PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY NAPERVILLE
Everything Growing Smiles Need to Thrive
The understanding of why at-home oral hygiene and visiting the dentist is such an important part of maintaining a healthy smile is built at a young age. Dr. Dulli and our associates at Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics Consultants are committed to building these good habits starting as young as one year old, and helping foster them all the way up until adulthood. With routine, professional preventive dentistry like checkups and cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants, we’re able to ward off the threat of decay and keep your favorite smile shining. Call us today to schedule a visit!
Why Choose Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics Consultants for Kid’s Preventive Dental Care?
- Safe Hospital Sedation from an Experienced Pediatric Anesthesiologist
- We Accept & Maximize Dental Insurance & Offer Financing
- Compassionate, Friendly & Knowledgeable Dental Team
Dental Checkups & Cleanings
Starting at one year-old, your child should begin visiting our office every six months for professional checkups and cleanings. Their first couple of appointments may not include a cleaning, but once they begin to feel more comfortable with our team, we’ll clear away all plaque and tartar from the surface of their teeth to prevent cavities from developing. We’ll also examine their mouth for common dental problems, ranging from baby bottle and nursing tooth decay and lip and tongue-ties to orthodontic issues.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a helpful tool when it comes to stopping and preventing dental caries, which is one of the most common chronic diseases that impact children. It’s a natural mineral that’s able to strengthen the outermost layer of the teeth, called the enamel, stopping bacteria from penetrating the deeper layers. For many children, fluoride can be the difference between needing a filling and not at their next dental checkup!
Silver Diamine Fluoride
Silver Diamine Fluoride, often abbreviated as SDF, is a non-invasive treatment that we use to stop early cavities from progressing. The antibacterial properties of SDF allows us to treat minor cavities without having to place a filling, which might be a challenge with younger children. Usually, SDF is applied onto the tooth with a small brush covering the accessible decayed areas . Over time, these decayed areas of the tooth will be stained black which is a normal process. It’s important to note that SDF isn’t the ideal option for every patient, so Dr. Dulli will assess your child before recommending the treatment. In some cases, a tooth-colored filling may be necessary.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are clear protective coatings that we can brush over the top of your child’s molars as a way to prevent food debris and bacteria from accumulating in their crevices. This treatment is ideal for protecting teeth from decay and the treatment is completely non-invasive and pain-free. Plus, with good oral hygiene and care, they will continue to protect your child’s teeth for years to come!
Non-Nutritive Habits
Thumb- and pacifier-sucking are completely normal, healthy self-soothing habits that many children use to help them feel safe and secure. However, once your child turns three, the suction from these habits can lead to future orthodontic problems like an open bite or crossbite. If your child hasn’t naturally begun to stop self-soothing in these ways, our team can provide you with helpful tips and methods to help them wean off of these habits.