Getting kids to brush their teeth can sometimes feel like a battle. Between morning routines and bedtime struggles, parents often wonder how to make oral hygiene stick. A recent study published in Child Development offers promising insights: children are more likely to brush consistently and spend more time doing it when parents praise them for their efforts—especially when praise focuses on their actions rather than personal traits.

Understanding the type of praise that motivates can help children develop lifelong oral health habits.

The Study on Praise and Brushing Habits

Researchers observed that children who received specific, action-focused praise—such as “You brushed all the way to the back teeth, great job!”—were more persistent and thorough in brushing. In contrast, generic praise like “You’re so good at brushing” was less effective, and in some cases, even counterproductive. Action-oriented praise helps children understand exactly what behavior is valued, reinforcing the routine and giving them a sense of accomplishment.

This research aligns with broader findings in child development that show children respond best when they see a clear connection between effort and outcome. Parents can harness this by noticing and verbally acknowledging specific aspects of their child’s brushing, like reaching the molars, brushing for two full minutes, or covering both top and bottom teeth.

Practical Tips for Encouraging Good Brushing

Implementing these findings is simpler than you might think. Start by observing your child’s brushing habits closely and praising the effort rather than just the result. For example, instead of saying “Good job brushing,” try:

• “I love how you brushed all your back teeth!”
• “You brushed for a full two minutes—excellent focus!”
• “Thanks for remembering to brush your molars today.”

Consistency is key. Make praise a regular part of the brushing routine, and avoid comparing your child to siblings or peers, which can create unnecessary pressure. Turn brushing into a positive, shared experience by brushing together, singing a favorite two-minute song, or using a visual timer. These small habits, paired with targeted praise, can make brushing fun and effective.

Encouraging Lifelong Oral Health

By using praise effectively, parents can foster a sense of autonomy and pride in their children’s oral hygiene. Kids who learn to associate brushing with positive reinforcement are more likely to continue good habits as they grow older. This proactive approach helps prevent cavities, promotes strong teeth, and sets the foundation for overall dental health. Regular dental checkups, combined with consistent home routines, ensure that these habits translate into a lifetime of healthy smiles.

About the Practice

Arlington Heights Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry provides comprehensive restorative dentistry and pediatric-focused oral health services. Our team works with families to encourage positive dental habits from an early age, offering guidance, preventive care, and treatments tailored to each child’s needs. We focus on creating a supportive, welcoming environment where children and families can build healthy, confident smiles.

Call us at (847) 255-3020 or schedule your appointment online.

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As February rolls around, it marks the start of Children’s Dental Health Month. There’s no better time than now to help your family develop good oral habits and educate them about the importance of taking care of their smile, especially for kids. However, you may wonder how you can instill a great routine in your little one, so here are four tips that you can try out for the season.

1.)  Let Your Child Pick Out Their Own Supplies

Children often want to feel some sense of autonomy, such as deciding their outfit for the day. The same can go for the tools they use to brush and floss. You can make oral hygiene a more exciting experience by letting them choose their own products. Maybe a toothbrush with their favorite character or a fun toothpaste flavor can be enough to encourage them to want to do it.

2.)  Make a Routine

Having a consistent routine can also be beneficial in many ways. Giving your loved one a set time that their brushing is to be done by can help them start to do it themself. Another great way you can do it is by setting up a challenge board or offering small rewards that help them want to take care of their teeth.

3.)  Set an Example

Your child’s role model very well may be you. They may watch you when you’re not realizing it and pick up on certain things you do. So, if they don’t see you brushing or flossing, then they may not realize how important it is. Combine this point with the one above, and you can have shared moments with your loved one while also making sure they do each step correctly.

4.)  Schedule a Dental Checkup

Just like with your smile, regular checkups and cleanings are crucial visits your child should have. Their dentist will be able to make sure their developing teeth are in good shape, such as making sure that their alignment will be healthy. It’s also a great way for them to learn more about their unique smile from friendly experts. You can also benefit from this visit as you can learn tips to get more involved in their growing grin.

Following these practices can help you and your loved one celebrate Children’s Dental Health Month. By starting these practices now, you can help your child build a routine that keeps their smile strong and healthy for years to come.

About the Practice

At Arlington Heights Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, the kids in the local community benefit from a compassionate team of dentists. By offering a wide range of treatments, we are happy to help your child develop healthy dental habits that keep their grin in great shape as they get older. If you want to get your loved one in for a checkup or cleaning, schedule an appointment for them or call our office at (847) 255-3020.

