Preventative Care

Your kids’ teeth problems are usually quite common, and usually not serious. Most importantly, according to Colgate, all children’s teeth and gum issues are fixable.

You may have the toughest kid on the block, but even if your little boy or girl is able to handle themselves in the playground, your dentist will tell you that the enamel on their teeth isn’t nearly as strong.

Because the enamel on your kids teeth is fifty percent thinner than what coats your teeth, sugar can attack more readily leading to tooth decay. If the decay is not taken care of as soon as possible, cavities will develop. Regular dental checkups will solve the problem allowing your pediatric dentist to address the issue before it develops any further.

Dental Sealants are another way to prevent cavities from developing in your child’s molars. Those back teeth have tiny grooves and fissures that are impossible to brush. Dental Sealants are actually painted on to the teeth helping prevent tooth decay.

These days more kids are drinking bottled water. Unfortunately, bottled water does not contain fluoride, which is essential for replacing mineral loss in the enamel on your kid’s teeth. Fluoride can also help prevent dental caries. Ask your dentist about fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinses for kids if you and your family do not drink tap water.

Although the holidays are just around the corner, and your kids are probably still enjoying their Halloween candy, it is imperative that you keep those treats to a minimum. If your son or daughter got into the trick or treat bag a few times too many, make sure they rinse well with water. Better yet, schedule an appointment with your pediatric dentist just to be safe.

Diet is imperative to a healthy mouth. Show your kids the importance of healthy foods and make sure that you incorporate healthy choices at mealtime. Avoid sugary treats, especially soft drinks and candy, and keep those chips and other starchy foods out of the house.

When it comes to your kid’s teeth common sense prevails. Watch what your children eat, teach them healthy brushing and flossing habits, and make sure to schedule regular dental checkups with your pediatric dentist.

Remember the oral hygiene habits that you teach your kids today will help them keep their teeth for the rest of their lives.

Bruxism, or tooth grinding, is a condition caused by stress and anxiety, but bruxism can also occur in children.

According to the American Dental Association, bruxism is common in children. Experts say that three out of every ten kids will clench or grind their teeth. Bruxism has been reported in about twenty percent of kids up until they the age of 11. Jaw clenching and teeth grinding occurs when kids are in a deep sleep or under stress. However, because kid’s jaws and teeth change and grow quickly, it is usually outgrown by adolescence.

When your kids are asleep, the last thing you want to hear is grinding and tooth gnashing. Although there have been several studies conducted, no one really knows for sure why bruxism occurs. Some possible causes include misaligned teeth, allergies, or mouth irritations. Your dentist explains that kids may also grind teeth to ease pain from teething or an earache. Anger or nervous tension can also be a possible cause, especially if there has been a change to his or her normal routine. Arguing family members can also cause jaw clenching or tooth grinding because of additional stress. Hyperactivity could also be another cause of bruxism.

Most cases of bruxism often go undetected. Unless your child is experiencing earaches or headaches, there may not be any adverse effects. Usually it is the family members who are most bothered by bruxism because of the sound of tooth grinding and gnashing.

Depending on the child, your dentist will tell you that teeth clenching and grinding can actually wear down the enamel on the teeth, cause chipping, or tooth breakage. Other effects that may occur from bruxism include temperature sensitivity, jaw problems, and severe facial pain. Although it is not common in children, problems with the temporomandibular joint or TMJ may be to blame, especially if clenching and grinding is chronic.

Bruxism episodes last about four seconds and can happen about six times in an hour. In a recent study, it was found that bruxism episodes occur in stage two and REM sleep and in clusters.

If you suspect that your child may be suffering from bruxism, schedule an appointment with your pediatric dentist who can help determine the cause of your kids clenching and grinding.

According to your Web MD, quite a few things can cause tooth decay, and if you want your kids to grow up with less fillings than you did, pay close attention to the list below.

If your children have had lots of cavities in the past, chances are, they will have them in the future. Make sure that your kids practice good oral hygiene, and if you are unsure, schedule an appointment with your dentist who may be able to improve the way your kids brush and floss.

