Jerger Pediatric Dentistry

Where Beautiful Smiles Begin

2101 North Main Street
Decatur, IL 62526

Jerger Pediatric Dentistry > Dental Care > Preventive Dental Care

Jerger Pediatric Dentistry provides quality exams and dental cleanings in Decatur, IL designed to help children prevent future oral health issues.

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Preventive Dentistry in Decatur, IL

There's an ancient saying that goes, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." It's as accurate now as it was when it was first uttered. Keeping your child's oral health on track as early and regular as you can is critical in setting them up for success later in life.

Children who develop steady oral health habits early on are much more likely to avoid teeth and gum issues in the future—while also enjoying a beautiful and attractive smile. Regular checkups and dental cleanings in Decatur, IL start your child down the road to healthy teeth and good habits. We would like the opportunity to be a part of your child's development!

Preventive dentistry in Decatur, IL is just as important as routine checkups with your pediatric dentist. Visits to the dentist in Decatur, IL give your child a chance to experience our office as a fun, friendly place while Dr. Bret Jerger DDS examines your child's teeth and gums for any potential issues.

Regular check-ups at our 62526 area dental office also allow Dr. Bret the opportunity to monitor any problems and treat issues sooner rather than later. The earlier we catch and diagnose a problem, the easier it is to treat.

Developing Healthy Habits at Home and With Our Dentist in Decatur, IL
Preventive Dental Treatments for Healthy Teeth in the 62549 Area
Why Preventive Dentistry Is Important for Your Child's Oral Health
Schedule Your Child's Next Dental Cleaning in Decatur, IL

Developing Healthy Habits at Home and With Our Dentist in Decatur, IL

Your child's preventive visits to Jerger Pediatric Dentistry will usually involve a dental cleaning with one of our skilled and gentle dental hygienists. We only pick the very best to join our team, and our dental hygienists are specially trained to work in pediatric dentistry.

We recognize that kids are not just "little adults" and have their own specific needs. Your child's dental hygienist will also review techniques and provide useful advice so that you can help teach your child proper care of their teeth at home.

Our dental hygienists and dentists will discuss specific information such as brushing and flossing, and this is important to help dislodge plaque that can build up on teeth. This plaque can cause tartar, gingivitis, and cavities and must be removed by specialized tools. Tartar build-up places your child at risk for developing cavities and even gum disease.

Why Preventive Dentistry Is Important for Your Child's Oral Health

Parents always want the best for their children, including maintaining their beautiful smiles. Your child's oral health journey doesn't begin when all their teeth emerge—it starts when the first tooth emerges. At Jerger Pediatric Dentistry, it's vital to help your child maintain the health of their teeth and gums as soon as they start teething.

Childhood is an essential formative time, especially when it comes to developing oral health habits that last a lifetime. Healthy teeth and gums mean fewer dental emergencies, costly procedures, and fewer worries about your dental well-being. Preventive pediatric dentistry includes visiting Dr. Bret Jerger for regular dental cleanings and exams. Dr. Jerger can check to make sure nothing is amiss, and everything looks intact, we can also look for warning signs of potential dental problems.

At Jerger Pediatric Dentistry, our goal is to keep your son or daughter healthy—without being too expensive. Your child's Decatur, IL preventive dentist appointments include cleanings, exams, and screenings for gum disease. Jerger Pediatric Dentistry is devoted to your little one's dental visits being warm, welcoming, relaxing, and educational. We teach you and your child proper brushing and flossing habits, and we can discuss healthy diets that keep your child's teeth and gums beautiful.

Girl undergoing dental examination in Decatur, IL Seeing your local Decatur children's dentist, Dr. Jerger, allows us to treat gingivitis as soon as it knocks on the door. This unfortunate dental health condition happens when plaque builds up on teeth, resulting in swollen and irritated gums along with tooth decay. If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into a more severe condition known as periodontitis. If left untreated, it will attack your gums and make them recede and gather more harmful bacteria. The bad bacteria can easily lead to other issues with your child's well-being, which is why it's essential to treat it as soon as we can.

Preventive Dental Care in the 62526 Area for Healthier Teeth

Dental cleanings and check-ups with Dr. Bret are essential, of course, but there are many other children's dental procedures we offer to help keep your child's smile sparkling:

Dental sealants – Molars are one of the top places for kids to develop cavities. This is usually due to two factors: the difficulty kids have reaching those teeth in the back and the deep grooves in the teeth where bacteria love to hide. Keeping their teeth clean can be challenging, especially when they are young and still learning how to develop healthy oral habits.

Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings that are applied to the teeth to seal off the grooves so bacteria can't get in. They are non-invasive and easy to place. Your child will be comfortable throughout the procedure, which can be done in just one dental appointment. Dr. Jerger will clean and condition the tooth before administering the dental sealant and letting it harden. Your child can eat immediately following the dental procedure. If we think sealants are right for your child, we will let you know!

Fluoride—Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can make tooth enamel more resistant to cavities. Fluoride is in toothpaste and other dental products, as well as the local water supply. Most kids get sufficient fluoride that way, but if your child avoids drinking tap water, they may not be adequately protected. A fluoride varnish, applied after their cleaning, will help protect your child's teeth against cavities and significantly improve your child's oral health. Fluoride treatments can reduce tooth decay, remineralize teeth, and strengthen teeth as they form.

Mouthguards—Many children have a lot of energy for playing and running around. Sports are great for helping kids stay active and get enough exercise, but unfortunately, we see a lot of dental injuries connected to athletics. These injuries can often be prevented with a mouthguard. Your Decatur children's dentist may also recommend mouthguards to protect your child's teeth from grinding or jaw clenching. To learn more about mouthguards or nightguards and whether your child athlete could benefit from one, give our office near 62549 area a call!

Kids playing at school after dental cleanings in Decatur, IL Preventative dental care in Decatur, IL is the best way to be on top of your child's oral and general health. Don't wait for an easily preventable (and painful) dental emergency to start taking care of your baby's teeth!

Schedule Your Child's Next Dental Cleaning in Decatur, IL

The best time to start your children's oral health journey is right away—you don't have to wait for all of your son's or daughter's teeth to emerge before introducing them to their pediatric dentist in Decatur, IL. Parents can start as early as they want to introduce their precious one to the routine of daily health habits.

Are you ready to get started? Call our office today to schedule your child's appointment with Decatur pediatric dentist Dr. Bret. We can't wait to welcome you and your family to our practice!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child need a mouthguard for sports?

Yes, every child who participates in sports activities—particularly contact sports like football, basketball, and soccer—should wear a mouthguard to protect their teeth. Parents are often surprised to learn that as much as 40 percent of all dental injuries are sports-related.

Customized Mouthguards in Decatur, IL

As your child’s Decatur, IL dentist, Dr. Bret Jerger customizes sports mouthguards that offer the ultimate protection for their teeth and mouths.

Many schools and teams mandate wearing mouthguards, but even so, statistics show that only about two-thirds of athletes wear protective mouth gear. The lack of compliance is partially because generic mouthguards of the “boil and bite” variety don’t fit very well and may be so uncomfortable that your child won't wear it without your supervision.

As part of your son or daughter’s preventive dental care at our Decatur, IL practice, we customize mouthguards that are comfortable because we design them for your child’s unique smile. For this reason, kids are much more likely to follow through with wearing them when parents aren’t around to supervise them.

Contact Jerger Pediatric Dentistry

If your child participates in sports, they require protection for their mouth and teeth. Instead of searching for a “dentist near me,” call Jerger Pediatric Dentistry to schedule an appointment. We'll take impressions of your child’s teeth and customize a high-quality, durable sports guard to protect their precious smile from harm.

How important are dental cleanings?

Your child's lifelong relationship with their oral health starts at a very young age. Every basic tooth cleaning provides benefits to your child, no matter what age they are.

Your child's pediatric visits with Dr. Bret Jerger include dental cleaning, digital x-rays, exams, and fluoride treatment all work to track and maintain your child's oral health, along with preventing tooth decay and infection.

The Benefit of Dental Cleanings in Decatur, IL

Prevents tooth decay and cavities by eliminating plaque. Your child's precious enamel can be protected with dental cleanings and protective treatments to prevent the build-up of plaque
Reduces the risk of tooth loss by slowing the build-up of plaque. When children lose their baby teeth prematurely, it can cause lifelong dental problems
Prevents teeth from staining or appearing yellow
Keeps your child's breath fresh by ensuring there are no oral health issues that cause bad breath
Reduces the risk of disease, infection, and tooth decay
Lowers costs by identifying issues early before they become costly

Call Us Today to Arrange Your Child's Next Teeth Cleaning

There are numerous advantages to making sure your child maintains their dental cleanings, especially when it comes to preventing future dental problems that can cause lifelong issues.

