Family & Pediatric Dentistry · Bloomingdale, IL
Pediatric dentistry in Bloomingdale, IL
The AAPD recommends a child's first dental visit by age 1 -- or within 6 months of the first tooth, whichever comes first. At Serenity Dental, Dr. Husna Khan and Dr. Rafia sees children from that first visit all the way through their teen years, with a calm, unhurried approach that makes dental visits something kids can actually handle. Most kids don't love the dentist, but most dental visits don't have to be complicated.
We're a general and family practice, which means the whole family can come in together. No separate office for the kids, no referral required. Most routine pediatric care -- exams, cleanings, sealants, fluoride, and fillings -- is handled right here.
Reviewed by Dr. Husna Khan, DDS · Serenity Dental of Bloomingdale · Last updated: April 2026 · Accepts Medicaid (All Kids / EPSDT), most PPO plans, and in-office membership.
When should my child first see a dentist?
The AAPD recommends a child's first dental visit by age one -- or within six months of their first tooth. That sounds early, and it is. The reason is less about treatment and more about starting the relationship before anything actually hurts.
A first visit at Serenity Dental is low-key. Dr. Husna Khan will look at your child's teeth and gums, show them the tools in a friendly way, answer your questions about brushing and diet, and help you understand what to expect as the rest of their teeth come in. No surprises, no pressure, no drama.
Age 1
First visit
First tooth or first birthday -- whichever comes first. Exam, gum check, parent guidance.
Ages 2–5
Toddler years
Routine cleanings and exams every 6 months. Fluoride varnish. Brushing habit-building.
Ages 6–12
Mixed dentition
Baby and adult teeth coexist. Sealants, cavity monitoring, space maintainers if needed.
Ages 12+
Teenage years
Adult teeth fully in. Ortho evaluation, wisdom teeth monitoring, hygiene reinforcement.
Children's dental services at Serenity Dental
Most of what children need in dentistry is preventive -- catching problems early, protecting teeth from cavities, and building good habits. When treatment is needed, we handle it in-house.
Dental exams
A thorough check of teeth, gums, jaw development, and bite -- with digital X-rays when clinically indicated. Dr. Husna Khan explains findings to both child and parent in plain language.
Professional cleanings
Plaque and tartar buildup that brushing misses -- removed gently by our hygienist. Kids who come regularly have far fewer cavities than those who don't.
Fluoride treatment
A two-minute fluoride varnish applied to enamel after cleaning. Significantly reduces cavity risk. Included in most preventive visits and covered by most insurance plans and Medicaid.
Dental sealants
A thin protective coating applied to the grooves of back teeth -- where most childhood cavities start. Simple, quick, and one of the most effective cavity-prevention tools available.
Tooth-coloured fillings
When a baby tooth has a cavity, it still needs treatment. Untreated decay causes pain and affects spacing for permanent teeth. We use tooth-coloured composite for a comfortable, natural result.
Baby tooth extractions
Sometimes a baby tooth needs to come out -- whether due to decay, crowding, or to make way for a permanent tooth. Dr. Husna Khan keeps these visits calm and straightforward.
Emergency kids' dentistry
Knocked-out tooth, broken tooth, or sudden toothache -- we see children for urgent dental problems. Call the office to describe the situation and we'll get you in quickly.
Sports mouthguards
Custom-fitted mouthguards protect teeth during contact sports far better than store-bought versions. Worth discussing at any visit for an active child.
For older teens interested in orthodontics, Dr. Husna Khan provides Invisalign in-house. For adult tooth replacement, the same practice handles dental implants -- so most families never need a referral elsewhere.
Sealants and fluoride: the two most effective cavity preventers
Cavities in children are almost entirely preventable. Two tools do most of the heavy lifting -- and both are quick, painless, and covered by most insurance plans and Medicaid.
Dental sealants
The back molars -- the ones that do most of the chewing -- have deep grooves and pits on their chewing surfaces. Toothbrush bristles often can't reach the bottom of those grooves. Cavity-causing bacteria settle in and start breaking down enamel before a problem is even visible.
A sealant is a thin liquid resin painted onto those surfaces and hardened with a light. It fills the grooves, creating a smooth surface that's easy to clean. The procedure takes a few minutes per tooth, involves no drilling or anesthesia, and lasts several years.
Best timing: as soon as the permanent first molars come in (around age 6) and the second molars (around age 12). Dr. Husna Khan will tell you specifically whether your child's anatomy makes them a good candidate.
