Children’s Dentist in Des Moines, IA

Your child’s first dental visits shape how they feel about oral care for the rest of their life. A calm, positive start builds habits and confidence lasting into adulthood. At Des Moines Cosmetic Dentistry Center, Stephen Forrest, D.D.S. welcomes children as part of caring for the whole family, with more than 30 years of experience treating patients of every age across the Des Moines metro.

As a family dental practice, we make it simple for parents and children to receive care in one place. Your child sees a familiar, friendly dentist in a comfortable office, and you skip the hassle of separate appointments at separate practices.

When Should Your Child First See a Dentist?

The American Dental Association recommends a child’s first dental visit by age one, or within six months of the first tooth coming in. Early visits are less about treatment and more about getting your child comfortable in the dental chair and giving you guidance on caring for their teeth at home. Starting young helps your child see the dentist as a normal, friendly part of life rather than something to fear.

What to Expect at Your Child’s Visit

A child’s dental visit is gentle and unhurried. Dr. Forrest examines your child’s teeth and gums, checks how their teeth are developing, and cleans away plaque. He explains everything in simple, friendly terms so your child knows what is happening at each step. For parents, he answers questions about brushing, diet, thumb-sucking, teething, and any habits worth watching. The goal of every visit is a child who leaves feeling at ease and a parent who leaves informed.

Children’s Dental Services at Des Moines Cosmetic Dentistry Center

Dr. Forrest provides the everyday dental care children need to grow healthy smiles.

Cleanings and Checkups

Regular cleanings and checkups remove plaque, catch small problems early, and keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy. These visits also give Dr. Forrest a chance to track your child’s dental development over time.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a thin protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth, where cavities most often form in children. Sealants are quick, painless, and one of the most effective ways to prevent decay in young teeth.

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps protect against cavities. A simple fluoride treatment during a checkup adds an extra layer of protection for your child’s developing teeth.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

When a child does get a cavity, tooth-colored fillings repair the tooth while blending in naturally. Dr. Forrest keeps the experience as comfortable and reassuring as possible.

The Advantage of a Family Dental Practice

Choosing a family dentist means your whole household receives care in one place. You book appointments for yourself and your children at the same practice, build a relationship with one dentist over the years, and give your kids a sense of continuity as they grow. Children also learn by example. When they watch a parent sit calmly through a cleaning, they feel calmer about their own visits.

If your child ever needs specialized treatment beyond general dental care, Dr. Forrest will refer you to a trusted pediatric specialist. Honesty about what your child needs is part of how the practice earns your trust.

Helping Your Child Feel Comfortable at the Dentist

A few simple steps make dental visits easier for children:

• Talk about the dentist in positive terms at home
• Read books or watch shows about visiting the dentist
• Schedule appointments for times when your child is rested and fed
• Stay calm yourself, since children pick up on a parent’s nerves
• Praise your child afterward for a good visit

Dr. Forrest and his team do their part too, with patience, gentle explanations, and a welcoming approach to help children relax.

Why Families in Des Moines Choose Dr. Stephen Forrest

Dr. Forrest earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Iowa in 1985 and has cared for patients of all ages across the Des Moines area for more than 30 years. He holds a Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry and is a member of the Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the Iowa Dental Association. Families appreciate his patient, unhurried approach and the convenience of one practice for everyone.

“Children remember how a dental visit made them feel. When we keep it gentle and positive, we give them a healthy relationship with dental care for a lifetime. This is what I want for every child who sits in my chair,” says Dr. Stephen Forrest.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should my child first visit the dentist?

The American Dental Association recommends a first visit by age one or within six months of the first tooth. Early visits help your child grow comfortable with dental care.

How often should my child see the dentist?

Most children benefit from a checkup and cleaning every six months, the same schedule recommended for adults. Dr. Forrest lets you know if your child needs a different schedule.

Do baby teeth matter if they fall out anyway?

Yes. Baby teeth hold space for adult teeth, help your child chew and speak, and guide permanent teeth into position. Healthy baby teeth set the stage for a healthy adult smile.

Does the practice see children of all ages?

Yes. Dr. Forrest welcomes children from their first tooth through the teenage years as part of caring for the whole family.

What if my child is nervous about the dentist?

Dr. Forrest and his team use patience and gentle explanations to help nervous children relax. Letting the team know ahead of time helps them make your child as comfortable as possible.

Schedule Your Child’s Dental Visit in Des Moines

Give your child a healthy start with a dental home the whole family relies on. Call (515) 516-6769 to schedule your child’s visit with Dr. Forrest at Des Moines Cosmetic Dentistry Center.