Friday, January 21, 2011

Dental Care for Your Baby


Dental Care for Your Baby (According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry)

Q. When should my child first see a dentist?
"First visit by first birthday" sums it up. Your child should visit a pediatric dentist when the first tooth comes in, usually between 6 and 12 months of age. This visit will establish a dental home for your child. Early examination and preventive care will protect your child’s smile now and in the future.

Q. Why so early? What dental problems could a baby have?
The most important reason is to begin a thorough prevention program. Dental problems can begin early. A big concern is Early Childhood Caries (formerly known as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries). Once a child’s diet includes anything besides breast-milk, erupted teeth are at risk for decay. The earlier the dental visit, the better the chance of preventing dental problems. Children with healthy teeth chew food easily and smile with confidence. Start your child now on a lifetime of good dental habits.

Q. How can I prevent tooth decay from nursing or using a bottle?
At-will breast-feeding should be avoided after the first primary (baby) teeth begin to erupt and other sources of nutrition have been introduced. Children should not fall asleep with a bottle containing anything other than water. Drinking juice from a bottle should be avoided. Fruit juice should only be offered in a cup with meals or at snack time.

Q. When should bottle-feeding be stopped?
Children should be weaned from the bottle at 12-14 months of age.

Q. Should I worry about thumb and finger sucking?
Thumb sucking is perfectly normal for infants; many stop by age 2. Prolonged thumb sucking can create crooked teeth or bite problems. If the habit continues beyond age 3, a professional evaluation is recommended. Your pediatric dentist will be glad to suggest ways to address a prolonged thumb sucking habit.

Q. When should I start cleaning my baby’s teeth?
The sooner the better! Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water. As soon as the teeth begin to appear, start brushing twice daily using fluoridated toothpaste and a soft, age-appropriate sized toothbrush. Use a "smear" of toothpaste to brush the teeth of a child less than 2 years of age. For the 2-5 year old, dispense a "pea-size" amount of toothpaste and perform or assist your child’s toothbrushing. Remember that young children do not have the ability to brush their teeth effectively.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Shocking Dental Statistics

Dental Care is still a very neglected form of healthcare in children in the United States.
42% of children 2 to 11 have had Tooth Decay (dental caries) in their primary teeth.
Children 2 to 11 have an average of 1.6 decayed primary teeth and 3.6 decayed primary surfaces.
21% of children 6 to 11 have had Tooth Decay (dental caries) in their permanent teeth.
8% of children 6 to 11 have untreated decay.

Monday, January 10, 2011

Pediatric Dentists in Chicago Prepare for Midwinter

February is quickly approaching.  Each year, the Midwinter Dental Convention comes to Chicago.

It's where dentists in the midwest join to explore the latest dental technologies, equipment, software and office managing.

This year, there are a number of technology and marketing related seminars that staff and doctors have the option of attending.

Most offices will close for a day and take a field trip to Chicago for this event.  It's a fun way to bond with staff and stay up to date with the industry advancements.

If you're a dentist in Chicago, we recommend making time for the annual convention.  It's a good time!

Pediatric Dentist Chicago
Orthodontist Chicago

Post by: Identity Dental Marketing


Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Pediatric Dentistry & Dental Phobia

Bringing your child to the dentist from an early age can prevent dental phobia later in life.

When children see their parents visiting the dentist and when they receive professional dental care from a trusted dentist, they learn the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

At Dentistry For Children And Families, children are taught the importance of at-home care.  They also learn about nutrition at each appointment.

To contact Dentistry For Children and Families in Chicago Illinois, visit Children's Dentist Chicago.

Orthodontist Chicago

Post by: Identity Dental Marketing

Monday, January 3, 2011

Top 10 Reasons to bring your child to the dentist

10.  Instill habits that promote good health from an early age.

9.  Have your child's growth patterns observed from an early age to provide orthodontic treatment at the right time.

8.  Prevent painful cavities through professional cleanings.

7.  Provide sealants to your child's molars to prevent decay.

6.  Establish a comfortable dental "home" for your child.

5.  Prevent dental phobia, which can evolve if the child isn't used to regular dental check ups.

4.  Provide your child with professional, regular dental health related education.

3.  Teach your children from an early age that their oral health is important.

2.  Because you don't want your child to be "the smelly kid" in school.

1.  Establish important dental habits that will lead to a lifetime of smiles!

Contact us at Pediatric Dentist Chicago
Orthodontist Chicago

Post by: Identity Dental Marketing