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 are several orthodontic problems that are easier to treat in younger children, once they have all of their permanent teeth, including:

• Underbites
• Crossbites
• Functional shifts
• Crowded teeth
• Spaced out teeth
• Extra or missing teeth
• Teeth issues from thumb- or pacifier-sucking

Children’s Orthodontics in Palos Heights, Illinois

At Palos Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Facko, Dr. Bauer, ...

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 (also called “early childhood caries”) happens when a child’s teeth are exposed too often to sugary liquids—like milk, formula, or juice—especially while sleeping. During naps or overnight, sugar can sit on their teeth for hours, feeding harmful bacteria that lead to tooth decay.

Painful cavities, discoloration, ...

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 them feel safe and comfortable. At Palos Pediatric Dentistry, we've helped over 8,000 families in Palos Heights create positive dental experiences for their children.

Here are four key factors to consider when choosing the right dental home for your kids.

1. Specialized Pediatric Expertise

A child's dental needs ...