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You might think of your crooked, gapped, or overlapped teeth as more of an aesthetic issue than a real oral health concern. However, the truth is that it can be harder to keep them clean if they’re not aligned properly, which increases your risk of cavities, gum disease, and damaged enamel.

Although clear aligners continue to gain popularity as a more discreet alternative to standard orthodontics, that doesn’t mean they’re the best solution to meet everyone’s unique needs. Continue reading to learn more about 3 reasons to choose traditional braces instead!

Reason #1: Fix More Severe Misalignments

Clear aligners use transparent plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth to gently move them over time. This is often an effective way to address minor to moderate misalignments, but it doesn’t necessarily give your provider the same level of control over your smile’s movement as standard braces.

The metallic brackets are strategically bonded to your enamel and then are threaded with an adjustable archwire. This system exerts more force than clear aligners, meaning it can be used to treat everything from slight gaps or somewhat crooked teeth to more serious dental and bite misalignments.

Reason #2: Multiple Options Available

Historically, braces have been the only available treatment for straightening smiles and have long used metallic components that often leave patients feeling self-conscious about their appearance throughout treatment.

Although this is still the tried-and-true solution for repositioning grins, it’s no longer the only option. Many orthodontists offer multiple options to suit your unique circumstances. For instance, today, brackets can be made from tooth-colored ceramic and utilize plastic bands and wires that are much more discreet. Or you might benefit from lingual braces, which are anchored to the backs of your teeth where no one can see them.

Reason #3: Easier to Stay on Track

Many patients choose clear aligners because the transparent plastic trays are removable, so there are no dietary restrictions. However, they must wear them for 20 to 22 hours daily to keep their teeth from reverting to their starting positions. It can be challenging for some teens and adults to adhere to this wear-time requirement, which can potentially add weeks or months to their treatment timeline.

Meanwhile, braces don’t require that you set timers to remember how long they’ve been out of your mouth because they’re not removable. That means it’s easier to stick to the plan and complete your orthodontics at the anticipated time.

If you’re unsure of the best way to achieve a straighter smile, your orthodontist can recommend an appropriate solution based on your individual needs.

About the Practice

At Arlington Heights Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, patients benefit from a team of providers eager to help families improve their dental health. With board-certified pediatric dentists and board-certified orthodontists in the office, you can trust that you and your child’s smiles are in good hands. Their compassionate approach is combined with advanced technology to offer a variety of orthodontic services to people of all ages, as well as standard pediatric dental care. If you or a loved one is frustrated by crooked teeth or a severe bite misalignment, you can request an appointment on the website or call (847) 255-3020.

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For many children, visiting the dentist can feel overwhelming. Fear, anxiety, or certain special needs can make routine dental care challenging without additional support. That’s where pediatric sedation dentistry comes in. By helping kids stay calm and comfortable, sedation allows dentists to complete important treatments safely and efficiently. But how do you choose the right sedation dentist for your child? Here are some helpful tips to guide your decision.

Look for Pediatric Training and Experience

Not all dentists are trained to work with children, especially when sedation is involved. Pediatric dentists complete additional years of specialized education focused on children’s oral health, development, and behavior. This training gives them the skills to provide care in a way that is both safe and comforting for young patients. When choosing a sedation dentist for children, ask about their pediatric background and experience.

Ask About Sedation Options

Different children have different needs when it comes to sedation. Some may only need nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to relax, while others may require oral or IV sedation for more involved procedures. A qualified pediatric sedation dentist should offer a range of options and recommend the most appropriate one based on your child’s age, health, and level of anxiety.

Ensure Safety Protocols Are a Priority

Your child’s safety should always come first. Be sure to ask about the dentist’s sedation protocols, including how they monitor vital signs during the procedure and what emergency measures are in place. The office should be equipped with the proper tools and staff trained to handle rare but possible complications. A reputable pediatric sedation dentist will be transparent about these safety measures and happy to answer your questions.

Consider the Office Environment

A child-friendly environment makes a big difference in reducing anxiety. Look for a practice that is designed with kids in mind, from colorful décor and smaller equipment to a warm, welcoming staff. A positive setting can help your child feel more at ease before sedation is even introduced.

Read Reviews and Ask for Recommendations

Other parents’ experiences can provide valuable insight into what you can expect. Reading reviews or asking friends, family, or your child’s pediatrician for recommendations can help you find a sedation dentist who is not only skilled but also compassionate and trustworthy.

Choosing the right sedation dentist for your child ensures they receive the care they need in a safe, supportive, and stress-free environment.

About the Practice

At Arlington Heights Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, families can rely on compassionate, specialized care designed to make dental visits easier for children. Our experienced team provides sedation dentistry services tailored to meet the needs of anxious children and those with special requirements. Visit us today to feel more at ease with your child’s care.