Every mouth is loaded with bacteria. Combine that with food it is like smearing acid on the tooth or teeth. Eventually acid will eat away at the enamel causing tooth decay. Keep your kids away from sugar and sticky dried fruits and make sure they rinse after eating.

These days it seems like sugar is added to everything, even so called healthy fruit juices. When you shop for groceries read the labels and try to stay away from starchy foods such as white bread that are loaded with sugar.

If your teenager has had fillings in the past, make sure that your dentist checks all old dental restorations. Poor quality fillings can leak causing plaque to form in the cracks and crevices.

Fruit is good for kids, but try to include citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits as part of a meal. If your children do eat citrus fruits make sure that they rinse after eating.

If your kids drink bottled water, they are not getting the fluoride that they need. Ask your dentist to recommend a good fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse as bottled water does not contain fluoride.

Nursing your baby too long will put your kids at risk. Recent research has indicated that prolonged breast and bottle-feeding could put children in the high-risk category when it comes to cavities.

Cavities under existing fillings can be a problem at any age, and if your teens have dental restorations, make sure that your dentist checks for fractures and breakages.

If your kids have braces, their risk of cavities is much greater. Metal mouth appliances make it difficult to brush and almost impossible to floss. Ask your dentist about floss threaders, which help the floss, get under the wires.

For more information on oral hygiene and tooth decay, schedule an appointment with your kid’s dentist today.

According to the American Dental Association and your dentist, taking your son or daughter to the dentist doesn’t have to be a nightmare, in fact, when you visit a dentist who specializes in pediatric dentistry it can actually be a fun experience.

The most important thing to remember is to prepare your child before each dental appointment. Give your son or daughter a general overview so that they know what to expect. Say things like, “The dentist is going to look at your gums and your teeth, take a few pictures, and use a special toothbrush to clean your teeth.”

Make sure that you do not pass your own dental visit fears on to your kids. Even if you have a real dental phobia, it is imperative that you make sure that you tell your children that the dentist is there to help keep their teeth healthy so that they can have a pretty smile.

Your dentist recommends that you follow the procedures below in order to keep fillings and other dental procedures to a minimum.

Teach your kids to brush with fluoride toothpaste at least twice each day, especially after dinner. Fluoride toothpaste should be kept to the size of a pea for children under three.

Make sure that your kids are brushing correctly. If you are unsure that your son or daughter has the brushing down pat, you may want to do it yourself until your child is about seven or eight years old, and make sure that you watch as they brush.

As soon as your kids have teeth that touch together start flossing. Bacteria and food can be lodged between the teeth and as your dentist will tell you, flossing is the best way to keep teeth and gums healthy.

Keep candy and sticky foods to a minimum. Because dried fruit and chewy treats can stick to the grooves and fissure, rinsing and even brushing may not get rid of the sugar.

Those sippy cups could be causing problems for your kid’s teeth. If your son or daughter must sip on something, go with water. Fruit juices and other sugary drinks when sipped are like bathing teeth in sugar.

Never send your child to bed with juice or milk unless brushing is planned before they go to sleep. If they are thirsty, water is your best bet.

Teach your kids to eat plenty of fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Your dentist will tell you that diet plays a huge roll in dental health.

If you would like more information regarding dental health for kids, schedule an appointment with your pediatric dentist today.

It won’t be long before the kids are back in school, but if you neglected to schedule an appointment with your kid’s dentist in Chicago, do it today.

Not all tooth decay causes pain. In fact, if your son or daughter has older fillings, dental caries could be hiding underneath.

Children of all ages can get cavities and it’s not always because of poor oral hygiene. According to recent studies, about four million preschoolers are dealing with tooth decay with that number rising by over 600,000 kids in the past decade. Sugar could be to blame as packaged foods, fruit juice and other snacks contain far more sugar than they did when you were a child. Bottled water could be another reason for the rise in tooth decay, as bottle water does not contain fluoride.

Tooth decay can also be hereditary, and if you had cavities when you were a kid, your children will most likely suffer as well. Soft teeth do not run in the family, but decay-causing bacteria do.

