Pediatrics in Iowa City, IA

Having your child visit their pediatric dentist regularly makes good oral hygiene easier to maintain at home. At Willow Creek Family Dentistry, our pediatric dentist can teach your children about good brushing and flossing techniques, as well as the importance of avoiding sugary snacks and drinks. They will also perform a thorough dental exam to check for cavities and other conditions. Best of all, your child’s pediatric dentist will clean their teeth, removing any plaque or tartar that has built up.

Importance of Dental Care in Children

Pediatric dentistry is important for your child’s overall health. Maintaining a healthy smile in children is incredibly important for several reasons. Children with healthy teeth chew more easily, speak more clearly, and feel better about how they look.

Children with gum disease are also more likely to suffer from other health issues. This is because gum disease leads to inflammation in the body, which has been linked to other diseases as well.

Pediatric Dentist Treatment Options

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride treatments prevent tooth decay by strengthening tooth enamel. A pediatric dentist can provide fluoride treatments in the form of a rinse, gel, or foam.

Fissure Sealants

Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings that are painted onto the back teeth. The sealants work by filling in the deep crevices on the biting surfaces of the back teeth. This prevents food and bacteria from getting into the deep crevices where cavities most often form.

Pulp Therapy

Pulp therapy refers to procedures that treat injuries or infections of the pulp, which is the innermost layer of a tooth. Pediatric dentists are often called on to treat dental injuries in children. These dentists may perform pulpotomy, pulpectomy, or even pulp regeneration procedures.

Dental Fillings

A pediatric dentist can also provide dental fillings to repair cavities. Fillings are the most common treatment for children. Even baby teeth need to be taken care of, as cavities can affect their development, and they can get further damage if left untreated.

Space Maintainers

A space maintainer is a small appliance that fits into the mouth and attaches to the baby’s teeth. The space maintainer prevents space loss after the permanent tooth is extracted. Space maintainers are also called “spacers” or “space savers.”
 

Orthodontic Care

Pediatric dentists can provide orthodontic care, including orthodontic treatments and orthodontic appliances for kids, teens, and adults. Orthodontic treatments are corrective procedures that align the teeth and jaws. Orthodontic appliances, such as braces, place gentle pressure on specific teeth to move them.

Preventive Care

The pediatric dentist can treat your child’s teeth to help prevent cavities. The dentist will clean your child’s teeth and apply fluoride treatments. The dentist will also provide a custom-fitted mouth guard if your child plays a contact sport.
 

Oral Hygiene Instructions

Pediatric dentists can provide instructional information on oral health care. They can demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques, as well as the best methods for cleaning around orthodontic appliances. Pediatric dentists can inform parents about the early development of teeth, so they can help their children form good oral hygiene habits.

To schedule an appointment for the best dental care for your children, visit Willow Creek Family Dentistry at 2346 Mormon Trek Blvd, Suite 2600, Iowa City, IA 52246, or call (319) 339-4456.