Dentistry for Children
Pediatric Dentistry
Dentistry In Oak Park is a family dental practice and we provide dental care to all age groups but we love to treat children and we make sure they leave our office with smiles on their faces.
We strive to make your child’s first dental visits to become a positive and a rewarding experience. We understand how important it is to create a lifelong positive attitude towards dental care.
Taking good care of your dental health will benefit your child. The bacteria found in tooth decay is transmittable. It is passed from parents or caregivers to a child, as well as from child to child.
Therefore it is very important for expectant mother to receive regular dental care - exams, cleaning as well fillings if needed.
We recommend that you start your child’s oral hygiene even before baby tooth eruption, by cleaning your baby’s gum with wet cloth every day. After baby teeth have erupted, gently brush them with appropriate size, soft-bristled toothbrush using a pea-size amount of fluoride-free toothpaste.
When your child has learned how to rinse and spit after brushing, fluoride toothpaste may be used, but again - the amount used should be very tiny.
Your Child’s First Dental Visit
We recommend that you schedule your child’s dental visit by his/her 2nd birthday. Our goal when treating young patients is to make each visit an enjoyable and fun experience. We want your child to feel comfortable in our dental environment. We offer age-appropriate explanation and education.
During the first visit we will check your child’s teeth and record any finding. We will provide you with support related to home oral hygiene and discuss your child diet.
Some children will just sit in the dental chair or on the parent’s lap and get the ride in dental chair. Most children will have their teeth checked, polished and depending on individual needs may receive fluoride treatment. It is recommended that your kids get check up and cleaning every 6 months.
We want your child’s visit to be as pleasant and stress free as possible - kids can play video games while waiting as well as watch their favorite movies while receiving cleaning or dental treatment.
Common Problems
Dental decay is caused by bacteria that adheres to the tooth enamel and brakes down sugars for diet to produce acid. Acid softens the enamel which eventually leads to cavity formation. Good oral hygiene, low sugar diet and preventive dental treatment will contribute to your child’s well being and self-esteem.
Why Is It Important To Fix Baby Teeth
It is important to treat cavities in baby teeth by placement of fillings. Dental decay, if untreated may negatively impact your child’s quality of life. Untreated cavities may cause pain or lead to abscess formation which may affect development of permanent teeth. We use tooth colored, mercury-free fillings.
In Emergency Situation - in case of pain, swelling or accident related broken tooth call our office as soon as possible. We schedule emergency appointments on the same working day!
Sealants
Usually are placed soon after eruption of permanent molars to fill in the anatomical groove and pits that trap decay causing bacteria. More about Sealants
For young Athletes
We recommend sport guards to prevent sport-related injuries to teeth and jaw bones. If needed we offer referrals to reputable specialists - pediatric dentists and orthodontists. More About Sport Guards
Laughing Gas
A safe method that helps overcome the anxiety for apprehensive young patients. More About Laughing Gas
Space Maintainers
Should extraction of a baby tooth become necessary we provide a young patient with a small appliance called Space Maintainer to preserve space for permanent toot until it is ready for eruption.
Orthodontics
If needed we offer referral to reputable specialists - pediatric dentists and orthodontists.
All members of our team are CPR trained.