If your teeth have caused you problems over the years, it is imperative that you take action where your kid’s dental health is concerned. The American Academy of Pediatrics and your Chicago Kids Dentist recommends that you speak with your pediatric dentist making him or her aware of your own dental history. This will enable your dentist to take extra precautions such as dental sealants if your kids are in the high-risk category.

If your kids grind or clench their teeth while sleeping, dental fillings could be at risk. Constant pressure on tooth colored and amalgam fillings will cause them to crack, chip, or wear down. The only way to determine if the seals on your children’s fillings have broken down is to schedule an appointment with your kids dentist to avoid additional decay to a tooth that has been damaged in the past. If the decay is left untreated, it could damage the pulp leading to a dangerous abscess and an eventual root canal.

Get your kids ready for school this year and schedule a dental check up with your pediatric dentist in Chicago. After all, new clothes and school supplies shouldn’t be the only items on your to do list.

As hard as it may seem to believe, kids are still taking up smoking. In fact, your Pediatric Dentist will tell you that tweens and teens are puffing cigarettes and chewing smokeless tobacco products more than ever. Hookah pipes are becoming increasingly popular with teenagers and are just as dangerous as other tobacco products.

Although smoking is glamorized thanks to the tobacco industry, you still have more influence on your kids than the celebrities that smoke in the movies or on television.

If you suspect that your kids have started to smoke, sit down and have a heart to heart talk. Tell them how smoking can affect their bodies, including their teeth and gums. Explain to your sons and daughters that you do not want them to smoke. Consistent messages will get your point across making smoking less likely.

It’s never too early to talk to your kids about the dangers of smoking and smokeless tobacco products. Not only does smoking affect your children’s health, but it can also cause serious issues to their teeth and gums. Gum disease, horrible staining, and receding gums are just a few of the problems that can occur with smoking. Start giving your children powerful messages about the dangers of smoking as early as five years old. Those early warnings may prevent them from taking up the habit, which can begin as early as 10 or 11 years old. Kids that have started before the teen years will become addicted to smoking or smokeless tobacco products by the time they reach the tender age of 14.

If you smoke, kick the habit. According to NBC News, parents who smoke or use smokeless tobacco or more likely to produce children who develop the habit at an early age. Let your kids know how difficult it is to stop smoking and how much you wish you had never started.

Keep a smoke free policy in your home and if you have friends or family members who indulge, make sure that it is never allowed inside or near your children.

Know your kids friends and find out if they smoke. Peer pressure can result in your son or daughter taking their first puff leading to a dangerous addiction.

If you catch your kids smoking, avoid ultimatums, threats, and punishment. Your Pediatric Dentist advises that you ask your son or daughter what the attraction to smoking is and what can be done to help kick the habit.

Point out to your kids that the tobacco industry spends billions of dollars in order to make their products appealing. Kids, especially teens that smoke may become angry helping to motivate them into quitting all together.

If you would like more information regarding smoking and oral health, schedule an appointment with your Dentist who may be able to help you and your kids stop smoking.

Baby bottle tooth decay, commonly known as nursing bottle syndrome, and nursing carries, happens when your child’s teeth are constantly in contact with beverages loaded with sugar. Formula, milk, fruit juice, and even fruit juice that you have diluted with water, can cause early childhood carries. Even if you breastfeed, your baby could still be susceptible to baby bottle tooth decay. Once any of these liquids begin to break down inside your child’s mouth, bacteria begins to feed on the sugars causing cavities and dental caries.

If your kids love to drink sugary beverages, it is imperative that you schedule an appointment with your pediatric dentist as baby bottle tooth decay can make it tough to eat and can cause pain.

Baby teeth act as space savers for your children’s adult teeth. Unfortunately if your kids baby teeth are damaged it could result in improper positioning. This could also result in crooked permanent teeth or overcrowding. If your kid’s teeth are decayed, an abscess could occur spreading the infection to other parts of the body.

According to Medicine Net, there are some things that you can do to help prevent nursing caries.

Substitute juices, milk and sugary liquids with water. If your child must have a watered down juice drink, follow with a baby bottle filled with water.

