Pediatric Dentist Blog

Your child’s pediatric dentist in Palos Heights, IL, believes in regular checkups for children of all ages to help prevent oral health conditions, including oral cancer.

Can Kids Get Oral Cancer?

According to the National Cancer Institute, oral cancer in children is extremely rare. Yet, it’s still important to be vigilant. At Palos Pediatric Dentistry, we monitor your child’s smile ...

World Oral Health Day on March 20 is the perfect opportunity for parents to reinforce the habits that set children up for lifelong oral health. Establishing these strong routines early helps prevent cavities, supports proper periodontal (gum) development, and generally makes dental visits a positive experience. 

With guidance from a trusted pediatric dentist in Palos Heights like Dr. Richard ...

Too often, convincing children to brush can feel like a painful negotiation. The good news? With the right, collaborative approach, brushing can become something kids look forward to. At Palos Pediatric Dentistry, we help young families in Palos Heights turn daily oral care into an empowering routine, rather than a forced chore.

1. Create a “Tooth Hero” Story

Children love using their ...

The start of a new year is a great opportunity for families to reset their routines, including those supporting kids’ oral health. Creating simple, achievable children’s dental resolutions for 2026 in Palos Heights can help kids build habits that protect their smiles all year long. The key is that, when dental goals feel fun and attainable, kids are more likely ...

When kids flash those adorable, gummy grins or show off their first tiny teeth, it’s easy to think baby teeth are just “practice teeth.” After all, they fall out… right? But at Palos Pediatric Dentistry, we love reminding families that baby teeth play a big role in your child’s growth, comfort, and confidence. Here’s why those little teeth matter more ...

Did you know that the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and our dentists recommend that your child have their first dental visit by age one? It's true! While this may seem early to some parents, children need to establish a positive relationship with their dentist early on, so they understand the importance of caring for their dental health in the ...

Being a parent is both rewarding and difficult; you do whatever you can to keep your child safe, healthy, and happy. But even if you have the best intentions and work with your child on proper brushing and flossing techniques, tooth decay is still a common concern.

At Palos Pediatric Dentistry, we understand the stress associated with dental visits; that’s why ...

When you think about children’s orthodontics, you might be imagining a middle or high school-aged child. You may have a younger child whom you’ve never considered taking to a children’s dentist in Palos Heights, Illinois.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children be screened by an orthodontist at age 7, for one very good reason. There ...

As parents, we do everything we can to protect our children, from scraped knees to sniffles. But did you know that something as innocent as a bedtime bottle could put your child’s smile at risk? Let’s talk about bottlemouth syndrome: what it is, why it matters, and how Palos Heights families can prevent it.

What Is Bottle Mouth Syndrome?

Bottle mouth syndrome ...

Updated on September 16, 2025

Choosing a dentist for your child is a big decision. As a parent, you want a provider who not only cares for their teeth but also makes ...

For many parents, the idea of their child undergoing dental sedation can be unnerving. It doesn’t have to be.

Sedation dentistry is a safe, effective, and commonly used tool for pediatric dentists to help young patients stay relaxed and comfortable during procedures. Whether your child has significant dental anxiety, special healthcare needs, or needs a more complex treatment, sedation ...

As we all strive to raise happy, healthy children, long-term oral health is an important detail that sometimes doesn’t receive the focus it deserves. But here’s a little secret: promoting great smiles doesn’t have to be boring.

In fact, the best way to instill healthy habits in kids is to blend them into activities they already love. If you're looking for ...

At Palos Pediatric Dentistry, we are committed to providing the highest level of care for our young patients. One way we uphold this standard is by exclusively using American-made dental materials. This decision is rooted in our dedication to safety, quality, and supporting local businesses. We understand that parents want the best for their children, ensuring that every material used ...

2025 is here, and it's time to talk about dental New Year's resolutions! Nothing is more precious than your child's healthy smile; we know you're committed to protecting it as a parent. So, here are some helpful tips and smile resolutions to guide your focus for 2025.

