At the office of Smiles for Life, we treat children's dental care as a partnership with families — focused on prevention, growth, and confident smiles that last. Our team blends clinical expertise with a calm, child-friendly approach so visits feel safe and productive for kids and reassuring for parents.
Prevention is the single most effective tool for protecting a child’s teeth. Starting oral care early and keeping consistent routines helps reduce the chance of decay and avoids many problems that can complicate development later on. Our focus is to give parents practical, age-appropriate strategies so brushing, flossing, and healthy eating become natural parts of the day.
We tailor recommendations to each child’s stage — from infant gum wipes to supervised brushing for toddlers and independent care for school-age kids. Those small, steady steps add up: fewer cavities, healthier gums, and a stronger foundation for the adult teeth that follow. At each visit we reinforce skills, answer questions, and set realistic goals families can follow at home.
Preventive clinical services used in pediatric dentistry are chosen with comfort and long-term benefit in mind. This includes gentle cleanings, selective use of fluoride treatments when indicated, and the timely placement of dental sealants on permanent molars to protect chewing surfaces. Our aim is to make preventive care simple, effective, and nonthreatening for every child.
We also prepare families to handle dental emergencies calmly and efficiently if they arise. Whether it’s a sudden toothache or an accidental injury on the playground, having a plan and knowing where to turn reduces anxiety and speeds recovery. Our team is experienced in urgent pediatric care and prioritizes stabilizing pain, addressing damage, and preventing complications.
Regular dental checkups let us track dental development and spot emerging issues before they require complex treatment. During a routine visit we review medical history, evaluate tooth and gum health, and observe how the jaws and bite are forming. These exams are a chance to catch small problems early, when solutions are simpler and more predictable.
Examinations are supported by modern diagnostic tools when appropriate. Digital radiographs provide a safe, low-radiation glimpse beneath the surface to check for hidden cavities, assess root and bone health, and monitor the position of developing permanent teeth. We recommend radiographs selectively and explain the purpose so parents can make informed decisions.
Cleanings are a practical part of each checkup. By removing plaque and polishing the teeth, we reduce sources of irritation and decay and create an opportunity for tailored oral hygiene instruction. For children with special needs or dental anxiety, we take extra time to create a comfortable experience and discuss individualized strategies for successful visits.
Tooth decay remains one of the most common chronic conditions among children, but it is largely preventable. Cavities develop when bacteria, sugars, and time combine on tooth surfaces. Limiting sugary drinks and sticky snacks, encouraging water, and maintaining effective daily cleaning are practical, high-impact ways to lower risk.
Parents often ask about infant and toddler routines that reduce decay risk. Avoiding prolonged bottle or sippy-cup exposure to milk or juice, wiping a baby’s gums after feedings, and introducing a soft-bristled brush as teeth erupt are simple steps that protect emerging teeth. We discuss these practices in easy-to-follow terms and support families as routines evolve.
When indicated, we may recommend protective treatments such as professionally applied fluoride or sealants for permanent molars. These measures are chosen with each child’s risk profile in mind and are intended to add a discreet layer of protection while natural habits are strengthened at home.
Start dental care early — wipe gums after feeds and gently brush as teeth appear.
Supervise brushing and flossing until children can consistently do a thorough job on their own.
Limit sugary drinks and snacks; favor water and nutrient-rich choices that support growth and oral health.
Avoid letting children fall asleep with bottles containing milk or juice to reduce prolonged sugar exposure.
Bring children for regular exams and cleanings so small issues are addressed early and growth is monitored.
Encourage healthy transitions away from pacifiers and thumb-sucking at appropriate ages to support normal jaw development.
Use a properly fitted mouthguard for sports to protect teeth and soft tissues during play.
Ask your dental team about sealants and topical fluoride if your child has a higher risk for cavities.
Tooth development begins long before baby’s first smile. By about a year of age many infants have one or more front teeth, which is why pediatric organizations recommend a first dental visit by the first birthday. Early visits are focused on prevention, parent education, and setting a positive tone for future care.
At this stage we concentrate on safe cleaning techniques, feeding-related guidance, and monitoring for early signs of decay. Those first appointments are short, straightforward, and designed to build trust so children feel comfortable returning as they grow. Parents leave with practical steps they can use immediately at home.
Teething can be an uncomfortable phase for babies and parents alike. We provide calming strategies and guidance about safe teething aids and soothing techniques, and we’re available to answer concerns between visits so families feel supported through this milestone.
As children enter school and adolescence their oral needs change: permanent teeth erupt, chewing patterns shift, and social awareness around smiles increases. We pay close attention to how the jaws are growing, the path of erupting teeth, and any habits that may affect alignment. This lets us recommend timely interventions when they will have the greatest benefit.