At Jerger Pediatric Dentistry, there's no such thing as introducing your baby to their oral health too soon. Even before their baby teeth emerge, we advise that parents gently run a wet cloth over their child's gums to remove any plaque.

Call Dr. Bret Jerger in Decatur, IL, to arrange your child's next dental cleaning and keep them in step with excellent oral health.

Why are baby teeth important?

At Jerger Pediatric Dentistry, we believe baby teeth lay the foundation in your child’s mouth that welcomes their permanent teeth later. From the time your child’s first tooth erupts, he or she must learn proper dental hygiene. When children learn how to clean and care for their mouths properly, it translates to a lifetime of happy smiles and healthy teeth.

Our Dental Team Can Help Keep Your Child's Oral Health On Track

Your child’s baby teeth affect how their permanent teeth grow and develop, and failure to care for your child’s baby teeth can cause damage or decay, which could mean unnecessary time spent with your children's dentist in Decatur, IL.

Bottles, pacifiers, and thumb-sucking can also cause damage and changes in children’s mouths, so it is important to discuss any of these concerns with your children's dentist in Decatur, IL. We can help you make sure that your child’s baby teeth are working the way they are supposed to work.

We Can't Wait to Help Treat Your Child

When looking for a dentist near me, it's important to find someone that offers comprehensive pediatric dental care with a gentle and compassionate touch. Our friendly dental staff works hard to make every dental visit as welcoming and friendly as possible.

We help parents navigate their child's oral health to complement professional dental cleanings in Decatur, IL. This helps set the stage for a successful dental future.

How often should I bring my child in for dental cleanings?

As a parent, it might be easy to overlook your child's early oral health needs, especially if they don't even have teeth yet!

In truth, it's not a bad idea to get your baby used to the importance of a clean mouth. Even before their teeth begin to emerge, parents can take a soft cloth and gently wipe their child's gums. As soon as their teeth start to erupt, we recommend beginning regular dental visits and dental cleanings with your dentist in Decatur, IL.

Dr. Bret Jerger can help parents practice proper oral care in the comfort of their home in between dental visits.

By starting early, we can help our children develop lifelong healthy habits.

How Often Does My Child Need a Dental Cleaning?

According to the American Dental Association, routine dental cleanings are recommended every six months as soon as your baby's teeth first start to emerge.

If your child has oral health problems or recurrent tooth decay or infection, we may recommend more frequent dental visits.

Dental cleanings in Decatur, IL allow us to detect any abnormal dental health issues, recommend preventive treatments like dental sealants or fluoride supplements, and teach your child how to brush and floss properly.

Schedule Your Child's Next Dental Cleaning in Decatur, IL

Your child's oral health is extremely important, and their lifetime relationship with their teeth and gums starts with their family and dentist. Dental cleanings in Decatur, IL allow us to keep your child healthy, strong, and informed about their dental health.

Call our friendly dental team today, and we will put you down for your next dental check-up and exam!

What is a dental sealant?

Your child’s dentist in Decatur, IL provides preventive treatments to help your child maintain excellent oral health and lower their risks for preventable conditions, including cavities.

For older children, we can professionally clean their teeth to get rid of cavity-causing tartar and plaque. However, some children require a little extra assistance, which is where dental sealants come in.

How Do Dental Sealants Work?

A dental sealant is applied over your child’s teeth where it places a barrier between debris and their tooth’s enamel. With a dental sealant, it is difficult for tartar and plaque to form and cause tooth decay.

Your child’s dentist can also apply a fluoride treatment to help strengthen your child’s tooth enamel.

At your child’s six-month checkups, your dentist will always check the integrity of the dental sealant to make sure it is intact. Typically, a dental sealant will last for several years, continuing to reduce cavity risks.

For Dental Sealants in Decatur, IL Contact Us

Helping your child achieve and maintain a healthy smile is the top goal of our dentist and the dental team. So if you would like to establish dentistry with us, or if it’s time for your child’s next checkup, give us a call today.

Also, reach out for further information about our dental sealants.

Meet Our Doctor:

Dr. Bret Jerger

I am a lifelong resident of Decatur, IL, and am committed to the health of children in my community. After completing my residency at Riley Children's Hospital, I began working with my father, who established Jerger Pediatric Dentistry in 1966. I have been practicing pediatric dentistry in Decatur since 1995. Together, we have provided care to Central Illinois for over 50 years.

I enjoy helping to create beautiful smiles for our young patients while getting to know them and watching them grow up. My biggest goal is to create a safe, ...

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March 20, 2023

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