Our Blog

A Chicago Pediatric Dentist You Can Count on

May 1st, 2014

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 If all you see is a few metal chairs and some outdated magazines, keep looking.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.

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.

When to Schedule an Appointment with a Pediatric Dentist

April 1st, 2014

Pediatric Dentistry in the Magnificent Mile District in Chicago is imperative when it comes to your kids teeth and gums, and if your child is six months or older and has never been to the dentist, it is time to schedule an appointment for a dental check up.

If your children have never been to the dentist, or if it is your first time taking your son or daughter to the dentist, it is important to remember that a pediatric dentist has been specially trained. According to Colgate, a good pediatric dentist will know what to look for when it comes to dental development. Problems can often occur quite early because of baby bottle decay, thumb sucking, and teething irritations.

When you schedule the first office visit with your Chicago Kids Dentist, your children’s teeth will be evaluated in order to determine the next steps necessary for the development of healthy teeth and gums.

During the exam, your pediatric dentist will review the health history of your kids and take x-rays that are necessary in order to determine what, if any, problems are present. The examination will also include a thorough examination of your son or daughters gums, palate, teeth, and tongue. Your Chicago Kids Dentist will also teach your children about healthy food choices, and most importantly, the correct way to brush and the right way to floss.

After your Childs first dental exam, your pediatric dentist will also give you the information you need to help your kids develop healthy teeth and gums including evaluations and assessments when it comes to bite, dental growth, and risk of tooth decay.

Pediatric dentists understand that some adults still have anxiety when it comes to the dentist, and unfortunately those fears can sometimes be passed on to your children. Because young kids do not have a real sense of time, do not tell your son or daughter about the visit to the, “Tooth Doctor,” until the day of their first check up.

Your pediatric dentist in Chicago has plenty of videos, books, and toys that will keep your kids occupied before the initial examination. Click here and show your kids what the dental office looks like in order to alleviate any fears that they may have.

Get your kids started on the right track, and schedule an appointment for your infants, toddlers, or adolescents today.

Talk to Your Chicago Kids Dentist about Pacifiers

March 15th, 2014

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.