Orthodontic issues are often easier to manage when detected early. We monitor development and advise on the appropriate time for an orthodontic evaluation, typically when mixed dentition patterns are established. For active children, we also discuss protective measures — such as mouthguards — to reduce the risk of dental injury during sports.
Teen years also bring new responsibilities and choices that affect oral health. We work with older children to build independence in oral hygiene, address cosmetic concerns safely and conservatively when appropriate, and provide guidance about habits like vaping or frequent energy drinks that can harm teeth.
At our West Des Moines office, we aim to be a steady partner throughout every stage of a child’s dental development. By combining clear communication, modern techniques, and a calm approach to care, we help families keep smiles healthy and strong from baby teeth through adolescence.
In summary, pediatric dentistry is about prevention, timely intervention, and teaching lifelong habits that support oral and overall health. If you have questions about your child’s dental needs or would like more information about our services, please contact us for more information.
A pedodontist is a dentist who has received advanced specialty training in meeting the dental needs of children from infancy to adolescence. Pedodontists, also referred to as "pediatric dentists," study child psychology, behavior management, caring for children with special needs, methods of handling oral/facial trauma, and various techniques for providing anesthesia and sedation. Pedodontists also understand the complexities of facial growth and development and have the clinical skills required to meet the dental needs of all children at every stage of development. Most of all, pedodontists are passionate about what they do and enjoy working with children. They strive to make every dental experience a positive one as they help children establish a strong foundation for good oral health.
Even before your child is born, their first set of teeth is already forming. In fact, by one year of age, some of your baby's front teeth will have already come into place. While the arrival of your baby's first teeth is only one of many developmental milestones, it represents an excellent time to begin a program of oral care. According to recommendations from the American Dental Association, babies should see the dentist around the time of their first birthdays.
Your baby's first teeth typically begin to appear in the 6 to 12-month range. While this is an extraordinary milestone, you need to be aware that your baby may find the experience a little bit uncomfortable. Teething can make babies feel irritable. They may be fussy, have trouble sleeping, not want to eat, and drool quite a bit.
Although you are powerless to speed up the process of teething, there are a few things that you can do to soothe your baby as the new teeth are erupting into place. Common approaches to helping your baby feel more comfortable while getting new teeth, include teething rings or a cold spoon or moist gauze rubbed over their gums.
Even for these few new teeth, it's absolutely essential to establish an effective regimen of oral care. For information on when your baby's first set of teeth will erupt into place, consult this timeline from the American Dental Association: Eruption Charts
Some children persist in sucking their thumbs or fingers beyond their preschool years. For these children, the activity continues to be a source of comfort, relaxation, and security. It may even help them fall asleep at night. However, it's essential to be aware that in the long-term, a finger sucking habit is not healthy.
If your child's thumb or finger sucking habit is still present when the permanent teeth begin to come in, your child is at a higher risk of developing a bad bite. By the age of five or six years, you need to constructively and gently help your child stop the habit.
It's also a good idea to have a comprehensive evaluation at this time. Your pedodontist can assess if there are any habit related alterations to the alignment of your child's teeth or jaws, or if it is affecting their speech or swallowing patterns. They can also discuss habit control strategies with you, as well as follow your child's bite and facial development as they grow. If interceptive appliances or corrective orthodontic care are recommended, the timetable and best options in care will be explained in complete detail.
Pediatric organizations recommend a first dental visit by a child’s first birthday to establish preventive care and monitor early development. Early visits focus on parent education, gentle examination of emerging teeth and gums, and setting a positive tone for future appointments. These short appointments help families learn safe cleaning techniques and identify potential concerns before they progress.
At the office of Smiles for Life in West Des Moines, our team tailors those initial visits to each infant’s needs and comforts parents with practical guidance. We demonstrate safe gum care, discuss feeding habits that influence decay risk, and answer common questions about teething and oral development. Parents leave with simple steps they can use at home to build healthy routines and reduce anxiety around future dental care.
Tooth decay develops when bacteria, sugars and time combine on tooth surfaces, making prevention the most effective strategy to protect children’s teeth. Practical measures—limiting sugary drinks, avoiding bed-time bottles with milk or juice, and introducing a soft toothbrush as teeth erupt—lower risk significantly. Consistent daily brushing with a smear or pea-sized fluoride toothpaste appropriate for age also reduces cavity formation.
Professional preventive measures such as selective fluoride applications and the placement of sealants on permanent molars can provide additional protection for higher-risk children. Our team evaluates each child’s risk profile during exams and recommends treatments that add a discreet layer of defense while reinforcing home habits. We emphasize predictable, realistic routines so families can sustain prevention over the long term.
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of permanent molars to block grooves where decay commonly starts. They are placed quickly and painlessly and can dramatically reduce the likelihood of cavities on treated surfaces. Sealants are most beneficial soon after molars erupt, when pits and fissures are newly exposed and easier to protect.
