treatments are safe, fast, and highly effective for children of all ages. The amount of fluoride used in a professional application is carefully controlled and has been endorsed by the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Medical Association.
What is the difference between a cleaning and a dental exam?
A cleaning removes plaque, tartar, and surface stains from your child’s teeth. A dental exam is a thorough evaluation of the teeth, gums, jaw, and bite performed by Dr. Danso. At Cherry Creek Pediatric Dentistry, we include both a cleaning and an exam at every preventive visit so nothing is missed.
Can preventive dentistry actually eliminate cavities?
While there are no guarantees, consistent preventive care — including regular cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and good at-home habits — significantly reduces the risk of cavities. Many children who receive comprehensive preventive care go years without developing a single cavity.
What can I do at home to support my child’s preventive dental care?
Brush your child’s teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, floss once a day, limit sugary snacks and drinks (especially between meals and at bedtime), make sure they drink fluoridated water, and bring them in for their twice-yearly dental appointments. Our team is always happy to demonstrate proper techniques and answer your questions.