Call us at (847) 255-3020 or request an appointment online.

The post Kid-Approved Tips for Choosing a Sedation Dentist appeared first on Arlington Heights Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry Blog.

A knocked-out tooth can be scary for both you and your child. Whether it’s the result of a fall, sports injury, or accident at home, acting quickly can make a big difference. The first step is to stay calm and call your child’s dentist immediately.

An emergency dentist for children can assess the situation and provide the right treatment to protect your child’s smile. In the meantime, here’s what you should know about handling the situation.

If It’s a Baby Tooth

If your child knocks out a baby tooth, it usually won’t be reinserted. This is because putting it back could damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. However, that doesn’t mean you should wait to see a dentist. A prompt visit will ensure there’s no injury to the surrounding teeth, gums, or jaw, and your child’s dentist can determine whether space maintenance is needed to keep other teeth from shifting.

If It’s a Permanent Tooth

If the tooth is permanent, time is critical. Ideally, it should be reinserted into the socket within 30 minutes to have the best chance of saving it. Here’s how to handle it:

• Pick it up by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root.
• Rinse it gently with water if it’s dirty—avoid scrubbing.
• Try to place it back in the socket if your child is old enough and can hold it there.
• If reinsertion isn’t possible, store it in milk or a tooth preservation solution until you reach the dentist.

How to Keep Your Child Comfortable

While waiting to see the dentist, you can help ease your child’s discomfort by applying a cold compress to the outside of their mouth to reduce swelling. Over-the-counter pain medication appropriate for their age can also help. Avoid giving them anything too hot, cold, or hard to eat until the dentist has evaluated the injury.

Why an Emergency Dentist for Children Is Important

Pediatric dentists are trained to handle dental emergencies with a gentle approach, helping children stay calm while receiving urgent care. They also understand the importance of preserving your child’s oral development, whether that means protecting a permanent tooth or ensuring a lost baby tooth doesn’t cause long-term spacing issues.

Quick action and professional care are the best ways to protect your child’s smile after a tooth is knocked out.

About the Practice

Arlington Heights Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry offers compassionate, expert care for children facing dental emergencies. Our experienced team is skilled in handling knocked-out teeth, tooth injuries, and other urgent issues, ensuring young patients get the prompt attention they need in a friendly, supportive environment.

Call us at (847) 440-3346 or request an appointment online.

The post Help! My Child Knocked Out a Tooth – What Should I Do? appeared first on Arlington Heights Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry Blog.

You’ve finished your orthodontic treatment – awesome! But just as you were celebrating not having clear aligners or metal braces to worry about, your orthodontist handed you something called a “retainer.” What are you supposed to do with it?

A retainer will help you avoid needing retreatment by making sure your teeth stay in their new positions. Besides wearing it as instructed, you’ll have to take good care of it so it can do its job! Follow these 4 maintenance tips, and you’ll be a pro in no time.

1.     Don’t Eat with Your Retainer

If you try to eat with your retainer still in your mouth, you could end up trapping leftover food particles and bacteria between the plastic and your teeth. While it’s not exactly fragile, chomping down on something hard could also damage or warp your retainer. Finally, it’ll start to match the color of the foods you eat, which, over time, starts to look and taste pretty gross.

2.     Rinse and Brush Regularly

You might not be eating with it, but your retainer will still need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Give it a good rinse before putting it in your mouth and after removing it from your teeth, and set aside some time in the morning or at night to brush it with toothpaste. This way, your retainer won’t harbor harmful bacteria – or icky flavors and odors!

3.     Don’t Soak It in Bleach or Boiling Water

Two things you should absolutely not clean your retainer with are bleach and boiling water. Bleach, alcohol-based products, and other harsh chemicals can damage your retainer (and your mouth, for that matter). Lava-hot water, meanwhile, will melt or warp the plastic, and you’ll soon be in need of a replacement.

4.     Visit Your Orthodontist for Replacements

Unless you melt your retainer, it should last for several years. That said, it can experience wear and tear over time, particularly if you have a bad habit of grinding your teeth. When it starts to look ragged or doesn’t fit quite as well as it used to, it’s time to visit your orthodontist for a replacement.

Overall, taking good care of your retainer isn’t that different from taking care of your teeth. Keep it clean and take steps to avoid breaking it, and you’ll be good to go!

About the Practice

Arlington Heights Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry is fortunate enough to have two orthodontists and two pediatric dentists on staff. We can help patients of all ages take good care of their retainers – and their natural teeth! To contact our friendly team with any questions or concerns, please call our office at 847-255-3020.