The decision to place sealants is based on a child’s individual risk for cavities and the condition of the tooth surface. During routine exams we assess molar eruption and discuss the expected benefits and longevity of sealants so parents can make informed decisions. When applied and monitored properly, sealants are a conservative, long-lasting preventive option that complements good home care.
Topical fluoride in the dental office is a targeted treatment used to strengthen tooth enamel and help reverse early mineral loss. We recommend fluoride treatments selectively based on age, cavity risk and existing fluoride exposure from water or toothpaste. Applied in controlled doses, professional fluoride care is safe and effective as part of a comprehensive prevention plan.
Parents should follow product-specific guidelines at home, using the appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste and supervising young children to limit swallowing. Our team explains the benefits and precautions so families understand why a treatment is recommended and how to maintain safe daily use. Clear communication helps ensure fluoride is an asset rather than a concern in a child’s oral health routine.
Most children benefit from dental examinations and cleanings every six months, but frequency is personalized based on decay risk, dental development and medical history. Regular visits allow the dentist to monitor eruption patterns, check for early signs of decay and reinforce home care techniques. These preventive appointments are also when protective treatments and behavior guidance are discussed.
Radiographs (digital x-rays) are used selectively to reveal hidden areas between teeth, assess root and bone health, and monitor developing permanent teeth. Because modern digital radiography uses very low radiation, images are recommended only when the diagnostic benefit outweighs minimal exposure. We review the purpose and timing of any radiographs with parents so they can consent with a full understanding of the need and safety considerations.
Common pediatric dental emergencies include sudden toothaches, knocked-out teeth and fractured teeth from falls or sports injuries. When an emergency occurs, prompt stabilization of pain and protection of the tooth or involved tissues improves outcomes. Parents should contact the dental office as soon as possible so we can provide step-by-step guidance and schedule urgent care when needed.
If a permanent tooth is completely knocked out, quick action to keep the tooth moist and seek immediate treatment can improve the chance of successful reattachment. For other injuries, the focus is on controlling bleeding, managing pain and arranging appropriate repair or follow-up monitoring. Our team is experienced in urgent pediatric care and provides clear instructions to reduce anxiety and support recovery.
Dental anxiety and special healthcare needs require extra time, patience and individualized strategies to ensure safe, successful visits. We use calm communication, predictability and desensitization techniques to help children build trust and tolerate routine care. For patients with sensory sensitivities or behavioral challenges, scheduling adjustments and tailored chair-side accommodations make treatments more comfortable.
When appropriate, we explain procedures in child-friendly terms, allow parents to be present for support and introduce slowly progressive steps toward full treatment. Sedation or protective stabilization may be discussed only when clinically necessary and after a thorough explanation of risks and benefits. The goal is to create a partnership with families so each child receives compassionate, effective care that fits their needs.
Effective daily care combines proper brushing, flossing when teeth contact, and dietary choices that limit fermentable carbohydrates. Parents should supervise brushing until a child has the dexterity to clean thoroughly, typically around age 7 to 8, and use the age-appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste. Consistent routines around meals and snacks reduce constant sugar exposure that promotes decay.
Encourage water as the primary drink and pack tooth-friendly snacks like vegetables, cheese and plain yogurt when possible. Replacing sugary sips with water between meals gives saliva a chance to neutralize acids and supports overall oral health. At each dental visit we provide tailored guidance to help families adapt daily habits to their child’s individual needs and preferences.
Early monitoring of jaw growth and tooth eruption helps identify orthodontic concerns when intervention can be more effective and less invasive. We typically recommend an orthodontic evaluation when mixed dentition is present or sooner if habits or asymmetries suggest developing problems. Detecting crossbites, severe crowding or abnormal growth patterns early allows for timely guidance or interceptive treatment.
Our exams look at how the jaws relate to each other, whether space exists for permanent teeth, and the influence of habits such as prolonged thumb-sucking. If orthodontic treatment is indicated, we coordinate with specialists and advise families about the most appropriate timing and options. This collaborative approach helps ensure a long-term healthy bite and a functional, confident smile.
Mouthguards are a simple, effective way to reduce the risk of dental injury during many youth sports and active play. A properly fitted mouthguard absorbs and distributes forces, protecting teeth, lips and soft tissues from traumatic impacts. We recommend mouthguards for contact and high-risk activities and can advise on the best type for your child’s age and sport.
Custom-fitted mouthguards made by a dentist offer the best fit, comfort and protection compared with over-the-counter options, especially for children who need frequent use. Proper care includes rinsing after play, storing in a ventilated case and checking fit regularly as a child grows. At routine visits we review protective options and can provide custom solutions when appropriate.