#1 

Teething is a wild ride for both babies and parents. As those tiny teeth start pushing through, you’ll probably notice lots of drooling, crankiness, and maybe a few sleepless nights. Totally normal, right? Most of the time, it is! But here’s the thing—not every teething symptom is business as usual.

Sometimes, what seems like a teething hiccup could actually be a ...

Imagine this: Your child, full of joy and excitement, suddenly winces in pain while eating their favorite snack. A cavity that you didn’t even know was there has turned into a serious issue. As a parent, it’s heartbreaking to see your child in discomfort and even more so to realize that something so simple could have been prevented. But there’s ...

Being a parent is hard. You’re responsible for your child’s health and well-being, but sometimes, the stress of work, finances, and everyday life makes it feel impossible to be a good parent. At Palos Pediatric Dentistry, we understand how a busy schedule, financial stress, or dental anxiety might keep you from taking your child to the dentist.

We want you ...

Did you have braces as a child? Starting orthodontic treatment in childhood can make all the difference in having a healthier, more confident smile as an adult. As your child’s baby teeth fall out and permanent teeth begin to emerge, you might start wondering if they’ll need braces in the future. While it’s common to notice signs of potential orthodontic ...

A comprehensive and consistent oral health routine is crucial to robust bite integrity and smile aesthetics. The sooner a person commits to becoming an active participant in their oral health, the smoother their journey to a lifetime of bright, healthy, and confident smiles!

Today, we’re exploring the crucial role of dental care during childhood, and its role is not just in ...

Dental anxiety is a common issue among children. However, with the right approach, you can help your child feel comfortable and confident during dental visits. Here are our top five tips to help you effectively prevent or manage dental anxiety in children.

1. Start Dental Visits Early

Regular checkups from an early age can also prevent dental issues, ensuring a healthier smile. ...

My team and I extend the warmest welcome if you're new to the area.

In this blog, I share information about things to do and see in Palos Heights and guidelines to help you find the best pediatric dentist for your child. In other words, if you’re searching the internet for a “pediatric dentist around me,” I have some tips that ...

Pediatric Restorative Dentistry in Palos Heights, IL

You want the best for your kids. And yet, some kids tend to be more cavity-prone despite your best efforts. For children with large cavities, the standard of care in pediatric dentistry has always been stainless steel crowns. While these crowns provide a very predictable outcome, they look like a chrome ...

When you see a baby with a pacifier, you don’t think anything of it, and when a toddler gets upset and sucks their thumb, you know they are trying to calm themselves and feel better.

Lots of kids use a pacifier or suck their thumb when they’re little. Although it’s perfectly natural for infants and young children to soothe themselves in ...

When you have a baby, there are many things to consider regarding their care and safety. You may feel overwhelmed with all the decisions, so having a pediatric dentist you can trust regarding your baby’s oral health needs is essential. At Palos Pediatric Dentistry, we provide expert care and advice for children of all ages; we often field questions about ...

Your baby goes through a lot in their first year of life! One of their most significant developments is tooth eruption. It's an exciting time when new teeth emerge because you'll be able to introduce your little one to solid foods, and they'll soon start learning speech patterns and how to form words with their new teeth.

However, new teeth can ...

Ensuring a lifetime of healthy smiles for your children starts with establishing a commitment to good oral hygiene habits at a young age. At our Palos Heights pediatric dental office, we see firsthand the importance of bedtime routines in promoting optimal oral health in children. By incorporating a few simple yet effective practices into your kids' nightly routine, you ...

Many people make New Year’s resolutions as a way to improve themselves. Whether the goal is to lose weight, exercise more, or eat healthier foods, the hope is to improve your health and happiness.

When it comes to your child’s oral health, helping them maintain a healthy and happy smile is also essential during the new year. So, keep reading to ...