The post 4 Maintenance Tips for Taking Care of Your Retainer appeared first on Arlington Heights Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry Blog.

Every year, countless kids get started with orthodontic treatment. This is a common procedure that can set young people up for a lifetime of sound oral health. Are you wondering if your precious little one needs braces? This blog post may give you a rough idea of whether your child could benefit from treatment.

Bring Your Child for an Orthodontic Evaluation

Scheduling an orthodontic evaluation for your child before they turn 7 years old is strongly recommended. Catching problems early on makes them easier to correct and can prevent the need for more extensive (and expensive) treatment down the road. Even if you believe that your child’s oral development is proceeding normally, an evaluation is still a good idea because, in some cases, only a trained eye can identify signs that a problem is present.

Signs That Treatment Might Be Necessary

While a qualified professional is the only person who can determine for sure whether your child needs treatment, you should still be aware of what orthodontic problems can look like and the symptoms they can cause.

Common Orthodontic Problems Among Children

Children may experience a wide range of orthodontic problems. Some common issues include:

• Overcrowding: This occurs when there is not enough space in the mouth for all the teeth to fit properly. Your child’s teeth may overlap one another.
• Overbite: This issue, also known as an overjet, happens when the upper front rest too far in front of the lower front teeth.
• Underbite: An underbite can be fairly easy to recognize because it occurs when the lower teeth rest in front of the top ones.
• Crossbite: This happens when some of the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when the mouth is closed.
• Open bite: There is a gap between the upper and lower teeth even when the mouth is at rest.

Symptoms of an Orthodontic Problem

Here are some indications that an orthodontic problem may be negatively affecting your child:

• It is difficult for them to speak clearly.
• They experience pain or discomfort in the jaw or mouth.
• They cannot thoroughly brush and floss their teeth due to misalignment.
• They may feel self-conscious about their smile.
• They experience frequent facial pain or headaches.
• They frequently snore.

Are you concerned that your child might need orthodontic treatment? Remember, the sooner they get started, the better! Take them in for a professional evaluation as soon as your schedule allows.

Meet the Practice

At Arlington Heights Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, our team proudly features four highly skilled orthodontists. If it is time for your child’s first orthodontic evaluation, or you have questions about what to expect when you visit us, we would be pleased to speak with you. Get in touch with our office at 847-255-3020.

The post Does Your Child Need Braces? Look for These Signs appeared first on Arlington Heights Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry Blog.

Braces are often thought of as a rite of passage for most teenagers – so if your dentist has informed you as an adult that you might benefit from a second round of orthodontic treatment, you may be feeling a little puzzled, or even disheartened. However, rest assured, it’s perfectly normal for adults and older patients to need braces again; and believe it or not, the process is often easier if you know what to expect! Here are four things you should keep in mind if you’re about to get braces again as an adult.

1. Needing Braces a Second Time Isn’t a Failure on Your Part

Many adult patients who need braces are often undergoing treatment a second time due to orthodontic relapse, which means their teeth have reverted back to their original, incorrect positions. While this can occur from not wearing your retainer after treatment, it also simply occurs over time for a wide variety of reasons, including bruxism, natural wear and tear, issues like decay or gum disease, or even physical trauma. Don’t feel discouraged if you need braces again; teeth are stubborn, and you can’t always control how they move. 

2. You’ve Got More Options to Choose From

When you’re finally going to get your braces, you might be expecting the same metal brackets and wires you had in the past or that you’re used to seeing. The truth is, braces have come a long way, even making impressive jumps in recent years, and now there are several varieties and types of braces that are more comfortable and natural-looking while remaining just as effective. Clear aligners and ceramic braces are two great examples of this. 

3. It Will Be Much More Affordable

These days, the cost of braces tends to be much more affordable than treatment plans of the past. Many dental insurance plans have built-in provisions for orthodontic treatment, not to mention, there are also a variety of flexible payment plan options. It’s also worth realizing that braces are cost-effective in the sense that they can prevent future, costly problems from occurring; think of them as a wise investment in your future oral health.

4. You’re Working Toward Improved Dental Health

When you have misalignment issues with your teeth, you may not notice that there are other problems present. However, crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, and other orthodontic issues can greatly impact your oral functionality, impeding your ability to eat your favorite foods, speak clearly, or take adequate care of your smile. By improving your smile with braces, you’re ensuring that your dental health is in tip-top shape moving forward. This is crucial as you grow older and your bones and teeth experience more wear; straightened teeth have improved longevity!

Rocking a set of straight pearly whites can affect your personality for the better and send your confidence soaring – so having braces as an adult is a smile price to pay for a lifetime of sky-high self-esteem and fewer dental issues. 

