Toothbrush

Healthy Habits for your Kids

October 15th, 2014

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.

Seven Tips for a Healthy Mouth

September 1st, 2014

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.

You Can Help Even During the Holidays

April 15th, 2014

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.

Miracle Mile Downtown Chicago Kids Dentist Tips for Healthy Teeth and Gums

February 15th, 2014

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.

Teach Your Kids Good Oral Hygiene

February 1st, 2014

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.