1601 River Drive
Suite 300, Moline, IL 61265
(309) 277-3480
Beautiful Smile Makeovers, Advanced General Dentistry
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Moline Pediatric Dentist

4 small children smiling with their mouths open

Dr. Goebel’s goal is to treat the whole family with high-quality dental care in one location. Parents like the idea of having one dental office for their family.

What Is A Pediatric Dentist?

Pediatric dentists are specialists that have received two extra years of training.

Dr. Goebel is a general dentist, not a pediatric dentist, but he has been trained in dental school in meeting all the basic care needs of children. If your child has special needs that would require a specialist, Dr. Goebel will not hesitate to refer your child to a pediatric dentist.

Your Child’s First Visit

We recommend that your child visit the dentist for the first time when they are 2-3 years old. We invite you to bring them along to one of your regular check-ups. Our goal is to familiarize them with the examination room and dental equipment.

The first appointment will be relatively short, and Dr. Goebel will examine your child’s teeth and gums. We may clean your child’s teeth. Older children with permanent teeth present are also given fluoride treatments to help protect their teeth against decay.

Preparing Your Child for Their First Pediatric Dental Visit

  • Don’t wait until your child has a problem or has dental pain. Under those circumstances, a visit can create an unpleasant first impression of the dentist that will be difficult to overcome.
  • Try not to over-prepare your child for their visit; it will usually backfire. Your child will sense that this is something to worry about.
  • Don’t treat dental care as a punishment. Some parents will say, “If you don’t brush your teeth, you will get cavities and then have to go to the dentist.”
  • Your child will often adopt the same attitude that you show toward dental care.
  • Read books with them about going to the dentist.

Cavity Protection

Limiting sugar intake and brushing regularly can help avoid cavities. Some good tips to prevent cavities are to limit the frequency of meals and snacks, encourage brushing, flossing, and rinsing, watch what your child drinks, avoid giving your child sticky foods, make treats part of meals, and choose nutritious snacks for your child.

Dental Tips for Parents

  • Your child should attend at least two check-ups and cleanings each year. The goal is to stop cavities before they ever begin.
  • Begin cleaning your child’s teeth as soon as they pop through.
  • Make toothbrushing fun. You can lead by example, play songs, or play games while brushing.
  • A pea-sized amount of toothpaste is all they need. If you use too much, your child may swallow it, causing them to get too much fluoride.

Dr. Goebel will make your child’s dentist visits light, upbeat, and fun!

A woman, man, and two young children hugging and smiling at the camera

Do you need a dentist for your child? Dr. Goebel will be happy to meet with you for a consultation. You can call our office or visit our request an appointment page.