Embracing innovative approaches to pediatric dental care is crucial for maintaining children's oral health and minimizing their discomfort. One such advancement is silver diamine fluoride (SDF), a minimally invasive treatment that offers potentially revolutionary benefits for young patients.

Silver Diamine Fluoride: What It Is and How It’s Used in Pediatric Dentistry

Silver diamine fluoride is a liquid compound containing silver, fluoride, ...

If your child has dental insurance, you want to get the most from the benefits it provides. However, because life is so busy, you may not have scheduled the preventive dental treatments your child’s dental insurance covers. Maybe your Palos Heights dentist has recommended a particular dental treatment to improve your child’s oral health. Whatever the circumstances, you should ...

It’s hard to believe that summer’s long, warm days have been replaced with the shorter, cooler days of fall. Not only are pumpkin carving, Halloween, and football regular occurrences in the fall, but did you know October is also National Dental Hygiene Month? So, what is National Dental Hygiene Month, and what can you do to improve your oral health? ...

It’s challenging to monitor what school-aged children eat during the day. Friends share snacks and trade various items throughout the day. However, it’s always a good idea to pack your child a healthy lunch.

Let’s explore what your child’s dentist in Palos Heights, IL, recommends to keep your little one’s teeth healthy this school year.

Whole Grains Equal Nutrition

Whole grain crackers and ...

It’s that time of year again. Your child is either back in school or about to return to the classroom. Your dentist near Oak Lawn wants your child to enjoy a healthy and happy school year, and part of that is dental care.

Let’s unpack a few tips to make this a successful school year for your child’s smile.

#1 Schedule Your ...

With summer in full swing, we at Palos Pediatric Dentistry understand that maintaining your child's oral health can become a bit challenging. The usual routines get disrupted with vacations, camp, sleepovers, and plenty of ice cream treats. But don't worry; we've got you covered! Follow these five fun and simple summer dental health tips to ensure your little ones keep ...

Dental emergencies can feel stressful, especially when your child is experiencing pain or a knocked-out tooth! However, the first step is not to panic, and the next step is to contact your emergency children's dentist in Palos Heights at (708) 263-6708.

At Palos Pediatric Dentistry, we make every effort to care for emergency patients promptly and provide quick relief for ...

If you have a child with special needs, you know it can sometimes be more difficult for your child to do certain things. You want what is best for your child when it comes to dental health, and so do the professionals at Palos Pediatric Dentistry in Palos Heights, IL. Dr. Richard Facko has extensive experience in dental health for ...

It's National Children's Dental Health Month, so it's time to review some helpful tips and tricks for maintaining your little one's oral health. Though NCDHM only comes once a year, we celebrate children's smiles every day. 

One of the ways you celebrate this month with us is by teaching your child the importance of a healthy, cavity-free smile. You can ...

Child dental benefits are an essential aspect of health care that has special recognition, with numerous states offering dental coverage as a part of their sponsored health care program. As a result, the American Dental Association estimates that nine out of ten children have dental coverage either through private insurance or through a Children’s Health Insurance Program.

Such prevalent ...

If you're a parent, then you know one thing especially vital to maintaining any normalcy with daily life is routine. Experts agree that every child should have a morning plan where they wake up, get out of bed, and immediately avoid dragging a comb across their heads. And conversely, their bedtime ritual is just as essential to help them establish ...

If you're the parent or caregiver of a young athlete in Palos Heights (or anywhere), you know that mouthguards are a must-have item. But you may not realize that mouthguards are not just for contact sports like football and hockey. In fact, they can be ...

Fall is around the corner, which means it's also back-to-school season for students everywhere. Regular dental visits are essential all year round, but back-to-school checkups are also crucial for preventing the most common chronic disease affecting school-age children: cavities. 

Dental disease can cause kids to miss more than 51 million school hours yearly. Though going back to school may look a little different ...

