Dental Care For All Children Ages 1-18

(779) 221-2006 Rockford, IL

SpecialNeedsDentistRockfordIL.com

Why worry about baby teeth?

Baby teeth are important to the health of your child!

They can get cavities just like permanent teeth, and since they have nerves, a cavity could cause pain and even an infection.

In addition, baby teeth play a very important role in holding space for the permanent teeth.

Some baby teeth will remain in your child's mouth until they are twelve years of age, so it's important to take care of them.

Why get my child's teeth cleaned?

Your child's dental cleaning is an important part of their dental health. At our office, we will thoroughly clean

your child's teeth, but almost as importantly, we will demonstrate good oral hygiene.

We will teach your child and you how to clean and brush their teeth.

Cleaning the teeth reduces the bacterial levels in your child's mouth, and improves the health of their teeth and gums.

In addition, it facilitates our examination of your child's mouth, your child's comfort in our office,

and removal of any external staining or discoloration on your child's teeth.

We love to talk to your kids about why it's so important to have a healthy mouth and to

make healthy choices; just talk to your dentist or dental hygienist!

Pediatric dentists have special training to assess developing children's growth, their teeth and their facial development.

We are trained to work with children from an early age—the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the

ADA recommend that a child see a dentist 6 months after eruption of the first tooth or by the first birthday.

At this visit, a pediatric dentist can provide specific guidance for a parent—care for the teeth and gums,

nutrition counseling, and developmental guidance specific to your child.

Pediatric dentists also receive postgraduate training to address the special needs of medically and physically compromised children.

My child sucks his thumb or still uses his pacifier, what should I do?

Oral habits can be a concern for many parents, and can contribute to changes in your child's teeth and/or face.

Your pediatric dentist will approach your child's habit in a way specific to your child, keeping in mind the health of the teeth,

gums and facial structures as well as the psychological health of the child.

Sealants

Sealants are a wonderful way to protect your child's teeth, specifically the chewing surfaces of the molars, which can be vulnerable to dental cavities.

Talk to your dentist about the best time to consider this great preventive option for your child.

Mouthguards

Does your child play soccer, basketball, hockey, or football? For active kids, especially those with permanent teeth.

A mouthguard is an important consideration, as falls and sports rank first and fourth as the most common cause of injury to the permanent teeth.

Helmets, faceguards, mouthguards, and other protective gear can make a life-changing injury merely insignificant, if they are worn appropriately.

A custom mouthguard can be made for your child by your pediatric dentist, or you can buy a preformed mouthguard at your nearest sports store.

For Teens

Regular consumption of soda and sports drinks can change your risk level for cavities at any time during your life.

Your dentist can suggest some alternatives that will keep you performing on the sports field without destroying your teeth.

Talk to your dentist about whether or not bleaching is for you, and what the best time is to start.

The chemicals used for tooth whitening can cause serious damage to your teeth and gums if used improperly.

According to the US Dept of Health and Human Services, each year tobacco,

both the inhaled and smokeless types, kills more citizens than alcohol, illicit drugs, homicide, suicide, car accidents, and fire combined.

Don't do it! Here are just a few of the things that can happen to you if you pierce your tongue, cheeks, lips or uvula.

Pain, infection, scar formation, tooth fractures, allergic reactions to the metal used, gum disease, speech problems, nerve damage

unregulated piercing parlors or techniques have been known to transmit hepatitis (infection of your

liver), tetanus (could paralyze you),

tuberculosis (could affect

your lungs for life), and bacterial endocarditis (an infection that could permanently damage the valves of the heart).

Bleeding, swelling, or airway obstruction

Dental Care For All Children Ages 1-18

“Call Us Today” (779) 221-2006

Rockford, IL

SpecialNeedsDentistRockfordIL.com