If your kids use pacifiers, never dip them in sugary liquids, honey, fruit juice, or plain sugar.

When you put your child down for bedtime or naptime, resist the urge to fill his or her baby bottle with sugary liquids or milk. Even watered down juice can increase the risk of tooth decay. Again, water is the best and will keep your kids hydrated while sleeping.

Because human breast milk can also cause dental caries, never allow your child to nurse while sleeping. Fill the bottle with water or give your child a pacifier.

Resist the urge to add sugar to your finicky eater’s food. Doing so will cause the bacteria in your child’s mouth to feed on the sugar eventually causing tooth decay.

Your dentist recommends that you wipe your baby’s mouth with a wet cloth even if your child does not have teeth. After each feeding, wipe the gums and any teeth that have erupted as this can help remove sugars and plaque.

Be sure and ask your pediatric dentist about fluoride. Too much can cause spots and permanent damage to your kids teeth. Not enough will cause tooth decay. If your water is not fluoridated your dentist may recommend fluoride treatments.

Lastly, teach your kids to use a sippy cup by the time they reach the age of one. Sippy cups help reduce sugar exposure. Have your son or daughter drink water, as sugary drinks, including milk, will cause tooth decay.

For more information regarding baby bottle tooth decay, schedule an appointment with your pediatric dentist who can help your kids keep their teeth for the rest of their lives.

All people are susceptible to tooth decay, but infants, toddlers, adolescents, teens and tweens can be prone to cavities. In fact, the Center for Disease Control estimates that as many as 19 percent of children between two and nineteen live with cavities that are left untreated.

Children are twice as likely to get cavities because they do not brush and floss as they should. Dental caries, which can be passed from one to another, are actually communicable diseases that one family member can give to another because of cup and utensil sharing.

According to a Pediatric Dentist, there are a number of factors that could be contributing to your children’s tooth decay. Cavities form thanks to bacteria, sugars, and starches that accumulate on the teeth and gums. This dangerous mix creates acids that will deplete calcium, which is needed to keep your tooth enamel strong. The mouth germ, technically called mutans streptococcus is a germ causes plaque. Plaque coats your teeth with even more acid that adds to the tooth decay that has already started to form. Twenty seconds is all it takes for the bacteria to covert to acid after a sugary snack has been enjoyed. This happens several times during a meal. How you eat is almost as important as what you eat. Sucking on a hard candy all day is actually more detrimental than eating an entire bag of candy for lunch.

If you have been reading the Chicago Kids Dentist blog you will know how damaging sugar is to your kids teeth, but so are food items that most consider healthy. Fruit juice is highly acidic as is certain types of fish and bread. Carbonated drinks can also hurt teeth.

Of course, your kids don’t have to give these treats up completely. Ask your Pediatric Dentist about snacks that help produce saliva to wash away some of the dangerous acids. Keep snacking before bed to a minimum, and never give your son or daughter anything acidic before bedtime. Try giving your kids cheese following an acidic meal as it helps to neutralize the acids.

Before brushing, teach your kids to rinse after a meal. Wait approximately thirty minutes and then have them brush, as the acid works quickly making the enamel on your teeth more vulnerable if you or your kids brush immediately after eating.

These days, dentists understand how genetics affect teeth and gums. Just as your genes determine the color of your eyes, height and hair color, genes also affect teeth and gums right down to the hardness of the enamel. This explains why people who have impeccable oral hygiene habits find themselves sitting in the dentist’s chair more often than they would like.

If you would like more information on keeping your kids teeth healthy through adulthood, contact a Pediatric Dentist in your area who can help your kids keep their teeth well into the senior years.

You may have had a fear of the dentist when you were young, and may still be afraid to sit in the dental chair however, it is vital that you do not pass that fear on to your kids. Your kids do not have to fear the dentist, in fact, not all kids are afraid of the dentist; especially if you make sure that your children understand how important dental hygiene and dental health is. According to the Kids Dentist in the Magnificent Mile District in Chicago, there are a few things you can do to put your kids at ease.

