Pediatric Dentistry | Davenport IA

Common pediatric dentistry services

Pediatric dentists, such as Dr. Jolene Dague at Dague Dental Solutions, offer a wide range of assistance to meet the unique dental needs of infants, children and teens. Here is a sampling of the vital services they provide:

• Infant oral health exams, which include risk assessment for cavities in mother and child.
• Preventive dental care including cleaning and fluoride treatments, as well as nutrition and diet recommendations.
• Habit counseling, which addresses issues like pacifier use and thumb sucking.
• Teeth alignment to straighten teeth and correct an improper bite.
• Tooth fillings to stop the damage of cavities or defects.
• Diagnosis of oral conditions typically associated with diseases such as diabetes, congenital heart defects, asthma, hay fever and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
• Gum disease treatment to prevent systemic damage that can lead to tooth loss.
• Care for dental injuries such as chipped, cracked or knocked out teeth.

When should my child have their first dental visit?

According to guidance from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), a child should go to the dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth coming in. This recommendation stands at odds with the results of a national survey finding that the average age of children making their first visit to the dentist is slightly older than two and a half years. This delay can allow problems to develop that threaten the retention of primary, or “baby,” teeth until they are lost naturally. The primary teeth have a vital role in childhood development, including:

• Helping children chew properly to maintain good nutrition.
• Involvement in speech development.
• Serving as a necessary space holder for permanent teeth.
• Promoting a healthy smile that encourages self-esteem in children regarding their appearance.

Tips to promote childhood comfort about dental care

Going to the dentist for the first time can be a frightening concept for some children. Here are four suggestions to make it seem less daunting.

• Bring your child to your next exam and cleaning to demystify the process.
• There are lots of great children’s books about going to the dentist. Read them to/with your child and talk about the stories they present.
• Roleplay dentist and patient with your child. Take turns being each one and clearly explain what you are doing when you are the dentist.
• Make sure your child gets plenty of rest prior to their visit. Arriving tired and cranky is likely to start things off on a bad footing for them.

Contact us about pediatric dentistry

If your infant, child or teen is due for a dental exam or cleaning, or is in need of treatment for a cavity or another issue, call Dague Dental Solutions today at (563) 386-9770 or use the contact form on our website to schedule an appointment. You can trust that Dr. Dague, one of the top dentists in the Quad Cities, will provide the highest standard of comfort and care to your child.