At the office of Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC, we focus on helping children build strong, confident smiles that support overall health and happiness. Our approach combines attentive prevention, clear education, and gentle clinical care so families can feel informed and comfortable at every stage of their child’s dental development.
Good oral health in childhood sets the stage for a lifetime of well-being. Early visits to the dentist allow us to spot potential issues before they become problems and to teach children—and their caregivers—how to care for developing teeth in age-appropriate ways. We prioritize creating a calm, welcoming environment so even the youngest patients leave with a positive impression of dental care.
Prevention is the backbone of pediatric dentistry. That means routine exams and professional cleanings, plus targeted measures like fluoride applications and dental sealants when appropriate. These interventions are painless, quick, and highly effective at reducing the risk of decay while we monitor growth and development over time.
We also believe in educating families. Simple, practical guidance about brushing, flossing, snacking, and bedtime habits can have a dramatic impact on oral health. By giving caregivers the tools and techniques that fit their family’s routine, we help children form lifelong habits that protect their smiles as they grow.
Each examination is a careful combination of observation, conversation, and clinical assessment. We begin by reviewing your child’s medical and dental history and asking about any concerns you might have. The clinical check covers tooth surfaces, gums, bite alignment, and oral soft tissues to ensure everything is developing as it should.
When needed, we use digital radiography to evaluate areas that are not visible to the naked eye—this helps us detect cavities between teeth, assess the position of unerupted teeth, and check bone health. These images are taken with the lowest possible radiation dose and are reviewed with you so you understand our findings and recommendations.
A professional cleaning often accompanies the exam. Our team removes plaque and buildup from areas that are difficult to reach at home, and we provide age-appropriate coaching on brushing and flossing technique. The goal is to leave children empowered to take part in their own oral care in a way that fits their stage of development.
Tooth decay is preventable, and most prevention strategies are simple to implement. Limiting sugary drinks and sticky snacks, encouraging water between meals, and maintaining a twice-daily brushing routine with fluoride toothpaste are all high-impact steps. We’ll help you tailor these recommendations to your child’s age and preferences so they’re easier to follow consistently.
In-office preventive services—such as fluoride varnish and sealants—offer an extra layer of protection for vulnerable teeth. Sealants are a minimally invasive coating applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to block grooves where food and bacteria collect. Fluoride strengthens enamel and can reverse early signs of decay when applied as part of regular preventive care.
Introduce dental visits early to build familiarity and reduce anxiety
Keep baby and toddler teeth clean with gentle wiping or a soft brush after feedings
Avoid letting infants fall asleep with bottles containing milk or juice
Bring children for routine exams and cleanings on the schedule recommended by your dentist
Model good oral habits and supervise brushing and flossing until children can do it effectively themselves
Choose water over sweetened beverages and limit sugary treats to occasional moments rather than constant snacking
Support healthy transitions away from pacifiers and thumb sucking at appropriate ages
Use a properly fitted mouthguard for sports to protect teeth and soft tissues from injury
Baby teeth play important roles in eating, speaking, and holding space for the permanent teeth that follow. Even though they will eventually fall out, keeping primary teeth healthy prevents pain, infection, and potential complications with future tooth alignment. We recommend establishing dental care routines as soon as teeth begin to appear.
The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advise that a child see a dental provider by the time their first tooth erupts or by their first birthday. Early visits let us answer questions about teething, feeding practices, and the best ways to clean emerging teeth so caregivers feel confident in caring for their infant’s mouth.
Teething can be uncomfortable, and there are safe, simple measures to help soothe an infant—cool teething rings, gentle gum massage with a clean finger or cloth, and distraction with quiet play. If you notice unusual swelling, fever, or prolonged distress, contact your dental provider so we can evaluate for other causes or provide additional guidance.
As children move through elementary and middle school, their mouths change rapidly. Permanent teeth erupt, jaw relationships develop, and habits formed in early childhood begin to influence long-term oral health. Regular dental care during these years focuses on maintaining healthy teeth, guiding development, and addressing concerns proactively.