Fluoride treatment
Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel by replacing minerals that acid erosion has stripped away -- a process called remineralisation. The fluoride varnish applied in-office is significantly more concentrated than toothpaste, and it stays on the teeth long enough to make a real difference.
It takes less than two minutes, it's not uncomfortable, and it's one of the few dental interventions with decades of evidence behind it. For children who are cavity-prone, it's essentially a small insurance policy applied twice a year.
Fluoride varnish is included in most preventive visits and is covered by Illinois Medicaid for children through age 18.
When your child is anxious about the dentist
Dental anxiety in children is normal, common, and manageable. The worst thing to do is force a scared child through an appointment -- it makes every future visit harder. Dr. Husna Khan's approach is to earn the child's trust first and do the clinical work second.
Tell-show-do
Before any instrument touches a tooth, Dr. Husna Khan shows it to the child, explains what it does in simple language, and lets them touch it if they want to. No surprises. Kids who know what's coming are far less anxious than kids who don't.
Going at the child's pace
If a child needs a break, we take a break. If they're not ready for a procedure, we reschedule. A short appointment that ends well is worth more than a long one that ends in tears -- both for the child and for every future visit.
Nitrous oxide when needed
For children with significant anxiety or for procedures that require stillness, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is available. It takes the edge off without putting the child to sleep, and it wears off quickly. Dr. Husna Khan will discuss whether it makes sense at your first visit.
"My son had a terrible experience at another dentist and refused to go back for two years. First visit with Dr. Husna Khan she just chatted with him and counted his teeth -- nothing else. Second visit he let her do a cleaning. He actually asked when we could come back."
Dr. Husna Khan, DDS
General & Family Dentistry
Dr. Husna Khan believes dentistry should never feel rushed or confusing -- and that's especially true for kids. She takes time to listen, answer questions, and make sure every child and parent feels comfortable before any treatment begins. She sees children at all ages, from first teeth through teens, and also handles surgical, Invisalign, and implant care for adolescent and adult patients in the same practice -- so families rarely need a referral elsewhere as their children grow.
Insurance and payment for children's dental care
Illinois Medicaid (All Kids / EPSDT)
Illinois Medicaid covers comprehensive dental care for eligible children through the All Kids program. Covered services include exams, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, fillings, and extractions. We verify benefits before scheduling -- call us with your child's Medicaid card.
PPO dental insurance
We work with most PPO plans. Children's preventive care -- cleanings, exams, fluoride, sealants -- is covered at 100% by most plans. We submit a pre-authorisation when benefit verification warrants it so you know your out-of-pocket costs before treatment starts.
No insurance?
Our in-office membership plan includes preventive care for a flat annual fee, plus discounts on additional treatment. Many families without employer dental benefits use it to keep costs predictable. Ask at check-in or call to hear the current membership details.
Patient financing
For treatment beyond what insurance covers, patient financing through Cherry, CareCredit, and Sunbit lets qualified families pay monthly rather than upfront. We go over all payment options before any treatment begins -- no surprises at checkout.
Serenity Dental sees families from Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Glendale Heights, Addison, Hanover Park, Roselle, and surrounding DuPage County communities. We speak English, Spanish, Polish, Hindi, Urdu, Arabic, and Telugu -- whatever makes your family most comfortable.
Learn more about your child's dental care
Detailed guides on the questions parents ask most -- written to give clear, AAPD-aligned answers without the fluff.
Baby teeth & development
When treatment is needed
Prevention & special situations
Questions parents ask about children's dental care
Answered the way we'd answer them in the office -- plainly.
At what age should a child first see a dentist?
Do you see children at Serenity Dental, or only adults?
How do I prepare my child for their first dental visit?
Do you accept Medicaid for children's dental care?
Does my child need dental sealants?
How often should my child come in for dental visits?
My child is nervous about the dentist. Can you still see them?
What happens if my child has a cavity?
What is the rule of 7 in pediatric dentistry?
Do you see children with special needs or dental anxiety?
Educational content -- individualized clinical decisions are made case by case. Specific recommendations follow a clinical exam and reflect each child's age, dental development, and health history. For tooth pain, swelling, trauma, or anything you're unsure about, call us at (630) 359-0105 -- we offer same-day evaluations for children's dental concerns.
Ready to book your child's visit?
Whether it's your child's first appointment or they're overdue for a cleaning, Dr. Husna Khan will meet them where they are. We accept Medicaid, most PPO plans, and offer membership options for uninsured families.