Dentistry for Kids
Dentist McHenry, IL
 Children should be seen by the dentist every six months starting with the eruption of their first tooth. From this point on, they are susceptible to cavities and other dental conditions. Our pediatric dentistry services at McHenry Smile Center work to prevent these conditions and monitor your child’s dental development. We provide a variety of preventive treatments and can provide information on the most common oral health problems that kids face.
First Visit
You should bring your baby for their first dental appointment by the time they are a year old or within six months of the eruption of their first tooth. This visit typically includes a light cleaning and full visual exam of the jaw, teeth, gums, other oral tissues, and bite. X-rays are available for young kids, but these are generally only provided if there is a concern. Due to children possibly being sensitive to the x-rays and since baby teeth fall out, these are not really needed to monitor development. Before you leave, our pediatric dentist will also provide information about oral health care for your children at home.
Available Treatments
Like adults, children receive teeth cleanings every six months. These are very gentle and become more comprehensive as they get older and more teeth come in. Children also commonly receive fluoride treatment and dental sealants. Fluoride is a mineral found in water that helps your child’s teeth stay strong. They typically do not get enough of this in their diet, so we can administer it topically or by prescribing a fluoride supplement. Dental sealants are given to children that have very deep grooves in their teeth. These are simple to place and helpful in preventing cavities.
Unfortunately, tooth decay is fairly common in children because they do not always take proper care of their teeth. For these conditions, we may need to prescribe antibiotics and provide a deeper cleaning. Fillings may also be necessary if they get a cavity. We also provide pediatric pulp therapy (root canal) to restore the teeth and stainless-steel crowns (caps on the teeth) to prevent further decay.
Children may also need orthodontic treatment at times when certain issues may arise. For instance, braces or similar treatments are used to properly align teeth that do not develop properly. We also provide retainers to be worn overnight once the braces are removed. This ensures that the teeth stay in their new position. Mouthguards, both for sport and nighttime use, are common among children as well.
Common Oral Health Conditions
Dental erosion, or tooth decay, is common among our younger patients. Poor oral hygiene and exposure to highly acidic foods and beverages are the two main causes. Gingivitis occurs as a result of improper oral hygiene. This is a condition in which the gums become infected and inflamed. We treat this with antibiotics, professional cleaning, and a better home oral care plan. Periodontitis occurs when gingivitis is not treated. This can lead to gum and bone loss, including teeth. This requires ongoing deep cleaning treatment since it is a chronic condition. For more information about our pediatric dentistry services, call (815) 578-1000. |
