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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Pediatric Dentistry

How can we help you?

Here at Northpark Dental, our entire staff is trained to answer your questions about your oral health. We encourage you to ask them, and we’ve even compiled a few of the most common ones here. Please call us if you can't find the answer you’re seeking.

Pediatric Dentistry

If your child participates in sports, our dentists definitely encourage parents to get them a mouthguard to protect their teeth and mouth from injury. Sports injuries account for nearly half of dental emergencies.

Urbandale boy in football helmet with mouth guardCustomized Mouth Guards

A customized mouth guard will protect your child's smile without interfering with their performance during their sport. Our dentists can help parents determine the best protection and mouth guards to avoid sports injuries.

If your child grinds their teeth at night while they sleep, our dentists may also recommend a protective mouth guard they can wear to protect their smile and minimize tooth wear. Teeth grinding or bruxism is a prevalent problem and may cause premature wear to your son or daughter's teeth.

Pediatric Dentistry in Urbandale

At North Park Dental, we offer pediatric dentistry in Urbandale to make it easy for families to get the dental care they need in one convenient location. We'll begin building a relationship with your little one and monitoring their dental health as early as six months old or whenever their first tooth arrives.

If it's time for your child's next dental visit or first dental appointment, we would love to be their children's dentist in Johnston. Call North Park Dental at (515) 707-8050 to schedule their next appointment. 

Dental sealants are a coating that is painted onto the chewing surfaces of your child’s teeth to help prevent cavities and act as an extra layer of protection.

When it’s time for your child to visit the dentist, you are probably focusing on keeping them calm and making dental visits a positive experience, right? While you are caring for your child’s emotional well-being, let the dental experts at Northpark Dental care for their oral hygiene with exams, cleanings, and dental sealants.

two young girls smiling before schoolDental Sealants 

When you bring your child into our dental office for a dental exam and cleaning, part of the process may be the application of dental sealants. 

Since your child’s first molars break through at around age six, we recommend dental sealants around that time and again when their second molars come in at around age twelve.

Cavity Prevention in Children

In addition to dental sealants, we recommend the following strategies to help your child avoid tooth decay:

  • Brushing two times a day
  • Flossing once a day
  • Encouraging healthy eating habits
  • Visiting the dentist two times a year

Do You Need Pediatric Dentistry in Urbandale or Johnston?

Northpark Dental is here for you if you want more information about dental sealants or preventive dentistry! Our dental office is ready to answer your questions and put your mind at ease regarding your child’s oral health. Contact us at (515) 707-8050.

young girl smiling in dental chair at Urbandale dental officeOral health is a crucial aspect of children’s overall well-being. All parents should be aware of common dental issues that can affect children, the most prevalent of which include:

  • Tooth decay – Tooth decay in kids is often caused by sugary diets and poor oral hygiene.
  • Thumb sucking – A common habit among young children which can lead to misalignment of teeth and potential orthodontic issues.
  • Tongue thrusting – Some kids develop a habit of pushing their tongue against their teeth, which can result in misalignment.
  • Lip sucking – A habit similar to thumb sucking in which the lower lip is held beneath the upper front teeth which can also adversely affect dental development.
  • Early tooth loss – The early loss of primary teeth due to injury or decay can affect the eruption, alignment, and spacing of permanent teeth.

To ensure that these common dental issues don’t threaten children’s oral health and development, it’s vital for parents to encourage good oral hygiene habits from an early age and schedule regular dental check-ups to allow for thorough assessments, preventive care, early intervention, and education.

Pediatric and children's dentistry in Urbandale and Johnston, IA

If you’re in the Urbandale and Johnston areas and want an experienced and knowledgeable dental team to ensure your children’s oral health and guide them through their dental development, contact dentist Dr. Trunng Phan and the Northpark Dental team to schedule an appointment!

It may seem counterintuitive, but the earlier your little one visits the dentist, the better. Dr. Phan and Dr. Babor believe that building early relationships with children's dentistry in Johnston helps set kids up for successful visits to the dentist in the future. Your child can begin their dental journey with us as early as six months old or as soon as their first baby teeth arrive, no later than 12 months old. 

young boy sitting in dental chair at a urbandale dental officeChild's First Visit to Northpark Dental

During the first visit, we'll spend a lot of time helping your little one acclimate to visiting the dentist. We'll make sure they feel comfortable in the dental chair, spend time counting their teeth, and discuss any developmental issues or concerns we see. This is also a great time to receive tips and ideas for improving your child's home care routine.

As your little one grows, we'll incorporate teeth cleanings into their regular checkup visits. We may also recommend additional services like fluoride treatments and dental sealants to help protect your son or daughter's smile as they grow.

Contact Our Urbandale Dental Office

At Northpark Dental, we make it convenient for families, including small children, to get their dentistry in one convenient location. If you're looking for friendly and caring pediatric dentistry in Urbandale that your family can rely on, give us a call today at (515) 707-8050 to schedule your little one's next dental appointment.

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