We work closely with families to identify the right time for any specialty care, including orthodontic evaluation when bite or jaw development suggests it might benefit a young person’s function or long-term oral health. Early observation helps us recommend timely referrals or interventions so treatment, when needed, can be simpler and more effective.
Teenage years bring independent routines and dietary choices that affect oral health. We provide straightforward education about how to protect teeth during sports and recreational activities, how to manage braces or aligners with good hygiene, and how nutrition and sleep habits influence more than just the smile.
Assessing facial and jaw growth is part of comprehensive pediatric care. Some alignment issues are best addressed early to guide the developing bite; others are monitored until growth is more complete. We evaluate each child’s unique pattern of development and discuss the most appropriate timing for any orthodontic or interceptive measures.
Oral health and overall nutrition go hand in hand. Diets rich in whole foods, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins support healthy tooth development and strong enamel. Minimizing frequent exposure to sugary or acidic foods and encouraging water as the primary beverage helps reduce decay risk while contributing to general health and energy for growing children.
At the office of Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC, our goal is to partner with families to keep children's smiles healthy, comfortable, and confident at every stage. If you have questions about pediatric dental care or would like more information about how we support young patients, please contact us for more information.
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.
Children should have their first dental visit by the time their first tooth appears or by their first birthday. Early visits allow the dentist to check development, screen for early decay, and help caregivers learn basic care techniques. These initial appointments are brief and focused on creating a positive experience so children feel comfortable returning.
During the visit the team will review medical history, examine the mouth, and offer guidance on feeding, cleaning, and teething. Pediatric providers emphasize prevention and education, making early visits a strong foundation for lifelong oral health. If you have questions about timing or special health concerns, bring them up so the dentist can tailor the visit to your child's needs.
A child's dental exam combines observation, conversation, and a careful clinical check of teeth, gums, bite alignment, and soft tissues. The dentist will review your child's medical history, address any caregiver concerns, and assess growth and development at each stage. Cleanings are often performed to remove plaque and buildup from areas that are hard to reach at home and to reinforce good oral hygiene techniques.
When needed, digital radiography is used to evaluate areas not visible to the naked eye, such as cavities between teeth or the position of unerupted teeth, using the lowest reasonable radiation dose. The dentist will explain findings in plain language and discuss recommendations so caregivers understand the rationale behind any preventive or restorative steps. Empowering families with practical coaching is a key part of the visit to support healthy habits between appointments.
Daily habits are the cornerstone of cavity prevention: brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, floss as recommended, and limit frequent exposure to sugary snacks and drinks. Encouraging water between meals, offering healthy snacks, and supervising brushing until children can do it effectively themselves all reduce decay risk. Consistent routines and positive reinforcement help children adopt habits that protect their teeth as they grow.
In-office preventive treatments such as fluoride varnish and dental sealants provide an extra layer of protection for vulnerable surfaces, especially the chewing grooves of molars. Sealants are a minimally invasive coating applied to back teeth to block grooves where food and bacteria collect, while fluoride helps strengthen enamel and can reverse early signs of decay. Your dentist will assess each child's risk and recommend the most appropriate combination of home care and in-office prevention.
Yes; fluoride treatments and dental sealants are well-established, evidence-based tools widely used to reduce tooth decay in children. Fluoride varnish is applied in small amounts by a trained professional and has a long track record of safely strengthening enamel when used appropriately. Dental sealants are applied as a protective barrier on molars and do not require drilling or removal of tooth structure.
Both procedures are quick and painless, and the dental team will explain benefits and any minimal risks before treatment. Parents should share information about their child's medical history and any allergies so the dentist can confirm that a given preventive option is suitable. When questions arise, open discussion with your provider helps determine the best care plan for your child.