About the Practice

The team at Arlington Heights Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry has proudly served the needs of patients and families in the Arlington Heights community for several years, offering a wide range of orthodontic services for patients of all ages including braces. If you have any questions about the article or you’d like to get in touch with the team to set up an appointment for yourself or a loved one, please feel free to reach out online or by phone today. Telephone: (847) 255-3020.

The post 4 Things Adults with Braces Should Keep in Mind appeared first on Arlington Heights Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry Blog.

The brackets and wires that make traditional braces are durable but can become damaged if you aren’t careful. If this situation happens to you, you should take all the necessary steps to have the issue addressed as seen as possible. You don’t want to backtrack your orthodontic treatment. Continue reading to learn about the steps you should take to if you find yourself in this situation.

Be Careful While Eating

You should avoid eating foods that are particularly hard or sticky until you can get your bracket fixed. These items could worsen the damage to orthodontic appliances, pulling them off the teeth and resulting in additional irritation. Until you can have the issue addressed, stick to soft foods that are easy to chew.

Use Orthodontic Wax

Orthodontic wax can be purchased at pretty much any drugstore or supermarket in the dental hygiene section. Orthodontic wax can be placed on the parts of your braces that are poking uncomfortably against your skin, gums, and lips. It is perfectly safe to use and completely harmless if it is accidentally swallowed. This way, you can avoid sores, infections, and lacerations.

Use a Saltwater Rinse

Warm saltwater rinses are great for patients who have been experiencing pain, inflammation, or irritation of the mouth. They can help to reduce swelling and heal cuts and sores inside the mouth. Add half a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water and mix them together. Swish it around your mouth for about a minute.

Gather Broken Materials

If parts of your braces have broken off, bring them with you to your appointment. Sometimes, these materials can be cleaned and reused. This can help to save you both time and money.

Don’t Attempt to Fix Your Braces

It might be tempting to try to save a visit to the dental office by fixing your braces at home, but this isn’t a good idea. Household adhesive and superglue aren’t meant to be used in the mouth, so you could end up damaging your braces and teeth even more. Instead, schedule an emergency appointment with your orthodontist. This way, they can plan to see you as soon as possible to address the issue.

Broken braces are a huge frustration, but by following the steps listed above, your orthodontic treatment will be back on track in just a matter of time!

About the Practice

At Arlington Heights Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, we have a team of skilled orthodontists serving patients in the Arlington Heights community. If you have concerns regarding your braces, we would be happy to take a look. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (847) 255-3020.

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Teeth are fascinating. Even though they may seem firmly planted in your child’s jaw, they can still sometimes drift out of alignment, even if there’s not much available space for them to move to. This can happen due to a variety of reasons but can thankfully be corrected with the help of orthodontics. Here are a few common reasons your child’s teeth may have gradually moved, and what you can do to correct it.

Why Do Teeth Move?

Shifting teeth can be caused by many things. In teens and children, it is most commonly due to developmental issues like emerging permanent teeth. If your child’s arches have not finished growing, or if they are simply too small to accommodate adult teeth, this can cause both their permanent and any remaining baby teeth to shift.

Another common cause of shifting teeth is the eruption of wisdom teeth. These “third molars” can sometimes grow sideways, cause crowding, or even push your child’s existing teeth so they shift or break. This is why many young adults end up getting theirs extracted.

Teeth grinding is another issue that could be responsible for shifting. That’s because grinding can wear down the tooth enamel, changing the size and shape of the teeth. This in turn creates space in the arches, causing them to shift positions.

How Do I Treat Shifted Teeth?

If your child’s teeth have shifted or are misaligned, orthodontic treatment can help. Children can begin wearing traditional braces at around age nine, while teenagers can undergo treatment like Invisalign at around age 13, or as soon as they have all their permanent teeth. For adults, there is no upper age limit on orthodontics, which is especially helpful since shifting teeth can often be a bigger problem in adulthood due to lost teeth, gum disease, and the natural aging process.

Remember, it is natural for your teeth to shift slightly with time, but other outside influences like poor oral health, wisdom teeth, and even bad habits like teeth grinding can all cause movement, too. If you’re interested in getting your bite under control and correcting teeth that have moved out of alignment, speak to your orthodontist today.

About Our Practice

At Arlington Heights Orthodontic & Pediatric Dentistry, we are proud to help protect your child’s smile. Whether they need an exam and cleaning, have a dental emergency, or you’d like to prevent their teeth from shifting or correct their bite alignment, we’re here to assist you.

To schedule an orthodontic evaluation with us, please visit our website or call us today at 847-255-3020.

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