Dentistry for the ENTIRE Family.

When you visit Westgate Dental Care, you'll notice we serve patients young and old. We love getting to know ENTIRE families - this is part of what makes our profession so great!

Parents of young children often ask...When should my child first visit the dentist? What happens at their first appointment? What if they're scared?

When should children first visit the dentist?

We recommend that kids first visit the dentist at three years of age. These early appointments are about children getting acclimated to the dental environment and feeling safe. We use these visits to educate parents about nutrition and how it affects oral health, brushing habits, and what to expect when it comes to the growth and development of their child's mouth. We also give tips and tricks to make home care easier for parents.

What happens at their first appointment? What if they're scared?

A child’s first visit to the dentist can be scary, but our kid-friendly approach makes it a fun experience. We provide a positive dental experience for children that we believe will impact their relationship with oral health for the rest of their lives. 

We give youngsters a welcome teddy bear, which can provide emotional support and reduce anxiety. “We explain everything before and as we do it,” said Abby Neitz, dental hygienist for Westgate Dental. “I let kids see and hold instruments (that aren't sharp) and see the equipment that I use so they can experience the sounds and feels. They also get to go for a ride in the chair. That’s when I put on the massage feature so it vibrates, and I make the chair go up and tell them they're on a spaceship ride. This usually makes them laugh. I also let them choose what they want to watch on the ceiling TV.”

Dr. Hart sharing a special moment with this delightful patient!

If your kids play contact sports, we highly encourage them to wear mouthguards to protect their smiles. Mouthguards are worn over the top row of teeth to protect against broken teeth, cut lips, and other damage to the mouth. This is especially important for kids who have orthodontics in place such as braces.

We make custom mouthguards at our office, which provide the best fit and protection for your athlete. It's a simple process where we take a digital impressions (no more messy molds!) and the custom mouthguard is ready to pick up within days. Plus, with the digital impression, we can easily order additional mouthguards when it's time for replacements, which we recommend after every sports season.

Call us today to schedule a quick visit to design your child's mouthguard.

847-577-7171

Play hard. Have fun. And protect those pearly whites!

Don't Forget the Protective Lip Balm!

Oral health is more than just caring for your teeth and gums; your lips deserve attention too! As you're outdoors more frequently during the summer, your lips are more vulnerable to sun damage, which may increase the risk of oral or skin cancer. Be sure to apply LIP BALM with SPF 15 or higher before heading out.

Our custom lip balms are complimentary at every continuous care visit, along with a new toothbrush, toothpaste and floss. Who doesn't love a goody bag?

Thinking about brightening your smile?

We believe KöR Teeth Whitening is one of the most effective in-office, professional teeth whitening systems available!

"Widely recognized as the world’s most effective teeth whitening system, KöR offers cost-effective solutions from phenomenal home whitening for average patients, to astonishing treatment of tetracycline cases and everything in-between."

We have scheduled extra availability

for KöR Whitening appointments throughout July and August.

July 7th was World Chocolate Day, and as your friendly and trusted dental team, we say: EAT DARK CHOCOLATE!

Dark chocolate is a good source of polyphenols, natural chemicals that can limit oral bacteria. They are able to neutralize microorganisms that cause bad breath and prevent some bacteria fro turning sugar and starches into acid, which love to wreak havoc on your teeth.

Dark chocolate also contains antioxidants. Antioxidants are beneficial to overall health in many ways but when it comes to oral health, having higher levels of antioxidants in your saliva has been shown to help fight gum disease.

Finally, dark chocolate contains flavonoids, which have been shown to slow tooth decay.

For the best health results, dark chocolate should be around 70 percent cocoa. But remember, it's still chocolate and should be consumed in moderation! The recommended amount is 1 ounce per day (about six Hershey's kisses). 

Just be sure to keep up with the brushing. And flossing. Twice a day. Everyday.

Helping To Fill Those Backpacks!

We are proud to again donate to the Palatine Township Back to School Supplies Program. Now in its 35th year, backpacks full of donated school supplies help local families in need give their children a solid start to the school year, from kindergarten and including high school students. 

Monetary donations are currently being accepted by the Palatine Township Needy Family Fund, Inc., as this allows the program to purchase school supplies at a reduced rate. Learn more: Palatine Township Back to School Supply Drive.

Contact Palatine Township at 847-358-6700 if you have any questions or know of someone who needs a hand. We wish this program continued success in helping students and families succeed!

Our patients say it best. Thank you!

Congrats To Our Contest Winner!

Congratulations to our wonderful patient Brooke S. for winning our Q2 Referral Contest for $500 in Gas Gift Cards! Thank you, Brooke, for referring your family and friends to Westgate Dental Care. It's the highest compliment our team can receive.

We're pretty sure your gas gift cards will come in handy with summer activities and roadtrips. Safe travels wherever the road may lead!

Our New Referral Contest Has Begun.

You could win a $500 in Grocery Gift Cards! 

Refer a New Patient. Receive an Entry. It's that Simple.

Work Hard, Play Hard!

Our entire staff enjoyed a fun afternoon of laughter and competition with bocce and bowling at Pinstripes. (The tape measure even came out during bocce between Dr. Kics and Dr. Rosenblatt!) Many thanks to the South Barrington Pinstripes for hosting our event.

We are proud to be your partners in oral health.

Thank you for your trust and confidence in our care!