Baby teeth are essential for eating, speech, and guiding the alignment of permanent teeth, so maintaining their health is important even though they are temporary. Begin cleaning as soon as teeth appear by gently wiping gums and brushing with a soft child-sized brush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste for infants, progressing to a pea-size amount as children mature. Regular dental checkups help monitor development and address any concerns early.
Teething can cause fussiness and mild discomfort; safe measures such as cool (not frozen) teething rings, gentle gum massage with a clean finger or cloth, and distraction with quiet play often provide relief. Avoid home remedies that can be harmful, and contact your dentist if you notice persistent fever, unusual swelling, or prolonged distress so the child can be evaluated for other causes. At the office of Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC caregivers can get guidance tailored to their child's age and symptoms.
Many professional organizations recommend that children have an orthodontic evaluation by around age 7 so a specialist can identify developing bite or jaw issues early. Early assessment does not always mean early treatment, but it allows the team to monitor growth and advise on the ideal timing for any needed intervention. Detecting concerns early can make treatment simpler and more effective when the time comes.
Some problems are best watched over time while others benefit from interceptive measures that guide jaw growth or space for permanent teeth. Your pediatric dentist will coordinate with orthodontic specialists when appropriate and explain referral options and what signs to watch for at home. Regular dental visits also let the dentist track changes and recommend evaluation if bite or alignment issues emerge.
Pediatric dental teams use behavior guidance strategies to create a calm, positive experience, including friendly communication, the tell-show-do method, and gradual exposure to the dental environment. Staff are trained to read a child's cues and adapt their approach, using distraction, praise, and gentle reassurance to build trust. Establishing routines and previewing what will happen at the visit can reduce fear and make appointments more productive.
For children with stronger anxiety or special needs, the dentist may suggest additional supports such as shorter introductory visits, parental presence, or calming techniques tailored to the child. When appropriate and safe, the team will discuss other options and obtain informed consent from caregivers before proceeding. The goal is always to help the child feel secure while delivering effective, compassionate care.
In a dental emergency remain calm and assess the situation: for knocked-out permanent teeth, keep the tooth moist and seek immediate dental care; for broken or cracked teeth, rinse the mouth and collect any fragments if possible. Control bleeding with gentle pressure and cold compresses for swelling, and avoid putting aspirin or other medications directly on injured gums. If there are signs of serious injury, difficulty breathing, or severe uncontrolled bleeding, seek emergency medical care right away.
For urgent dental guidance and to arrange timely evaluation, contact our office at (630) 879-0055 so the team can advise you and prioritize care when appropriate. The dentist will provide instructions based on the specific situation and recommend whether an immediate office visit or emergency room evaluation is needed. Keeping a small emergency kit with a sealed container and clean gauze can help manage the first minutes after an injury.
Children under age 3 should use a smear of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice, while children ages 3 to 6 should use a pea-size amount. These small amounts provide cavity protection while minimizing the risk of excessive fluoride ingestion during the years when children tend to swallow toothpaste. Supervision is important until children reliably spit out toothpaste and demonstrate effective brushing technique.
Caretakers should help with brushing twice daily and flossing as soon as teeth touch to ensure thorough cleaning. If your child is at higher risk for decay, the dentist may recommend a different fluoride plan or more frequent preventive visits based on individual needs. Always store toothpaste out of reach of young children to prevent accidental ingestion.
A properly fitted mouthguard provides significant protection against dental injuries during contact sports and many recreational activities, and custom mouthguards from a dental office offer the best fit and comfort. Over-the-counter options can be better than nothing, but a custom device molded to your child's teeth reduces the risk of dislodgement and improves protection. Coaches and caregivers should require mouthguard use for sports with any risk of facial impact.
Care for a mouthguard by rinsing it before and after use, storing it in a ventilated container, and checking it regularly for wear or poor fit as the child grows. Bring mouthguards to dental appointments so the team can evaluate fit and recommend replacement when necessary, particularly during growth spurts or after dental work. Discuss sports safety and mouthguard options with your child's dentist to choose the best solution for their activities.
