Pediatric Dentistry

Oral health is a journey that ideally starts at a very young age with your child’s first visit to Big Smile Dental. And as your child gets older, new considerations arise, yet regular professional check-ups and routine cleaning combined with effective at-home care should remain consistent.

Introducing your child to dental care at a young age can help teach children how to fight tooth decay by developing good daily hygiene practices and helping them overcome their natural fear of a dentist appointment.

Having healthy teeth and mouth will also support a child’s overall health because dental problems can affect the rest of the body. For this reason, our mission at Big Smile Dental is to provide the highest quality dental care to children and adolescents while ensuring a positive experience and a practical and cost-effective approach to dental care.

What Is Pediatric Dentistry?

Pediatric dentistry is a branch of dentistry concerned with examining and managing children’s dental health. Dental procedures are generally regarded as frightening and painful experiences that most people prefer to avoid, particularly among children. However, children must regularly have their milk teeth checked by pediatric dentists for evidence of cavities and tooth decay.

Comprehensive pediatric dental treatments include but are not limited to:

• Regular check-ups
• Dental cleanings with scaling by a hygienist
• Fluoride treatments
• Tooth restorations
• Dental emergency procedures
• Mouthguards
• Oral hygiene instructions

When children require dental procedures that go beyond routine check-ups and preventive care, the specialists use safe and effective methods of sedation, such as nitrous oxide, to ensure their comfort at all times.

Establishing Good Dental Habits

Getting your child to develop good oral health care habits is one of the most important aspects of pediatric dentistry. Introducing children to the dentist from an early age will help them grow accustomed to the experience as they get older and make annual dentist appointments a part of their routine.

The dentist can also advise your child on proper brushing and flossing techniques. Dental professionals trained in pediatric care understand how to interact with children and make them feel at ease. The caring staff at Big Smile Dental will create a fun environment using toothbrushes and games to show children how to brush and floss their teeth properly. This special effort will help kids understand the importance of brushing and daily hygiene practices.

Dental Care for Baby

The American Dental Association recommends your child’s first dental visit within six months of their first baby tooth coming in or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. During your visit, Dr. Siegel will discuss things such as:

• How to clean baby teeth
• Pacifier use and the consequences of other habits
• How to identify tooth decay risk

Children of all ages, including babies and toddlers, are susceptible to tooth decay. The enamel coating on baby teeth is thinner than on adult teeth, making them more susceptible to decay. Baby bottle decay is a significant threat to your infant’s teeth. Putting your child to bed with a bottle of sugary drinks, including fruit juices, promotes erosion of the tooth structure. Dipping pacifiers in sugar water or juice to appease the baby also promotes decay, and prolonged or forceful pacifier use can be detrimental to oral health.

Anytime a child sucks repeatedly on an object, the upper teeth may tip out. Early loss of teeth can also affect the way permanent teeth develop. These conditions are highly preventable. For this reason, your child’s newly erupted teeth (which appear between the ages of six and 12 months) must receive proper dental care and benefit from proper oral hygiene habits from the start.

Dental Care For School-Aged Kids

By the age of three, most children have a full set of 20 baby teeth. And around the age of six, these children begin to lose their baby teeth. Children between the ages of six and 12 have a mix of adult and baby teeth. And most children have all of their adult teeth by 12 (except for the third molars). Between the ages of five and seven, the first or six-year molars are often noticeable. The second or 12-year molars typically come in no later than your child’s 14th birthday and no earlier than their 11th birthday.

Sealants may have been recommended for your child before pre-K, especially if the baby’s teeth were deeply pitted and grooved. These thin coatings protect back teeth from decay that may threaten the baby teeth and the development of permanent teeth. Generally, it’s recommended kids get sealants on their permanent molars as soon as those teeth erupt.

If your child takes up sports, the Big Smile Dental office staff can discuss the best ways to prevent injuries. For instance, mouth guards may be customized to prevent teeth from being knocked out and reduce the force of blows that can cause jaw fractures, concussions, and neck trauma.

Dental Care for Teens

Kids are busier than ever in high school. Hence, they may be tempted to skimp on good oral care between homework, sports, and other activities. Children may be at greater risk of tooth decay in their teen years than at any other time due to:

• The sheer number of new permanent teeth sprouting from the gums is more susceptible to erosion.
• More permanent teeth also mean more surface areas susceptible to decay.
• It’s easier to avoid visiting the dentist because of a parent’s busy schedule.
• Busy teens may reach for sugary and acidic foods and drinks, making teeth vulnerable to damage.

Your child may have had braces or other orthodontic treatment by this time. If not, Invisalign can be an option to fit your kid’s active lifestyle. These straightening aligners can be removed for cleaning and eating. And since the aligners are clear, children don’t fear being teased for wearing braces.

For whole-family health, call 773-772-8400 to schedule an appointment with Big Smile Dental services.

Why Choose Big Smile Dental Services?

The first step toward achieving a healthy smile is by making a dentist appointment with one of the best dental clinics in Chicago. Our dental professionals have been in the pediatric industry for many years and are dedicated to caring for little smiles. Big Smile Dental is committed to creating a friendly environment that provides exceptional care for children of all ages.

Using the latest dental technology, our experienced staff works together to give you an exceptional dental experience from the time you walk in for your initial visit, providing your family the highest quality professional dental care in the most comfortable environment. Ultimately, our goal is to help children feel good about visiting the dental office and instill healthy oral habits that promote a lifetime of beautiful smiles.