Explore helpful pediatric dental FAQs from Hurricane Pediatric Dentistry in Hurricane. Get answers about children’s dental cleanings, tooth pain, fluoride, sedation dentistry, baby teeth, braces, emergency visits, and keeping your child’s smile healthy. FAQ List 1. When should my child first see a dentist? First dentist visit >>>Read More 2. How often should kids get dental checkups? Teeth cleanings and exams >>>Read More 3. How do I schedule an appointment? Insurance and Scheduling >>>Read More 4. Are baby teeth really that important? Baby Teeth & Development >>>Read More 5. What happens during a child’s first dental visit? Checkup for the Kids >>>Read More 6. How do I prepare my toddler for the dentist? Preparation for Dental Visit >>>Read More 7. Why does my child have cavities even though we brush? What Happens If Your Child Has a Cavity >>>Read More 8. How long does a typical visit take? Dentist Appointments >>>Read More 9. Can I schedule multiple children at the same time and appointment day? Multiple Appointments >>>Read More 10. What should I bring to my child’s first appointment? Things You Need >>>Read More 11. Are there forms I need to fill out before our visit? Forms & Paperwork >>>Read More 12. What if happens if my check doesn’t clear? Returned Check Policy >>>Read More 13. What happens if I miss or cancel the appointment? Cancellation Policy >>>Read More 14. What if my child is scared of the dentist? Making Kids Feel Comfortable >>>Read More 15. Do you treat children with special needs? Special Needs Children >>>Read More 16. My child is very anxious—what can I do to help? Anxious Behavior >>>Read More 17. How do you help kids who won’t sit still? Positive Reinforcement >>>Read More 18. Can my child bring a comfort toy? Bringing Toys >>>Read More 19. What should my child eat or drink before a visit? What to Eat Before Appointment >>>Read More 20. Can parents stay in the room during treatment? Can Parents Come In Room? >>>Read More 21. What if my child cries during the appointment? Crying Children >>>Read More 22. Do you offer fluoride treatments or sealants? Fluoride Treatments >>>Read More 23. What if my child needs a filling, crown or root canal? Fillings, Crowns and More! >>>Read More 24. Do you do X-Rays, and are they safe? X-Rays for Children >>>Read More 25. Is sedation dentistry safe for children? Sedation Safety >>>Read More 26. What types of sedation do you offer? Oral Sedation >>>Read More 27. When is sedation recommended for kids? Sedation Recommendations >>>Read More 28. How do I prepare my child for sedation? Preparing for Sedation >>>Read More 29. Will my child be asleep during the procedure? Sedation Options >>>Read More 30. How long does sedation last? Sedation Timeline >>>Read More 31. What should I expect after sedation? Post Sedation Instructions >>>Read More 32. What are the risks of pediatric sedation? Sedation Risks & Benefits >>>Read More 33. How do you make sedation a positive experience? Child Friendly Sedation >>>Read More 34. What happens if I need to cancel the sedation appointment? Sedation Cancellation >>>Read More 35. What is a lip tie? Lip Ties >>>Read More 36. What are the signs of a tongue tie? Tongue Ties >>>Read More 37. Does a tongue tie affect speech or feeding? Tongue Ties & Speech >>>Read More 38. How is a lip tie treated? Lip Tie Treatment >>>Read More 39. Is a lip tie procedure painful? Lip Tie Procedure >>>Read More 40. How long is recovery after a frenectomy? Frenectomy Recovery >>>Read More 41. Does my insurance cover a lip tie? Insurance Coverage for Lip Tie >>>Read More 41-A. Does Hurricane Pediatric Dentistry offer lip tie procedures in Utah? Best Lip Tie Dentist in Utah >>>Read More 41-B. What is a lip tie procedure for infants? Lip Tie for Infants >>>Read More 42. Does my child need a tooth pulled? Teeth Pulling >>>Read More 43. What should I do if my child chips a tooth? Chipped Tooth >>>Read More 44. What if my child has crooked teeth? Crooked Teeth >>>Read More 45. What happens if my child’s crown comes off? Damaged Crown >>>Read More 46. Do you accept Medicaid? Medicaid Accepted >>>Read More 47. Do you accept most dental insurance plans? Insurance Plans >>>Read More 48. How much does a kid’s dental visit cost? Charges for Treatments >>>Read More 49. What if I don’t have dental insurance and need financing? Financing Treatments >>>Read More 50. What payment methods do you accept? Payment Options >>>Read More 51. Do you offer any other payment plans besides CareCredit or Lending Club? CareCredit and Lending Club >>>Read More 52. How much will a specific procedure cost? Specific Costs >>>Read More 53. What if my insurance doesn’t cover something? Insurance Questions >>>Read More 54. How much toothpaste should kids use? Toothpaste Usage >>>Read More 55. When should kids start flossing? Flossing >>>Read More 56. Is thumb sucking bad for teeth? Thumb Sucking >>>Read More 57. Are pacifiers harmful after a certain age? Pacifiers >>>Read More 58. What causes bad breath in children? Bad Breath >>>Read More 59. What is considered a dental emergency for a child? Emergency Dental >>>Read More 60. What should I do if my child knocks out a tooth? Teeth Knocked Out >>>Read More 61. Can a broken baby tooth be saved? Broken Teeth >>>Read More 62. Should I take my child to ER or dentist for tooth pain? Tooth Pain >>>Read More 63. Do you offer same day or emergency appointments? Same Day Emergency Visits >>>Read More 64. I live out outside of Hurricane, where are you located? Directions to Office >>>Read More 65. How much experience do your dentists have? Dentist Experience >>>Read More 66. Are your dentists board certified? Board Certified Dentists >>>Read More 67. Best place for kids dental cleanings in Southern Utah? Best Dentist for Kids >>>Read More 68. How do pediatric dentists make kids comfortable during visits? Making Kids Feel Comfortable >>>Read More 69. Where to find dentists who use games and movies for kids in Hurricane or St. George? Games & Movies for Kids >>>Read More 70. Dentists who treat special healthcare needs kids in Utah? Special Healthcare Needs >>>Read More 71. Best place for kids dental care in Utah? Best Kids Dentist in Utah >>>Read More 72. Why are digital X-rays important for childrens dental exams? Digital X-Rays >>>Read More 73. Affordable kids fillings in Hurricane, Utah? Affordable Pricing >>>Read More 74. What are your other locations in Utah? Our 3 Locations in Southern Utah >>>Read More 75. HIPAA Policy for Hurricane Pediatric Dentistry HIPAA POLICY & AGREEMENT >>>Read More

