Family, Pediatric & Preventative Dentistry

At Waterloo Dental Associates, we’re committed to helping simplify your dental care. One of the ways we do this is by treating your whole family, from children to senior age individuals and the different dental needs at each stage.

Pediatrics

The early years are marked by rapid growth and development, and it’s crucial to keep an eye on this to make sure that everything is coming in just the way it should.

Kids should be seen once the first tooth appears or by the child’s first birthday, whichever occurs first. While your child won’t be old enough to remember this visit, it sets the stage for visits to come and begins to introduce the dentist’s office as a safe and fun place to be. Many adults have an unexplainable fear of the dentist. Scheduling regular dental cleanings for your child will help combat the possibility of this fear later in their life.

We’re happy to answer any questions you have about your child’s dental development. From discussions about teething to thumb-sucking, pacifier use, braces, and nutrition, we’re here to help and be a source of information and education.

Dental emergencies sometimes happen. If your child falls and injures their teeth (or forgets to use their glove when catching a fly ball), give us a call right away. We’ll get your child in as soon as possible so that we can assess the damage, relieve your child’s discomfort, and plan treatment.

Japanese children using an interdental brush at the dentist

Preventative Care

Cleanings

Cleanings

Your teeth have numerous little hiding places for plaque to collect that can’t be easily reached with a toothbrush or even dental floss. Over time, these little plaque deposits harden into tartar. Once this happens, the tartar can only be removed by a dental hygienist using professional tools. If the tartar isn’t removed, your risk for developing cavities or periodontal disease will increase.

At your cleaning appointment, your hygienist will take the time to carefully examine every surface of your teeth and gently, yet thoroughly, remove the accumulated plaque and tartar. Your hygienist will also examine your gums for any signs of periodontal disease and discuss your home care routine to look for any areas that might need improvement.

Examinations

Examinations

Regular examinations give us an opportunity to discuss any concerns or questions you might have about your oral health, and look for any early signs of decay or other issues. Periodically, we’ll take x-rays to look for signs of disease that might be hidden beneath your enamel or below the gums.

Catching these issues early is important because your treatment is likely to be simpler, faster, more comfortable, and less costly. Without regular exams, you may not discover that you are having a problem until you wake up one morning in pain.