1933 Franciscan Way, West Chicago, IL 60185
At West Chicago Smiles, the health and growth of your child's smile guide everything we do. Our goal is to help families build strong oral habits early so children can enjoy comfortable, confident smiles through every stage of growth. We combine compassionate care with clear guidance so parents feel informed and children feel safe.
Preventive care is the foundation of pediatric dentistry. From the first exam to routine checkups, our emphasis is on identifying potential issues early and teaching children (and their caregivers) the habits that protect teeth and gums. Regular visits give clinicians the chance to track development, intercept problems before they escalate, and tailor advice to each child’s stage of growth.
We work to make every visit calm and constructive. Our team uses age-appropriate language and gentle techniques to reduce anxiety, explain procedures, and involve parents in the plan for at-home care. When children leave the office feeling comfortable and understood, they are far more likely to cooperate and maintain good habits between visits.
Goal-oriented prevention includes guidance on brushing and flossing techniques, diet recommendations that minimize decay risk, and individualized plans for fluoride or sealants when appropriate. Together, these strategies reduce the likelihood of cavities and help preserve the primary teeth that are essential for speech, nutrition, and guiding incoming permanent teeth.
Each routine appointment serves multiple purposes: a thorough clinical exam, a professional cleaning, and a discussion about oral habits and growth. Our clinicians evaluate tooth eruption patterns, gum health, bite alignment, and jaw function to ensure development is proceeding as expected. When necessary, we use low-radiation digital radiographs to see beneath the surface and make informed decisions.
During an exam we also assess risk factors that can lead to decay or injury — diet, oral hygiene habits, and athletic activity, among others. Identifying risks early allows us to recommend targeted preventive steps, such as enamel-strengthening measures or protective mouthguards for active children.
These regular checkpoints are also opportunities to plan ahead. If early corrective guidance or orthodontic monitoring is indicated, we outline the timing and next steps so families understand how to support healthy facial growth and tooth alignment as the child matures.
Tooth decay remains one of the most common chronic conditions in childhood, but it is largely preventable. Cavities develop when plaque and acids repeatedly attack tooth enamel; in young children, certain habits and frequent exposure to sugary drinks or snacks increase that risk. Education and consistent daily care are the most effective defenses.
Preventive treatments offered in the office — such as professionally applied fluoride or sealants on permanent molars — provide added protection for vulnerable surfaces. These interventions are chosen based on each child’s specific needs and risk profile, and are intended to complement good home care rather than replace it.
We also counsel families on healthy routines that reduce decay risk: limiting sugary sips between meals, encouraging water as the primary beverage, and avoiding prolonged bottle or sippy-cup use at nap or bedtime. Small, sustainable changes at home often produce meaningful long-term benefits for a child’s oral health.
The first teeth begin developing long before they appear, and many infants start to show teeth between six and twelve months. Early dental appointments let us confirm normal development, demonstrate safe cleaning techniques, and answer common questions about teething and soothing strategies. Parents often appreciate practical tips for minimizing discomfort and protecting newly erupted enamel.
For very young children we recommend gentle, age-appropriate oral care — for example, a soft cloth or an infant toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste once teeth begin to appear. As toddlers grow, we guide parents on transitioning to supervised brushing and when to introduce routine dental checkups that foster familiarity and trust.
Because primary teeth serve as placeholders for permanent teeth, protecting them from decay and premature loss is important for future alignment and function. Early visits also allow us to spot habits (like prolonged pacifier use or thumb sucking) that may affect development and to suggest positive strategies for gradual change when needed.
At-home routines matter. We provide clear, actionable guidance that fits busy family life — from step-by-step brushing techniques to advice on choosing snacks that support dental health. Encouraging balanced meals, reducing sticky or sugary treats, and offering water instead of juice are straightforward changes that protect enamel and support overall health.
Behavioral habits also influence oral outcomes. We help parents create consistent, positive rituals around brushing and flossing, and offer strategies to gently discourage prolonged pacifier use or thumb sucking when it begins to affect tooth position. Positive reinforcement, modeling good habits, and gradual weaning approaches often work best for young children.
For children who participate in organized sports or activities, properly fitted mouthguards are an important protective measure. We discuss options based on the child’s sport and level of play, emphasizing comfort and retention so young athletes are more likely to wear them consistently.
Accidents and sudden tooth pain can be distressing for both child and caregiver. When urgent issues arise — from a chipped or displaced tooth to severe pain or swelling — prompt assessment helps preserve dental health and prevent complications. Our approach prioritizes comfort, clear communication, and efficient treatment to stabilize the situation and plan next steps.
We also provide guidance on what to do at home immediately after an injury to minimize additional damage before you can reach the office. Understanding early signs of infection or trauma and responding quickly reduces the likelihood of more extensive treatment later on.
Throughout urgent care and follow-up, our team focuses on minimizing fear and providing age-appropriate explanations. Restoring function and relieving discomfort are immediate goals, while subsequent visits may focus on rehabilitation and longer-term prevention to reduce recurrence.
In summary, strong pediatric dental care blends prevention, education, and timely clinical action to support a child’s growth and confidence. Our team is committed to partnering with families to protect young smiles and build healthy habits that last a lifetime. Contact us to learn more about our pediatric services and how we can support your child’s oral health.
A pedodontist is a dentist who has received advanced specialty training in meeting the dental needs of children from infancy to adolescence. Pedodontists, also referred to as "pediatric dentists," study child psychology, behavior management, caring for children with special needs, methods of handling oral/facial trauma, and various techniques for providing anesthesia and sedation. Pedodontists also understand the complexities of facial growth and development and have the clinical skills required to meet the dental needs of all children at every stage of development. Most of all, pedodontists are passionate about what they do and enjoy working with children. They strive to make every dental experience a positive one as they help children establish a strong foundation for good oral health.
Even before your child is born, their first set of teeth is already forming. In fact, by one year of age, some of your baby's front teeth will have already come into place. While the arrival of your baby's first teeth is only one of many developmental milestones, it represents an excellent time to begin a program of oral care. According to recommendations from the American Dental Association, babies should see the dentist around the time of their first birthdays.
Your baby's first teeth typically begin to appear in the 6 to 12-month range. While this is an extraordinary milestone, you need to be aware that your baby may find the experience a little bit uncomfortable. Teething can make babies feel irritable. They may be fussy, have trouble sleeping, not want to eat, and drool quite a bit.
Although you are powerless to speed up the process of teething, there are a few things that you can do to soothe your baby as the new teeth are erupting into place. Common approaches to helping your baby feel more comfortable while getting new teeth, include teething rings or a cold spoon or moist gauze rubbed over their gums.
Even for these few new teeth, it's absolutely essential to establish an effective regimen of oral care. For information on when your baby's first set of teeth will erupt into place, consult this timeline from the American Dental Association: Eruption Charts
Some children persist in sucking their thumbs or fingers beyond their preschool years. For these children, the activity continues to be a source of comfort, relaxation, and security. It may even help them fall asleep at night. However, it's essential to be aware that in the long-term, a finger sucking habit is not healthy.
If your child's thumb or finger sucking habit is still present when the permanent teeth begin to come in, your child is at a higher risk of developing a bad bite. By the age of five or six years, you need to constructively and gently help your child stop the habit.
It's also a good idea to have a comprehensive evaluation at this time. Your pedodontist can assess if there are any habit related alterations to the alignment of your child's teeth or jaws, or if it is affecting their speech or swallowing patterns. They can also discuss habit control strategies with you, as well as follow your child's bite and facial development as they grow. If interceptive appliances or corrective orthodontic care are recommended, the timetable and best options in care will be explained in complete detail.