< Back 36. What are the signs of a tongue tie? Tongue Ties A tongue tie (ankyloglossia) occurs when the tissue under the tongue (the lingual frenulum) is short, tight, or restrictive, which can limit how the tongue moves. Signs can differ depending on your child’s age, but common ones include: -Breastfeeding challenges — Trouble latching, prolonged feeding sessions, or nipple discomfort for mom -Slow weight gain — Inefficient feeding can make it harder for infants to gain weight -Limited tongue mobility — Difficulty sticking out the tongue or lifting it to the roof of the mouth -Speech concerns — Some children may struggle with sounds like “t,” “d,” “l,” or “r” -Eating difficulties — Trouble licking, swallowing, or moving food in the mouth -Dental issues — Gaps between teeth or plaque buildup under the tongue Not every tongue tie causes problems, but if you notice any of these signs, it’s wise to have your child evaluated. Early assessment can make feeding, speech, and oral development much easier. <<>>

< Back 2. How often should kids get dental checkups? Teeth cleanings and exams The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests that children come in every six months for routine exams and cleanings. These regular visits allow us to spot any small concerns early, maintain clean and healthy teeth, and ensure your child’s smile is developing properly. In some cases, children may need to be seen more frequently—especially if they are more susceptible to cavities, have orthodontic needs, or require closer observation. We’ll always recommend the visit schedule that best fits your child’s individual needs. <<>>

< Back 18. Can my child bring a comfort toy? Bringing Toys Absolutely! We encourage children to bring a favorite toy, blanket, or stuffed animal to their appointment. Comfort items can help your child feel safe and more relaxed in the dental chair, especially during their first visits. Having a familiar object provides reassurance, reduces anxiety, and makes the visit more positive. Just be sure the item isn’t too large, so it doesn’t get in the way during the procedure. <<>>

< Back 11. Are there forms I need to fill out before our visit? Forms & Paperwork To make your child’s appointment as smooth as possible, we ask that all new patient forms be filled out before your visit. These forms usually include: -Patient registration and contact details -Medical history and current medications -Insurance information and consent forms -Any specific dental concerns or questions you may have You can print and complete these forms online through our website (New Patient Forms) or bring them with you on the day of your appointment. Filling out forms ahead of time helps reduce wait times and ensures our team has everything needed to provide safe, personalized care for your child. <<>>

< Back 74. What are your other locations in Utah? Our 3 Locations in Southern Utah We have 3 locations in Utah! The best pediatric dental care in Utah and Northwest Arizona covering: Cedar City, Utah Hildale, Utah Hurricane, Utah Colorado City, Arizona Apple Valley, Utah Rockville, Utah Shunesburg, Utah Virgin, Utah LaVerkin, Utah St. George, Utah Littlefield, Arizona Cane Beds, Arizona Centennial Park, Arizona Moccasin, Arizona Kaibab, Arizona Kaibab India Reservation, Arizona Booze Crossing, Arizona Jacob Lake, Arizona Kanab, Utah Mt. Carmel Junction, Utah Orderville, Utah Glendale, Utah Alton, Utah Springdale, Utah Our 3 LOCATIONS! Cedar View Pediatric Dentistry located in Cedar City, Utah at: 1251 North Northfield Rd. Suite 201, Cedar City, Utah 84721. Cedar View Pediatric Dentistry phone number is: (435) 586-8188. Cedar View Pediatric Dentistry email is:cedarkidsdental@gmail.com https://www.cedarkidsdental.com/contact Hurricane Pediatric Dentistry is located at: 48 S 2500 W Suite 230, Hurricane, Utah 84737. Hurricane Pediatric Dentistry phone number is: (435) 635-7200. Hurricane Pediatric Dentistry email is: hurricanekidsdental@gmail.com https://www.hurricanekidsdental.com/contact-us Hildale Pediatric Dentistry located at: 1185 Utah Ave Suite #201, Hildale, Utah 84784. Hildale Pediatric Dentistry phone number is: (435) 874-2783 Hildale Pediatric Dentistry email is: hildalekidsdental@gmail.com https://www.hildalekidsdental.com/contact-us <<>>