We all know permanent teeth ultimately replace baby teeth, but that doesn't make them unimportant. They must last your child for many years of chewing, biting, and smiling. Healthy baby teeth are essential for speech development, proper jaw growth, and for setting a solid foundation for their lifelong smile. In addition, studies show that caring for baby teeth makes for ...

When the structure of a tooth is compromised by damage to the enamel through trauma or infection, the dentist will use a dental crown. This important restoration acts as a shock-absorbing helmet to protect the rest of the tooth from fracture or reinfection and keep it in the mouth. 

We also use a tooth crown when the tooth can no longer ...

Your child's growing smile is precious, and our pediatric dentist Dr. Richard Facko can help your little one keep their teeth healthy. At Palos Pediatric Dentistry, we use Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) to treat hypersensitivity, tooth decay, and cavities in children. 

What Is SDF?

Silver Diamine Fluoride is an FDA-approved antibiotic liquid used to control and prevent dental caries. This noninvasive method ...

Giving your son or daughter the gift of a healthy smile is priceless. Their beautiful smile will help them build confidence and be successful in their interactions with other people.

Achieving a healthy and beautiful smile requires a combination of educating children about the importance of dental health, developing a good relationship with a trusted pediatric dentist, and building good oral ...

A healthy and beautiful smile is one of the best gifts you can give your son or daughter! Nutrition plays an integral role in having a healthy smile, and that's why parents need to help their kids develop good dental habits early on.

Teaching your little ones how to brush and floss their teeth when they are very young helps them ...

Our pediatric dentist in Palos Heights, IL may recommend fluoride treatments to lower oral health risks. Fluoride is an important mineral found in fortified water and is beneficial to your child’s oral health because it strengthens teeth and helps prevent the enamel wear that contributes to cavities.

When plaque breaks down tooth enamel, the tooth becomes vulnerable to cavities. Fluoride remineralizes ...

Receding gums happen when the gums pull away from the teeth, exposing the porous tooth roots. Gum recession affects countless people worldwide, even children, and it can occur for various reasons, including poor oral hygiene, brushing too hard, and aging. 

Though receded gums cannot grow back, there are still several ways to prevent its progression. The best way to protect yourself ...

Many foods can stain your child’s teeth, including berries and vibrantly colored foods and drinks.

Below, your child’s dentist in Palos Heights suggests a few other foods and drinks that may lead to tooth discoloration:

#1 Tomato Sauce

Children can enjoy pasta with tomato sauce in moderation, but eating it too often can lead to tooth stains. Alfredo or Béchamel can work ...

Selecting the right mouthwash for your family can be challenging. With so many available options, the decision calls for some serious homework. Equally important is understanding the differences in oral health needs between children and adults and choosing your mouthwash accordingly.

The Benefits of Using Mouthwash

Rinsing regularly with mouthwash offers several advantages for both kids and adults. For kids, it provides ...

Dental decay is the most common chronic disease among children in the United States. Cavities are categorized as a disease as they are caused by a specific group of bacteria. These bacteria feed on the same things we eat and drink, and the byproduct of their metabolism is acid, which burns a hole in the tooth, causing a "cavity." ...

Every child deserves to have a healthy, happy smile. At Palos Pediatric Dentistry, we value every patient who walks through our doors, from toddlers and school-age kids to teens. All of our patients are dear to our hearts, and we tailor our dental treatments to fit each child’s individual needs. 

Special needs children may require more attentive dental care, which ...

As a parent, you want the best for your child. You want to help them avoid painful situations if you can, and the good news is that tooth decay and cavities are something you can prevent.

How do you do it? Well, establishing a good brushing routine at home is the first place to start. Next, regular appointments with their ...

Cavities are common at every age, but especially during childhood. At Palos Pediatric Dentistry, we closely monitor your child’s oral health and provide you with the best advice to reduce these cavities.

