Pediatric Dentistry

Receiving high-quality dental treatment is just as important for children as it is for adults. We take great pride in helping our younger patients achieve excellent oral health and pediatric dental services in Siouxland and the surrounding communities.

Sioux City and Elk Point Pediatric Dentistry

It’s important to take care of your teeth to maintain good health. We advise brushing and flossing your teeth regularly to prevent tooth decay, visiting one of our offices at least twice a year, avoiding using your teeth to open or tear things, and staying away from foods and drinks that can cause stains. We’re passionate about promoting healthy teeth.

When it comes to children, it’s even more crucial to ensure that their teeth receive excellent dental care. Your family dentist can explain why providing additional assistance and attention is necessary for your kids’ teeth. Visiting the dentist can be a scary experience for children, as they have to sit still in a chair while someone looks inside their mouth and uses different tools. It’s helpful to find a professional who can meet the needs of your entire family expertly.

We offer pediatric dentistry at each location—in Sioux City, IA (Lakeport St. and Hamilton St.), and Elk Point, SD. Schedule your child’s appointment online using the link below or visit our contact page for information on the location nearest you.

A young girl sits in a dental exam chair with a toothbrush in her mouth at a pediatric dentistry appointment
  • What are the common issues of dental health in children?

    Many of a kid’s dental problems are the same ones affecting adults, but as children’s teeth are still developing, untreated dental conditions can cause poor and misaligned tooth development, leading to a more serious problem as a child grows up.

    Some of the most common issues with children are:

    • Tooth decay
    • Bad breath
    • Sensitive teeth
    • Thumb-sucking
    • Gum disease
    • Teeth grinding
    • Canker sores
    • Baby teeth-loss
    • Over-retained primary teeth
    • Dental Anxiety
  • How should I care for my baby's teeth?

    Care for baby teeth should begin as soon as the first tooth appears. We recommend that you bring your child in for an exam no later than his or her first birthday. And regular six-month checkups from then on will put kids on a similar schedule to most adults. We can monitor your child for dental problems while customizing preventive coaching to fit specific conditions.

    As a parent, some early steps can help guard your child against tooth decay, even before the first dental visit:

    • Your baby’s teeth should always be flushed with water or wiped down with a damp cloth after feeding, especially before they fall asleep. Milk or formula residue left in the mouth can promote decay even in the youngest patients. Untreated cavities can eventually lead to pain and infection.
    • Try to wean your child off breastfeeding or bottled milk by age one year. This effort helps avoid decay and minimizes the chance of jaw growth problems from excessive sucking.
    • Begin brushing as soon as the first tooth appears. Even a small piece of tooth showing can develop a cavity. Start by brushing with a soft-bristled brush and water, and ask your dentist when it’s ok to begin using a small amount of toothpaste.
    • Once your child is old enough to begin brushing on his or her own, continue to monitor their brushing, going back to clean any areas they may have missed.
    • Don’t give bottles of sugary drinks or milk before bedtime.
    • Use a straw with sugary beverages to allow the teeth to have less contact with the liquid.
    • Try to limit the overall sugary foods your child eats and drinks.
  • What is pulp therapy?

    If your child starts to complain about sensitivity or constant pain, or if the tissue around a tooth is swollen and painful, they may have pulp damage. Damage to the interior living part of the tooth can occur because of trauma, decay, or other infection. The ‘pulp’ refers to the live part of the tooth.

    If the pulp is damaged, it is important to retain as much of the living pulp as possible, while also treating the infection or removing any damaged sections. One way we do this is with a pulpotomy.

    A pulpotomy can be performed if the pulp root is unaffected, and just the tip of the pulp is damaged. If the root is healthy we will remove all the decay and then place material over the remaining pulp to protect it. Finally, we will place a crown. By saving the pulp, your child has a greater chance of producing a healthy adult tooth.

    A pulpectomy is performed if the damage has extended into the tooth root, we will need to remove all of the living material and fill the space — just like an adult root canal. We will place a crown to help with spacing when the adult tooth is ready to come in.

  • Is thumb sucking harmful?

    Thumb sucking is a natural reflex for children. It usually isn’t a concern unless it continues as the permanent teeth come in, which could cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and tooth alignment. In such cases, consult with our dentists.

  • What is fluoride, and is it safe for my child?

    Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. It also has the ability to reverse early decay. Fluoride is considered safe and beneficial for children, but it should be used in appropriate amounts. We can advise you on your child’s fluoride needs.

What are you waiting for?

We strive to provide high-quality, gentle dental care at The Dentist of Siouxland offices. Explore all of our services or schedule your appointment.

The Dentist of Siouxland at Lakeport

Hablamos Español

3434 S. Lakeport St.
Sioux City, IA 51106
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Hours

Monday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Thursday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Front Desk Only)

Phone

(712) 276-8391

Email Address

[email protected]

The Dentist of Siouxland at Hamilton

2930 Hamilton Blvd
STE 103, Building Upper F
Sioux City, IA 51104
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Hours

Monday - Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Phone

(712) 255-1440

Email Address

[email protected]

The Dentist of Siouxland at Elk Point

109 E. Main Street
P.O. Box 368
Elk Point, SD 57025
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Hours

Monday: 7:30 a.m - 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Thursday: 8:00 a.m - 5:30 p.m.
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: Closed

Phones answered during normal business hours any day Monday-Friday

Phone

(605) 356-2271

Email Address

[email protected]