Gentle Dental Care for Children
At New Image Dental, we’re dedicated to your child’s present and future oral health as much as you are! We offer a variety of pediatric dental treatments and services to meet your child’s needs while making sure they feel as comfortable as possible at our Streamwood dental office.
We recommend children begin seeing a dentist as soon as their first tooth has erupted. It may seem very early, but bringing them at this age can prevent later dental anxieties. At New Image Dental, Dr. Brian Fitz and our team provide state-of-the-art treatment for all of our pediatric patients.
What is the Goal of Pediatric Dentistry?
Children’s dentistry services should begin as soon as possible. The primary goal of pediatric dentistry is to keep your child’s teeth healthy while building strong, healthy dental habits for their future. Providing a good foundation for your child’s dental care helps minimize dental issues well into adulthood. The sooner your child is familiarized with the dentist’s office, the less likely they are to experience fear or anxiety during their routine visits.
When our dentists familiarize themselves with your child early on, we can build a relationship of trust with them. When children trust their dentists, we can better help them prevent cavities, misaligned teeth, gum disease, and other dental issues. By establishing trust and helping them feel safe, your child might be excited to see us twice a year for regular dental exams and cleanings.
Your Child’s First Appointment
For your child’s comfort, their first dental appointment will be quick and straightforward. Dr. Fitz will greet your little one, count their teeth, then examine their gums, lips, tongue, and cheeks. You will stay in the room with your child at all times.
Dr. Fitz will also discuss with you your family dental history and your child’s teething. He will also advise you on pacifier use, feeding, and sleeping habits. This is also the best time to ask any questions you may have about their dental care or oral health.
Children’s Dental Procedures
For the most part, your child’s dental exams will look a lot like yours, once they have all their teeth. They will visit Dr. Fitz twice a year for cleanings, check-ups, and annual X-rays. Other common children’s dentistry procedures include:
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a thin, dental-grade resin coating that we’ll place on some of your child’s teeth. This material acts as a shield against harmful bacteria, which prevents future cavities from forming in your child’s teeth. Sealants can last for over 10 years with proper care and are easy to replace in the event of a break. This means your child’s teeth can have an extra layer of protection throughout their childhood years.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral that helps strengthen enamel and prevents decay. As part of your child’s preventive care, we provide fluoride treatment in the form of a highly concentrated gel. This safe solution is applied with a swab or brush or placed in a tray that’s held in the mouth for several minutes. Getting the right amount of fluoride is important for the health of your child’s teeth. We’ll work with you to make the best decisions regarding your child’s preventive care.
Dental fillings
Kids love sugary snacks and typically haven’t yet learned how to make healthy food decisions. These and other factors may lead to tooth decay and a need for dental fillings. To stop the process of decay, a small drill will be used to remove the infected area. The hole is then sealed with a filling material.
Mouthguards
Dr. Fitz recommends a mouthguard for anyone who participates in high-contact sports. If your child plays football, baseball, hockey, or any other contact sport, we can fit them for a mouthguard to keep their smiles safe while on the field.
A custom mouthguard offers more protection than anything you can buy over the counter. They’re more discreet, and make speaking easier than store-bought solutions. Because a custom mouthguard will also be more comfortable for your child, they’ll be much more likely to wear it when necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before your baby’s teeth have erupted, you can use a soft, warm washcloth to gently wipe their gums. Once their first tooth comes in, use a minuscule amount of fluoride toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice) and a soft baby toothbrush to gently clean the tooth twice a day. You should also make an appointment at our Staten Island dental office as soon as their first tooth has emerged.
You can increase the amount of toothpaste to roughly the size of a pea as your child grows into toddlerhood. It’s also important that you encourage your child to brush their own teeth starting at a young age.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has confirmed that fluoride treatments are not only safe for children, but they’re also an important means of preventing tooth decay. Just make sure that any fluoride applications for your child are performed by a qualified pediatric dentist.
In most cases, your child will be able to return to school or daycare after their appointment is completed. This will depend on the type of appointment, the amount of treatment completed, and your child’s ability to tolerate the procedure.
We understand that early appointments are often inconvenient for parents. Please understand that we make this recommendation with your child’s best interests in mind.
Building Foundations of Trust At New Image Dental
We are committed to your child’s oral health, and we know building trust between patients and doctors is essential. When your child is ready for their first dental visit, New Image Dental is ready for them. To set up an appointment, call (630) 837-0887 or fill out our online contact form.