Lowering Cavity Risks with Your Palos Heights, IL Dentist

We like to see children early to get a jump start on excellent oral health. And our dentist always takes time ...

Your child's comfort and their positive experience at our dental office is of the utmost importance to us at Palos Pediatric Dentistry. We understand that some children are fearful or have special needs that may require extra care in helping them complete the dental procedures they require. For this reason, we offer different levels of dental sedation in Palos ...

If you’re a busy parent of a young child or children, you may wonder if it’s vital to take your little ones to the dentist for regular teeth cleanings. After all, your child’s baby teeth will fall out anyway, right?

While it’s correct baby teeth won’t last forever, you should still teach your kids to practice excellent oral hygiene from the ...

Good oral health habits for kids start before their teeth have even emerged. We advise parents to clean their baby's gums twice daily with a wet cloth to get rid of plaque that has built up and to make sure baby teeth can emerge without risk of decay or gum disease. We also advise that parents don't allow their infants ...

It’s been some time since I’ve posted.  I’ll say that I settled in quite well to being home with my wife and kids, and used the time to turn away from my business and toward my family.  I’ve been available to answer the phone and address any patient needs that have come up, but other than that things have been ...

I'm really trying to learn this new routine at home.  I was up with the kids this morning, made our daily pour-over, and got the kids through their first meal of the day.  Before we were shut down, I roasted a few pounds of coffee so I didn't have to worry about roasting coffee in the middle of the work ...

How does one count COVID-19 Shutdown days?  Is it the number of days that my dental practice would have been open if it weren't for the outbreak?  Is it total days, including weekends?  Or what about the number of days since the government-mandated "shelter-in-place" order?  I'm going with Day 6.  Six workdays missed since the outbreak hit the Chicagoland area.

Over ...

Day 3 came and went, but it was really more about settling into new routines than anything else.  Honestly, it was a rough day.  Some (read: one) of my kids have a difficult time transitioning to new routines, whether it is school starting or school ending.  Yesterday was just one of those days.  In the end, we all agreed to ...

My wife said I sounded depressed yesterday.  Frustrated, yes.  Concerned, yes.  Exhausted, yes.  Depressed, no.  And today stands as proof...

Up early to exercise.  I don't want to sleep through the whole coronavirus outbreak!  I do my best thinking when I'm exercising.  In the winter, my preferred method of torture is a road bike on a trainer.  This Christmas, my gift ...

Wow, what a day it has been.  Well really it has been a crazy week or so, but today was the culmination of many things that have been happening recently.  I decided to write down some of my personal experiences related to the coronavirus outbreak - maybe just as personal therapy - but regardless I'm sharing them here.  Maybe some ...

If your family is looking for a new children’s dentist in Orland Park, many factors will likely influence your decision. Obvious criteria, such as driving distance from your home or child’s school and whether the dentist accepts your dental insurance, can play a significant role—but what about the more subtle nuances that come into play once you’re a patient? 

Choosing the ...

Even if you brush and floss your teeth regularly with care, and even if you use dentist-recommend fluoride toothpaste, you should be good to skip dental cleanings, right?

Unfortunately, your oral health doesn’t work like this. There are reasons why we recommend dental check-ups and cleanings in Palos Heights every few months in order to make sure your family’s mouths are ...

Our top dentist in Palos Heights, IL treats dental emergencies as soon as possible to keep your child smiling and comfortable.

Our emergency dental care deals with everything from a toothache to a broken tooth or dental restoration.

Additionally, timely intervention with our emergency kid’s dentist in Palos Heights may be crucial to ongoing oral health.

Signs Your Child Needs Emergency Dental Care ...

At Palos Pediatric Dentistry, PC, our top dentist in Palos Heights, CA wants your child to feel relaxed during treatment. We believe that positive associations with the dentist and dental office lead to better oral habits into adulthood. For these reasons, we offer sedation dentistry for kids in Palos Heights, CA.