Before making an appointment with a Chicago Pediatric Dentist do your research. You want to make sure that the dentist you choose for your kids is specially trained to work with kids.

Ask your friends and family members whom they take their kids to. If they have had the same Pediatric Dentist for years, it’s a good bet that your new dentist will be the perfect fit for your family.

Before you take your child to the dentist, pay a visit to the office. If all you see is a few metal chairs and some outdated magazines, keep looking. You want to be sure that your new Pediatric Dentist have plenty of toys, games, books and videos to keep your children occupied. The staff from Chicago Kids DDS has created a welcoming environment that is fun for both parents and kids.

The team of pediatric dentists that you choose for your kids will need to be well versed on the latest technologies continuing their own education with workshops and seminars. Choose a pediatric dentist or a team of dentists who can meet with parents and kids in order to teach them good oral hygiene. This includes teaching your kids how to brush and floss, proper diet, and the importance of regular checkups.

If you would like more information regarding pediatric dentistry, schedule an appointment with the best team of Kids Dentists in Chicago, after all the health and well being of your kids and their teeth and gums depends on it.

Easter is just five days away, and by now, you have probably let your kids eat chocolate eggs to their hearts content, not to mention the marshmallow peeps and chewy jellybeans. It is hard to say no to your kids, especially during the holidays, but there are a few things that you can teach your kids, that will help them keep their teeth for the rest of their lives.

A healthy diet starts early. Feed your family lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and try to steer clear of starchy foods. Skip the soda and give them water. Even fruit juices are loaded with sugar. If you are having a tough time weaning them off juice, try watering them down. A balanced diet will help your kids develop strong bones and teeth. Try to include phosphorous and calcium, and do not forget about fluoride. If your water does not contain fluoride, talk to your Chicago Kids Dentist about fluoridated toothpastes and mouthwashes.

Along with a healthy diet comes good oral hygiene. That first tooth that comes in needs to be washed with a washcloth. After a few more teeth erupt, show your children how to brush their teeth. There are specially made toothbrushes that are just for kids. Supervise your kids until they understand the importance of oral hygiene. Flossing can start about the age of four. Once your child reaches the age of one it is imperative that you schedule an appointment with your Kids Dentist in the Magnificent Mile District.

According to Colgate, dental sealants are highly effective and when applied by your Chicago Kids Dentist can provide a barrier against tooth decay. Ask your Dentist in Chicago about dental sealants, which are applied to back teeth as this is where most dental caries begin. Dental sealants can be applied in a single visit and do not require anesthetic.

Your child’s teeth are just as important as the rest of their bodies and it is vital that you start them off right by teaching them good oral hygiene. The steps you take now will pave the way for a healthy mouth for the rest of their lives.

Spring is only a few weeks away, and if your kids participate in individual or group sports, it is essential that you schedule an appointment with your Pediatric Magnificent Mile Dentist in Chicago.

Your 60611 Kids Dentist understands that mouth guards are just as important as pads and helmets. With more than 25 million kids participating in sports, there is a larger chance of injury. Sports such as football, soccer, and wrestling account for more than 40 percent of unintentional injuries. Of that 40 percent, half are mouth injuries with dental injuries leading the pack. According to the American Dental Association, athletes, including children are 65 times more likely to injure their teeth and gums if they are not wearing mouth guards. Unfortunately, often times those injuries will result in some sort of permanent damage requiring medical intervention.

Your Chicago Magnificent Mile Kids Dentist says that tooth injuries are grouped into three categories. Fractures, Avulsions and Luxation. All three of these types of injuries are serious and need to be taken care of immediately. Contact your Kids Dentist in Chicago as quickly as possible as time is critical when it comes to handling any type of dental injury. Never wait until the game is over to seek treatment from your Chicago Kids Dentist, as your kids will get the best results within two hours of the incident.

Properly fitted mouth guards will help prevent dental injuries, in fact, mouth guards have been shown to reduce concussions as well.

