Children’s Dentistry in Lakewood & Denver
Gentle, encouraging dental care for babies, children and teens in a colorful, family-friendly setting. We accept Health First Colorado Medicaid, have Spanish-speaking staff and welcome new patients seven days a week.
Why Early Dental Visits Matter
Children’s teeth begin shaping how they chew, speak and smile long before all of their adult teeth arrive. Early dental visits help a child become comfortable with the dental office while giving parents practical guidance for keeping new teeth healthy.
Regular visits also allow the dental team to watch tooth development, identify decay or bite concerns early and recommend prevention before a small issue becomes uncomfortable or more complicated.
- Build familiarity and trust through positive visits
- Check teeth, gums, bite and jaw development
- Identify early signs of cavities or enamel problems
- Learn age-appropriate brushing, fluoride and nutrition habits
Baby teeth are important
Primary teeth hold space for permanent teeth and help children eat, speak and smile comfortably. Untreated decay in a baby tooth can cause pain, infection and difficulty sleeping or concentrating.
Prevention is easier when care begins early. We help families understand what to expect at each stage, from a first tooth through the teen years.
When Should My Child First See a Dentist?
The American Dental Association and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend a first dental visit when the first tooth appears or by the child’s first birthday, whichever comes first.
Early visits are usually simple, gentle and focused on helping the child and parent feel comfortable.
A Dental Visit Children Can Feel Good About
We use calm explanations, positive language and a tell-show-do approach: first we explain what will happen in child-friendly words, then show the instrument or step, and then proceed gently when the child is ready.
Our children’s rooms feature colorful themes—including familiar cartoon and underwater designs—and in-chair TVs where children can watch cartoons during care.
- A friendly team that works at the child’s pace
- Colorful treatment rooms designed for younger patients
- Chairside entertainment and cartoons
- A free prize after the visit
- A Cavity-Free Certificate when earned
Positive Language
We explain care in simple, reassuring terms children can understand.
Cartoons in the Chair
In-chair entertainment provides a familiar focus during treatment.
Themed Rooms
Bright, colorful spaces help the dental office feel welcoming.
Celebrate Success
Prizes and cavity-free certificates reinforce healthy habits.
Children’s Dental Services
We provide preventive, restorative and urgent dental care for children and teens, with recommendations based on each child’s age, oral health and comfort.
Regular checkups remove buildup, monitor development and help children learn healthy routines.
Images are recommended only when needed to see areas that cannot be evaluated during a visual exam.
Professional fluoride can strengthen enamel and help protect growing smiles from cavities.
A thin protective coating can help keep cavity-causing bacteria out of the deep grooves of back teeth.
When decay is present, we explain treatment and restore the tooth as gently as possible.
We monitor how primary and permanent teeth are coming in and identify concerns that may need attention.
Call for toothaches, swelling, dental injuries, broken teeth or other urgent symptoms.
If a tooth cannot be restored or needs removal, we review the reason and comfort options with the family.
Children and caregivers receive practical brushing, flossing, fluoride and snack guidance.
A Simple Brushing Guide for Growing Smiles
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and supervise until your child can brush every surface thoroughly on their own.
A rice-sized smear
Begin brushing as soon as the first tooth appears. Use a soft child-sized brush and only a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste.
A pea-sized amount
Help your child brush for two minutes, twice daily, and encourage them to spit out the toothpaste rather than swallow it.
Keep supervising
Check that back teeth and the gumline are being cleaned. Add flossing when teeth touch closely together.
Medicaid Dental Care for Children
Star Dental accepts Health First Colorado Medicaid for eligible children and teens. Covered care commonly includes exams, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride, sealants, fillings and other medically necessary treatment.
- No member copayments or deductibles for covered Medicaid dental services
- We can look up a child’s Medicaid information if the family does not have the number available
- Our team helps verify active benefits and any approval requirements
New to Medicaid dental care?
Bring the child’s insurance information and a parent or guardian’s photo ID. New-patient forms are completed at the office.
Read Our Medicaid Dental GuideHelping Your Child Prepare for a Positive Visit
A calm, matter-of-fact introduction can make a first or returning visit easier. Let our team explain the equipment and procedures in child-friendly language.
Helpful things to do
- Describe the visit as a chance to count and clean teeth
- Schedule when your child is usually rested
- Bring a list of medications and dental concerns
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early for new-patient paperwork
- Share previous dental experiences or sensitivities with us
Keep the language positive
Avoid preparing a child with words such as “hurt,” “shot” or “pain.” Even well-meant reassurance can introduce worries a child did not have. Tell them the dental team will explain each step and help keep their teeth strong.
Have a worried child? Call us before the appointment so we can plan a comfortable introduction.
Toothache, swelling or dental injury?
Call 303-222-1414 promptly. For a knocked-out permanent tooth, hold it by the crown rather than the root, rinse gently if dirty, keep it moist and seek dental care immediately. Star Dental is open seven days a week, and same-day appointments may be available.
Learn About Emergency Dental CareChildren’s Dentistry FAQ
Clear answers about first visits, prevention, Medicaid, X-rays and dental emergencies.
When should my child first visit the dentist?
Schedule the first visit when the first tooth appears or by the first birthday, whichever comes first. Early visits help establish a dental home and give caregivers guidance before problems develop.
Why treat baby teeth if they will eventually fall out?
Baby teeth help children chew and speak, hold space for permanent teeth and support normal development. Untreated cavities can cause pain, infection and difficulty eating or sleeping.
How often should children have dental checkups?
Many children benefit from visits about every six months, but the right interval depends on cavity risk, oral health and the dentist’s recommendation.
What happens during a first appointment?
We help the child become familiar with the office, gently examine the teeth and gums, discuss development and review brushing, fluoride, nutrition and any parent concerns. The pace is adjusted to the child’s comfort and age.
What if my child is nervous about the dentist?
Tell us before the visit. We use positive language, tell-show-do, distraction and encouragement to build comfort. Themed rooms, cartoons and a friendly pace can also make the experience feel more familiar.
When should I start brushing and how much toothpaste should I use?
Start when the first tooth appears. Use a rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste for children younger than three and a pea-sized amount from ages three through six. Brush twice daily and supervise.
Are dental X-rays safe for children?
Dental X-rays are recommended only when the information is expected to help diagnose or guide care. Digital images use low radiation, and the timing depends on the child’s age, development and cavity risk.
What are dental sealants?
Sealants are thin protective coatings placed in the grooves of back teeth, where food and bacteria can be difficult to remove. They can greatly reduce the chance of cavities in those areas.
Does Health First Colorado Medicaid cover children’s dental care?
Health First Colorado provides dental benefits for eligible members through age 20, including preventive and medically necessary care. Star Dental accepts Medicaid and can verify active benefits and approval requirements.
What should I do for a toothache, broken tooth or swelling?
Call us promptly. Persistent pain, swelling, fever, an injury or a broken tooth should be evaluated. If swelling affects breathing or swallowing, seek emergency medical care.
Do you accept walk-ins and have weekend appointments?
Yes. Star Dental is open seven days a week and accepts walk-ins. Calling ahead is recommended so we can reserve enough time for an examination and any needed treatment.
Do you have Spanish-speaking staff?
Yes. Spanish-speaking staff are available, and families are welcome to ask questions in English or Spanish.
Help Your Child Build a Healthy, Confident Smile
Star Dental welcomes babies, children, teens and families from Lakewood, Denver and nearby communities. We are located at 1490 S Sheridan Blvd, at Sheridan and Florida in the King Soopers plaza, with free on-site parking and wheelchair access.