Our top dentist in Palos Heights takes the time ...

When kids have a difficult time at the dentist office, their health may suffer long term. Studies linking poor oral health to chronic health conditions like heart disease make it more important than ever to get the special needs dentistry your child deserves in Palos Heights.

Without proper dental care, your little one could end up with tooth decay, infections ...

Infant Oral Health in Palos Heights, IL

Keeping your child’s teeth safe and healthy starts before they even grow in.

Parents are advised to clean their baby’s gums using a soft damp cloth twice a day. Plaque can still form, and this ensures that their baby teeth grow in safely. Parents are also advised to limit sugar or juice drinks. Proper ...

At Palos Pediatric Dentistry, our goal is to make kids as comfortable as possible when they see us. But we know the reality is that some children will still feel anxiety about visiting the dentist. Some children may also have special needs, which can limit their understanding of what it means to visit the dentist. These children might need

If you have children, you want to do everything you can to prevent them from developing cavities. To that end, your Palos Heights, IL dentist might recommend sealant treatment. What are sealants? And are they worth it for your child?

Let’s take a look at dental sealants.

What They Are

Essentially, a sealant is a plastic coat that is placed on the surface ...

Whenever possible, we work with families to help prevent cavities in children.  From healthy diet to brushing techniques, our office focuses on prevention at each check-up visit.  Sometimes, children with cavities are referred from other offices.  At other times, despite everyone's best efforts, one of our regular patients is diagnosed with cavities.  Don't worry!  We have plenty of treatment options ...

Get your child on the right track for healthy teeth and gums from an early age. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that children go to the dentist by the time their first tooth comes in or they reach the age of one year (whichever comes first). We invite you to make our pediatric practice a dental home for your ...

Bottlemouth syndrome is a type of tooth decay that occurs in very young children typically during infancy and when they are toddlers. It is the result of exposure to sugary liquids such as juice, or even milk for long periods of time, usually carried around in a bottle or used at night or during naps. Bottlemouth syndrome usually leads ...

It’s tough for parents to plan every meal. A lot goes into planning something nutritious and tasty for the every member of the family. If you follow a few guidelines, however, it is easy to avoid the foods that can negatively impact your teeth.

Ditch the Juice

While juice may seem like a healthy alternative to soda, it contains high amounts of ...

Kids are full of energy and need the proper fuel to grow. The same goes for their developing teeth and bones. Your little one’s diet plays a huge role in how strong they are, how their immune system functions, and in their oral health. 

Here are some ways that you can alter your child’s diet to make sure their smile gets ...

When making decisions regarding your child’s health, it is important that you have the correct and the latest information. Many misconceptions about fluoride exist and we are here to help you make the best choice for your little one.

Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens enamel. Instances of tooth decay have dropped enormously since the widespread use of fluoridated water and ...

As your child begins to lose their baby teeth and adult teeth start to come in, you may notice that their smile isn't as white as it once was. The enamel on baby teeth is generally whiter than adult teeth, which can cause their smile to look a bit less pearly. 

The whiteness of your child's teeth can also be affected ...

In a previous three-part series about cavities, we looked at the three essential ingredients for the initiation and progression of tooth decay.  These factors - bacteria, sugar, and time - must all be present in order for tooth decay to occur.  If we know how cavities form, we can develop prevention strategies aimed at minimizing each of the three essential ...

We’ve described two of the necessary factors for the formation of tooth decay, specifically sugar and bacteria.  The third factor, time, will be today’s subject.  All three are necessary for cavities to form.  The better we understand about the formation of cavities, the better we can make recommendations for prevention and treatment.

What does bacteria have to do with cavities?

Cavity-causing bacteria ...

There are three essential ingredients in order for tooth decay to occur.  They are sugar, bacteria, and time.  Today, we’ll be discussing the second factor – bacteria.  Many people don’t realize that tooth decay is a transmissible disease, spread from person to person, similar to strep throat.  We’ve actually identified the specific strain of bacteria that is most frequently the ...

