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Creating Positive Dental Experiences for Children

At Ladone Family Dental, we love working with children and providing them with positivity about caring for their teeth and regular visits to the dentist. Our approach is unique, and specialized so that children feel safe, understood, and not frightened when undergoing dental treatments and care, from cleanings to fillings.

The Ladone Family Dental Approach With Children

Children do not need to develop a fear of dentistry, as is common in many adults who have had a bad experience – and we can help them too! With children, Dr. Kelsey Ladone uses a “Tell-Show-Do” technique. This helps pediatric patients understand the procedure by being shown the materials and being allowed to feel them before they are used. For kindness and superior pediatric dentistry in Naperville and Lisle, we invite you to discover the difference at Ladone Family Dental.

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Gum Disease in Kids

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common dental problem that affects both adults and children. The condition is caused by the buildup of plaque on the teeth, which can lead to inflammation and infection of the gums. If left untreated, gum disease can cause serious damage to the teeth and gums.

In children, gum disease is often caused by poor oral hygiene habits, such as not brushing and flossing regularly. Other factors that can contribute include a diet high in sugar and carbohydrates, genetics, and certain medical conditions.

Symptoms of gum disease in kids may include red, swollen, or bleeding gums, consistently bad breath, and loose teeth. If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, you should schedule an appointment at Ladone Family Dental Center as soon as possible.

Treatment for gum disease in kids typically involves a combination of professional dental cleanings, improved oral hygiene habits, and, in some cases, antibiotics. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged tissue and restore the health of the gums.

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Caring Dentistry for Children: Dr. Kelsey Ladone.

Children love Dr. Kelsey who speaks their language and treats them with the warmth and care they need. A positive experience with dentistry starts with Dr. Kelsey. She uses a “Tell-Show-Do” technique with children, helping them become comfortable with a procedure by seeing the materials and feeling them before using them. 

We call anesthetic "sleepy juice" and tell the patient the tooth is going to take a nap. Every step is carefully performed and explained with words like shampoo, conditioner, glue, magic blue light, raincoat, Mr. Bumpy, jelly, whistle, and so on. Dr. Ladone loves working with kids and making them feel comfortable coming to the dentist. Children respond to her caring demeanor and are not frightened or confused – a great start for a lifetime of dental health. When a child understands they are safe under the care of our dentist, with a good idea of what will happen, they are generally very willing and interested, not fearful. You may be shocked that they even look forward to seeing the dentist! It happens every day.

Dr. Ladone and his staff are very professional.  Appointments are always on time.  Entrance waiting room is decorated with the theme of the season, also stocked with toys and games for children along with magazines, coffee & tea for the adults.

- S.S.

Your Child’s First Dental Visit

At Ladone Family Dental, we recommend having the child's first exam at the age of 3. The first visit is typically about 45 minutes and will involve examining their teeth, jaws, bite, and to ensure the teeth are developing correctly. The teeth may be cleaned to remove any plaque or tartar that has developed. With our pediatric dentistry in Naperville and Lisle, you will gain some insights as a parent into how to care for your child’s teeth with regard to brushing and flossing. Dental X-rays are used to assess a child’s development as their baby teeth begin to fall out and their adult teeth are coming in. We also use dental X-rays to assess areas of decay and infection if needed.

Regular Visits to the Dentist – Important for Your Child’s Overall Health.

Just like adults, children should see the dentist every six months, and for some children with specific conditions, more often. Baby teeth are softer than permanent teeth, and are more prone to decay, especially if for children who drink juice or chew gummies – these are very sticky and can trigger tooth decay, so if you have another option for vitamins, we recommend you switch, or brush their teeth each time they have a gummy. If your child uses a bottle, shift to a sippy cup as early as possible. Children are active and get thirsty easily. To keep your child well-hydrated, get them used to drinking water rather than juice or other sugary drinks. 

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What to Do When Baby Teeth Are Decayed

If your child has tooth decay, it should be treated as early as possible. The smaller the cavity, the easier the fix, and the happier the child! The decayed area will be removed and replaced with a filling. The baby teeth allow your child to chew but serve another purpose – they act as placeholders in the jaw, allowing the adult teeth to grow correctly.

When a baby tooth is lost, the adjoining teeth can drift out of place, affecting the permanent teeth, which may grow in crooked. In other instances, if a cavity is too large and into the nerve of the tooth a stainless steel crown would be required. Stainless steel crowns  (placed on primary molars due to decay) are silver in color and if parents are concerned with the color, the concern is generally short-term, as the treated tooth falls out in due time.

After a Dental Procedure – Helping Your Child Recover

Ensure your child doesn’t bite their cheek, lips, or tongue due to being numb for a few hours after the procedure. Do not feed them hard foods, but only soft food such as yogurt or applesauce. It is vital that as a parent, after a dental procedure, you keep an eye on your child to avoid any postoperative complications.

The Dentist That Children Love to Visit.

Imagine your child being interested in caring for their own teeth, visiting the dentist, and understanding the importance of keeping their teeth clean and healthy – a recipe for a beautiful smile for a lifetime! The Ladone Family is passionate about pediatric dentistry in Naperville and Lisle and helping kids feel comfortable visiting the dentist. For a dentist who speaks a language even toddlers understand, schedule your child’s first visit with us!

Pediatric Dentistry FAQs

At what age should my child first visit a dentist?

How often should my child visit the dentist?

What can I do to prepare my child for their first dental visit?

How can I prevent tooth decay from nursing or using a bottle?

My child is afraid of going to the dentist. How can I help them feel more comfortable?

At what age should my child first visit a dentist?

At Ladone Family Dental, we recommend scheduling a child’s first dental exam at the age of 3. This initial visit usually lasts about 45 minutes and includes a thorough examination of their teeth, jaws, and bite to ensure proper development.

How often should my child visit the dentist?

Generally, it is recommended that children visit the dentist for a regular checkup and cleaning every six months. However, this can vary based on your child's individual dental health needs. If there are specific dental concerns, more frequent visits may be necessary.

What can I do to prepare my child for their first dental visit?

You can help your child prepare for their first dental visit by explaining what will happen in simple, positive terms. It can also be helpful to read them a children's book about going to the dentist.

How can I prevent tooth decay from nursing or using a bottle?

Tooth decay can be caused by prolonged exposure to liquids that contain sugar such as milk, formula, and fruit juice. One way to prevent this is by not allowing your child to fall asleep with a bottle containing anything other than water. Additionally, encourage your child to start using a cup as they approach their first birthday. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices at home (like brushing and flossing) are also important.

My child is afraid of going to the dentist. How can I help them feel more comfortable?

It's common for children to be nervous about dental visits. Encourage your child to discuss any fears they might have and reassure them that the dentist is there to help keep their teeth healthy. Choosing a pediatric dentist who specializes in working with children can also make a big difference. At Ladone Family Dental, we create a calm and welcoming environment to help children feel safe and comfortable during their visits.

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