expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Leo Don Morton, D.D.S.

Dentist (Pediatric)

Dr. Leo Morton is a Dentist practicing in Glenview, IL. Dr. Morton specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions associated with the mouth and overall dental health. Dentists are trained to carry out such treatment as professional cleaning, restorative, prosthodontic, and endodontic procedures, and performing examinations, among many others.
45 years Experience
Dr. Leo Don Morton, D.D.S.
  • Glenview, IL
  • University of Nebraska, Lincoln
  • Accepting new patients

How can I prevent cavities in my child?

In addition you can floss his teeth, rinse with fluoride rinse if he can swish and spit. Additionally understand the role of nutrition in preventing cavities. Regular dental READ MORE
In addition you can floss his teeth, rinse with fluoride rinse if he can swish and spit. Additionally understand the role of nutrition in preventing cavities. Regular dental visits and professional cleaning and fluoride treatments also will help.

How effective are fillings for baby teeth?

Quality fillings with modern dental materials are very effective for children. Certain medications can be applied to decrease sensitivity.

Is delayed teething in kids normal?

It is not uncommon for some children to have delayed eruption. 10 months is not extremely late and if your pediatrician is not concerned with any other medical issues then I would READ MORE
It is not uncommon for some children to have delayed eruption. 10 months is not extremely late and if your pediatrician is not concerned with any other medical issues then I would not be concerned and give you child a few months. If nothing begins then your dentist could take a small individual x ray to evaluate but I's be patient for now

My baby is 7 months old and has 4 teeth. Should I use a brush to clean his teeth?

Yes. Use a small toothbrush with soft or ultrasoft bristles.

Is there a safe mouthwash for toddlers?

If your child can swish and spit then you could use an over the counter childrens fluoride rinse. But if not then wait until your child can swish and spit. Always use with supervision... READ MORE
If your child can swish and spit then you could use an over the counter childrens fluoride rinse. But if not then wait until your child can swish and spit. Always use with supervision... The mouthwash instructions will say not under 6 due to possibility of swallowing it. I've had some very cooperative 3 and 4 year olds able to do so but it really depends on the child and again....ALWAYS WITH SUPERVISION

Does my son need antibiotics after extraction?

There is no need for antibiotics after an extraction of an over-retained baby tooth in healthy children without infection.

How many times a year should kids get a teeth whitening?

I routinely don’t recommend whitening procedures on a 10 year old child.

Should my son have a caries risk assessment?

I would just suggest first dental visit by 1st Birthday to establish Dental Home and a risk assessment would be done as part of that first visit.

How long should my child go to her pediatric dentist?

Pediatric dentists treat children and adolescent patients. If your adolescent child feels uncomfortable in the office then you could consider evolving to a general dentist. Does READ MORE
Pediatric dentists treat children and adolescent patients. If your adolescent child feels uncomfortable in the office then you could consider evolving to a general dentist. Does your daughter still go to her pediatrician? We have many patients that still come to us because they are comfortable and confident well into their early college years but once they are no longer comfortable....it is time to move on.

Root canal on a baby tooth?

There are factors to consider here. You are correct that it will come out anyway. However if there is a significant problem needing root canal or pulpal treatment then the options READ MORE
There are factors to consider here. You are correct that it will come out anyway. However if there is a significant problem needing root canal or pulpal treatment then the options are to treat or extract the tooth. Leaving an untreated problem could result in an abscess or even more significant facial infection. Depending on the tooth in question, dental age of the patient a space maintainer may be required if the tooth is extracted. We start losing our primary teeth around 6 but the process continues till we are 11 or 12.

My daughter has all of her baby teeth in. What should I bring her to dentist?

Children should have their first dental visit by their first birthday and then every 6 months.

Can tooth grinding be a serious issue for kids?

Teeth grinding in young children is quite common. It usually occurs when the child is so deeply asleep and the jaw is in a relaxed position. This grinding usually is a way that READ MORE
Teeth grinding in young children is quite common. It usually occurs when the child is so deeply asleep and the jaw is in a relaxed position. This grinding usually is a way that the teeth adjust to slight interferences as we are growing. Typically they are so soundly asleep that they don't realize it but is something that you notice. Nothing usually has to be done. However, if extensive wear is noticed than something may need to be done to prevent more extensive wear. Your dentist would be able to check this. This grinding is different than the grinding and trauma produced by grinding in older patients. The grinding usually subsides after the eruption of the 1st molars at around 6 years of age.

How often should a 7-year-old go to the dentist?

Children should be seen at least every 6 months unless they are at higher risk and have already had multiple decayed teeth or cannot maintain their oral hygiene in which case should READ MORE
Children should be seen at least every 6 months unless they are at higher risk and have already had multiple decayed teeth or cannot maintain their oral hygiene in which case should be seen more frequently.

What are the chances that the spaces in my daughter's teeth will recur when her permanent teeth grow in?

There is a possibility that these spaces can be present when the permanent teeth but most often these spaces close due to the size differences of the permanent. teeth.

When should a child start brushing his own teeth?

Continue to help him as long as possible and as long as he "lets" you. Children do not have the dexterity to do a good job till 7 or 8 and in fact many adults don't do a good READ MORE
Continue to help him as long as possible and as long as he "lets" you. Children do not have the dexterity to do a good job till 7 or 8 and in fact many adults don't do a good job as well! The longer you can help the better but stop before he goes to college....

Is it important for children to floss their teeth daily?

I understand that she may give you a "hard time" but flossing is quite important and if you give in to the "hard time" she is giving you then she wins...you lose...and in the long READ MORE
I understand that she may give you a "hard time" but flossing is quite important and if you give in to the "hard time" she is giving you then she wins...you lose...and in the long run she loses. Try to make it fun for her to brush and floss. There are many games and apps for your phone that may help.