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The debate continues over whether or not baby pacifiers are good for your kids. According to your Kids Dentist in the Magnificent Mile District in Chicago, there are few things to consider before you put that pacifier into your infants mouth.

The Academy of General Dentistry, or the AGD, says that there are pros and cons when it comes to baby pacifiers. The positives give babies a sense of comfort and can help reduce Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS. Infants who sleep with pacifiers do not sleep as deeply as those who sleep without a pacifier in their mouth.

According to the AGD, pacifiers can affect the development and growth of the mouth, teeth, and gums. Over time, constant pacifier use can prevent mouth growth and change the shape of the roof of their mouth. Constant pacifier use can also cause tooth alignment problems.

Your 60611 Kids Dentist in Chicago recommends restricting the use of your pacifier if your baby needs a nap. Be sure to look for a baby pacifier that has ventilation holes as it permits proper airflow. This is also vital as it can prevent the pacifier from become lodged inside your infant or toddlers throat.

Always clean your pacifier before use and make sure that you do your best to stop pacifier use by the time your son or daughter turns two. According to your Kids Dentist in the Magnificent Mile District in Chicago, any developing bone or alignment problems are usually corrected about six months after pacifier use has ceased. Your Chicago Kids Dentist understands that is not always easy to break the pacifier habit, but there are some things you can do to wean your child:

• White vinegar works well if you dip the pacifier before use
• Pierce the pacifier or cut it, which will reduce the sucking satisfaction
• Leave it behind

Remember to throw out your used pacifiers, as it is unsanitary to allow another child to save or use.

If you would like more information regarding your child's dental care, schedule a check up with your Kids 60611 Dentist in Chicago today.

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.