#1 Sugar Is Best When It's Fresh from Nature

Kids love a sweet treat, but their taste buds become desensitized to the natural sweetness of fruit if they eat too much processed sugar. If you have ever given up sugar for any length of time, you know that blueberries taste sweeter than ever and a strawberry tastes like dessert.

Fruit also provides ...

There are many myths and plenty of misinformation out there regarding cavity formation.  In this three-part series, I hope to dispel some of those myths and give you information that will help keep your child’s teeth healthy.

How do cavities form?

Cavity formation requires three things – sugar, bacteria, and time.  If any one of these three factors is missing, a cavity ...

Toddlers consume a lot of calories – to support both their high level of activity and their growing bodies.  This is also the age that many children become pickier eaters, and selecting food that is nutritious and accepted by your toddler can be a challenge.  In many busy families, there seems to be a trend of more snacking and fewer ...

Thank You From Palos Family Dentistry

With the year coming to an end, life gets hectic and a pediatric dental office gets very busy.  The kids are out of school and anxiously awaiting Santa Claus, and parents are rushing to get their kids into the dentist while the kids are off school and parents are off from work.  But I wanted ...

If you want extra insurance against cavities and are seeking dental sealants in Palos Heights, we can help.

Even with the best home care routine and excellent intentions, you may fins that your child has tooth decay, in spite of your best efforts. The truth is that toothbrushes are great at removing plaque and bacteria from children’s teeth when used properly, ...

Oral Health for Kids

When it comes to oral health, everyone is different, including kids! It's important for parents to help guide children into great oral health habits. Here's some tips on how to brush correctly for children: 

• Finding a brush: Always choose a brush with soft bristles and a small head, which is normal for children's brushes. You can of course ...

Prevent Decay with Dental Sealants 

If your child is particularly prone to dental decay, we have a secret weapon that fights cavities! We offer dental sealants in our Palos Heights pediatric dental office.

Dental sealants install a barrier between decay-causing bacteria and your child’s teeth. They are easy to apply and match the color of your child’s teeth. We simply paint dental ...

Palos Pediatric Dentistry at the Ronald McDonald House

Last month, our staff volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House at Christ Hospital.  While we originally signed up ...

Every parent wants a healthy and comfortable smile for their child. Part of achieving a healthy, happy smile for a lifetime is practicing good home care habits. Your child’s diet plays a large role in the health of their teeth and gums throughout their lifetimes. As part of your child’s oral health care routine, our Palos Heights pediatric dentist office ...

Pediatric Oral Health in Palos Heights

Tooth decay is exceedingly common in children, which means that keeping up with your child’s oral health is extremely important, especially in their first few weeks. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics report that tooth decay is the most common chronic children’s disease in the county.

Since preventing this disease begins even just in ...

It can be hard enough for you to remember to get in to see the dentist, let alone finding the time to get your children to one as well. However, your child’s dental health may be dependent on these early visits to the dentist. At Palos Pediatric Dentistry, we focus completely on the oral health of children as ...

There are many myths and plenty of misinformation out there regarding cavity formation.  In this three-part series, I hope to dispel some of those myths and give you information that will help keep your child’s teeth healthy.

Cavities and Sugar

Cavity formation requires three things – sugar, bacteria, and time.  If any one of these three factors is missing, a cavity ...

Dental X-Rays for Children in Palos Heights

There has been coverage in the media regarding the safety of dental x-rays, especially in children.  Our office is committed to providing the safest and highest level of care for your children.  We are particularly sensitive to the risks of exposure to ionizing radiation, especially in children.  Our office takes special precautions to ...

Newborns develop entirely free of germs.  Their first exposure to germs is during delivery, during which time germs (mostly good bugs!) are passed from mother to child.  This is the first step for your child developing a healthy colony of bacteria in her mouth, stomach, and intestines.  Bacteria are essential for us to live, and believe it or not ...