< Back 33. How do you make sedation a positive experience? Child Friendly Sedation We aim to make every sedation visit calm, safe, and even enjoyable for your child. Here’s how we do it: -Gentle, patient approach — We move at your child’s pace and break procedures into small, manageable steps. -Positive encouragement — Praise, stickers, or small rewards help your child feel proud and brave. -Distraction techniques — Toys, music, or storytelling keep your child relaxed and engaged. -Parental support — You can stay nearby to offer comfort and reassurance. -Child-friendly environment — Our office is designed to feel welcoming and fun, helping reduce stress from the moment you arrive. By combining safety, support, and fun, we turn what could feel stressful into a positive, confidence-building experience for your child. <<>>

< Back 35. What is a lip tie? Lip Ties A lip tie occurs when the thin tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums (the labial frenulum) is unusually tight or restrictive. This can make it more difficult for a baby to latch effectively during breastfeeding, impact speech development, or even cause gaps between the front teeth as your child grows. Lip ties can range from mild to more pronounced. Some cause no issues, while others may require treatment to support proper feeding, oral function, or dental health. Our team carefully evaluates each child to determine if a simple procedure, called a frenectomy, is recommended. <<>>

< Back 3. How do I schedule an appointment? Insurance and Scheduling Booking an appointment is simple! You can call our office and speak directly with one of our friendly team members, who will be happy to assist you every step of the way. Just let us know your child’s needs, preferences, or any concerns, and we’ll help find a time that works best for your schedule. If your child is experiencing dental pain or has an urgent issue, we do our best to offer same-day appointments so they can be seen as quickly as possible and get the relief they need. For routine checkups and cleanings, we recommend scheduling in advance—especially for first-time visits or during busier times of the year. Planning ahead helps ensure your child gets the care they need at a convenient time, without unnecessary waiting, and keeps their dental health on track. <<>>

< Back 8. How long does a typical visit take? Dentist Appointments The length of an appointment can vary depending on your child’s age, the reason for the visit, and any treatment that may be needed. Most routine checkups—such as an exam, cleaning, and fluoride—typically last around 30 to 45 minutes. For younger children or first-time visits, we often keep things shorter—sometimes just 15 to 20 minutes—to help keep the experience positive and comfortable. If your child needs additional treatment, like fillings, crowns, or sedation, the visit may take longer. Our team will always let you know what to expect ahead of time so you can plan accordingly. <<>>

< Back 22. Do you offer fluoride treatments or sealants? Fluoride Treatments Yes we do! Sealants Sealants are a popular, painless way to help keep your child cavity-free. They are applied to the back molars after a cleaning and exam — where 4 out of 5 cavities in children are found. A sealant is a resin-based coating painted onto the chewing surface of the tooth. It acts as a barrier against food, plaque, and acid that can cause decay. Sealants are practically invisible because they are clear or white, matching your child’s teeth. Even better, applying sealants takes only a few minutes during a single office visit, and they can protect your child throughout their cavity-prone years. The procedure is comfortable: the teeth are cleaned and prepped, the sealant is applied, and then hardened with a special light. Your child can eat and drink right away. Fluoride Fluoride is a natural mineral that plays a crucial role in reducing tooth decay. How it works: Bacteria in the mouth produce acid that can remove minerals from teeth. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening enamel and stopping this process. Because of its effectiveness, fluoride has been added to public water supplies since the 1940s, and today more than 70% of U.S. cities have fluoridated water. About 95% of toothpastes sold in the U.S. also contain fluoride. Getting the right amount: While fluoride is beneficial, too much can cause dental fluorosis — lasting white spots, brown stains, or enamel issues in permanent teeth. Young children, especially toddlers, may swallow too much toothpaste because they can’t spit it out well. Some foods are also high in fluoride, while tap or well water (or exclusive bottled water use) may not provide enough. It’s important for parents to make sure children get the right amount of fluoride. Our team can advise you if your child needs extra fluoride, and we can provide a prescription if necessary. If we notice signs of dental fluorosis, we can help identify the cause and prevent further problems. <<>>

< Back 21. What if my child cries during the appointment? Crying Children It’s completely normal for children to feel nervous or cry during a dental visit — many kids do! Crying doesn’t mean the visit will be painful or that your child won’t cooperate. Here’s how we help: -Patience and gentle guidance — letting your child take breaks as needed -Distraction techniques — toys, music, or stories to keep their mind off the procedure -Positive reinforcement — praise and small rewards for bravery and effort -Parental support — you can be there to comfort and reassure your child Our goal is to turn anxiety into confidence. Most children warm up quickly, and with a calm, supportive approach, dental visits can become a positive — even fun — experience. <<>>