According to the American Dental Association, mouth guards should be worn for group sports such as field hockey, ice hockey, football, water polo, baseball, wrestling, soccer, and lacrosse. If your kids are involved in martial arts, skateboarding, roller, or inline skating, gymnastics, skiing, squash, track and field, or volleyball you should also contact your Chicago Magnificent Mile Kids Dentist for a mouth guard fitting.

There are three types of mouth guards available for your kids. These include stock mouth guards, boil and bite mouth guards and custom-made mouth guards made and fitted by your Pediatric Magnificent Mile Dentist in Chicago.

Damaged teeth will not grow back and if you want to feel comfortable when your kids hit the playing field this spring, contact your Chicago Kids Dentist for a mouth guard fitting appointment today.

Healthy teeth and gums are much easier than they used to be, and thanks to the advancements from your Miracle Mile Downtown Chicago Kids Dentist, your children can keep their teeth for the rest of their lives, as long as you and your kids practice good oral hygiene.

Start your kids early, as you will be creating good dental habits that will last for the rest of their lives. The minute the first tooth erupts, usually around the age of 6 months, wash with a damp cloth, or brush with a soft bristled baby toothbrush. Once your child reaches the age of two, they can begin brushing their own teeth with supervision.

Your Kids Dentist in Downtown Chicago can also paint your kids molars with dental sealants. Dental sealants prevent tooth decay and can last for quite some time. Ask your Chicago Miracle Mile Chicago Kids Dentist about dental sealants for your children.

Teaching your kids how to brush is important, but so is teaching them how often to brush. Brushing twice, and flossing once a day can greatly improve your kids teeth and gums.

Start your children off right with a healthy diet. Not only is it important for their overall physical health, but it is vital for oral health. Feed your kids whole foods, nuts, grains, dairy products, fish, and fruits and vegetables and their teeth and gums will thank you for it.

Once your kids start becoming involved in sports and recreational activities talk to your Miracle Mile Downtown Chicago Kids Dentist about custom fitted mouth guards. Football, basketball, soccer, and wrestling are just a few of the contact sports that require custom fitted mouth guards. Other activities where you might want to consider mouth guards include all types of skating, water polo, hockey, baseball or any other activity that could hurt their mouth and gums if an accident should occur.

It is imperative that you schedule regular checkups for your kids. Teaching your sons and daughters about regular dental visits is vital if you want your children to learn good oral health habits. Contact your Miracle Mile Downtown Chicago Kids Dentist today for a dental appointment for your kids today.

Maintaining your children’s dental health can be problematic, but not if you start your kids off on the right foot. Introducing your sons and daughters to good oral hygiene in the beginning will help create a good habit that will last for the rest of their lives.

According to your Chicago Kids Dentist, what you teach your kids about oral hygiene in the beginning will help them avoid complicated dental appointments later on. By instilling good oral health habits in your kids at an early age, you can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

When you teach your kids why oral hygiene is important, you can help to prevent those tearful dental checkups that usually end with a filling or two.

It is important that you watch what you say after you have been to the dentist. Avoid words like shot, pain, and drill. Your Downtown Chicago Kids Dentist has seen its fair share of terrified children who have listened to Aunt Jane’s horror stories about the Kids Dentist in Downtown Chicago. It is imperative that you create an environment at home that will set a positive example when it comes to oral hygiene and dental care. By doing this you can make your kids dental appointments stress free, and maybe even enjoyable.

Poor dental hygiene can lead to gingivitis and tooth decay, but it can also put your kids at risk when it comes to disease later on. Recent research has indicated that poor oral health can result in heart disease, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s.

Your budget will notice dramatic affects if you do not schedule regular appointments with your Downtown Chicago Kids Dentist. Lack of care will cause cavities and could lead to more expensive procedures such as root canals.

Thanks to modern dental technology, some new treatments that your Kids Dentist in Downtown Chicago can use will help keep your children’s teeth protected. Fluoridated toothpastes, regular cleanings, and special sealants will go a long way in protecting your kid’s teeth.

It is never too early to begin a routine that will last for the rest of your kid’s lives. Start them off on the right foot, and schedule a check up with your Downtown Chicago Kids Dentist today.