Replacing Sugar to Reduce Cavities

If there was a natural food that tasted sweet, was relatively inexpensive, could be used to sweeten your coffee or tea, or even a pan of brownies, was sugar-free, and helped to rid your mouth of cavity-causing bacteria and reduce plaque levels, would you yell “Hallelujah!”?  Well, there is such a product, and it's called XYLITOL!

Xylitol ...

Whether you're already expecting a baby or preparing for pregnancy, there are many important points to consider during pregnancy that can affect the health of your child.  While your obstetrician will have many do's and don't's, many times oral health takes a back seat during this time.  Here's a few tips to consider that will help you and your child ...

Children's Dentistry in Palos Heights

I hear the same thing almost every day at my practice.  “I have soft teeth”, “I hope my kids don't get my teeth”, “I hope my kids get my husband's teeth”, and every variation you can think of.  Let me take a risk and hope you will take a leap of faith and read this entire ...

Children learn dental habits at a young age that can carry on through their childhood. While many parents think that teaching their children good oral hygiene isn’t important until they grow their adult teeth, this is actually far from the truth. Your child’s first dental visit should be about six months after their first teeth grow in to no ...

Infant Oral Health in Palos Heights

Having a newborn at home is one of the most exciting times in life!  And, it's certainly one of the most stressful.  There's about a million things to think about with a newborn, and often teeth are pretty low on the list of concerns (since they don't have any yet!). BUT, the dietary preferences ...

We have seen some big changes here at Palos Pediatric Dentistry as of late! Over the last couple of months, Dr. Richard Facko and his dedicated team have had the opportunity to introduce and implement a treatment for cavities that serves as an ...

Children's Dentistry in Palos Heights

When working with younger patients, a “cleaning” may have different meaning than for adults.  We employ several different methods of cleaning based on your child’s age, stage of development, and dental needs.  A “toothbrush prophylaxis” involves manually removing plaque from the surfaces of your child’s teeth with a toothbrush.  For very young or anxious children, ...

Children's Dentistry in Palos Heights 

Our goal with today's blog post is to address two more common concerns of parents regarding bringing their children to the dentist regularly.  With summer in full force, you may be thinking that it's just too busy of a time to bring your child to the dentist.  Feel confident knowing that Palos Pediatric Dentistry offers ...

Why Do People Avoid Going to The Dentist?

Children's Dentistry in Palos Heights, IL

If your child grinds his or her teeth (a condition called bruxism), you probably already know.  To me, it's like the sound of nails on a chalkboard.  Many parents are concerned that this grinding can lead to problems in the future.  Some of the signs and symptoms of teeth grinding in children include:

• Noise - as ...

Spring usually means warmer temperatures, some rain, and tulips emerging from the ground. If you don't look outside, you might actually believe that spring is here! Despite extended winter temperatures, registration for spring sports is here. When you're considering which sports to register for, keep in mind some habits to keep your child healthy during sports and activities.

Oral Health in ...

Children's Dentistry in Palos Heights, IL

With all of the crazy winter weather we've had, it's hard to imagine, but school registration is right around the corner!  As part of your child's kindergarten enrollment, the State of Illinois requires that your child be evaluated by a dentist. At Palos Pediatric Dentistry, we're happy to complete your ...

Peanut Allergies in Children

As some of you may be aware, my son was diagnosed with peanut allergy last week. I must say that it has been a psychological and emotional roller coaster learning what food to get out of the house, what he can eat, what he can't eat, which restaurants have the highest chance of peanut contamination, what to ...

Palos Pediatric Dentistry Grand Opening!

It is hard to believe that the grand opening of our Palos office is happening in one week! We have been busy preparing and ordering all of the supplies, instruments, uniforms, and kid prizes, but we are most excited this week about the launch of our new website! Please take a moment ...