Smiles For A Lifetime

When you have started a family, nothing is more important than making sure that your children are happy and healthy. Pediatric Dentist Chicago is that 'go to dentist' to make your dream into a reality. The team at Dentistry For Children has been diligently trained and has years of experience in caring for the dental needs of all its young patients. 

Finding a dentist can be tricky, but not once you have visited Pediatric Dentist Chicago. Both the doctors and the staff are dedicated to making each of their patients, and relatives, feel like a part of their own family. They understand that to truly feel comfortable with a dentist or doctor involves going beyond the basic patient interaction and getting to know patients on a more personal level. The staff at Dentistry For Children goes that extra mile to develop relationships with patients that will last for years to come. 

The team at Dentistry For Children knows just how to take care of its young patients, and that goes a long way in putting parents at ease. Traditionally, getting children to enjoy going to the dentist can be a challenge. But when the staff are experts in pediatric dentistry, they know how to make their patients feel relaxed and comfortable, and leave their appointments with brighter and healthier smiles. 

Dentistry For Children is the best place to take your children for their dental needs because it is a place that can grow with your kids as they do. Orthodontist Chicago is a full-service dental practice that will treat your children from infants all the way through those difficult teenage & braces years. 

Having a dentist that you have known for years and can trust to take care of your children's dental needs is one less thing that busy parents have to worry about. And whether you just need a regular check-up or more specialized services, Special Needs Dentist Chicago is there at your side. 

The team at Dentistry For Children know how important your children are to you. And they want to offer you a place that will treat you like family. Making dental visits personal and caring for all of your needs, Pediatric Dentist Chicago ensures patients will have smiles for a lifetime. 

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Infant Oral Care: Why Early Oral Care is Important

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that you establish a dental background for your child before their first birthday. As many would agree, your child's first visit to the dentist can be a terrifying event, that is, unless you establish a "dental home" for your child in their early years of life. When choosing a Pediatric dentist in Chicago, consider Dentistry4Children for your child's dental needs. 

Dental issues can begin early in life. Along with that, suppressing your child's dental anxiety during their first year of life can really make a difference. At Dentistry4Children we have a leading staff who can screen for early oral health concerns. So when looking to rely on a Pediatric Dentist in Chicago, know that you can count on Dentistry4Children to make your child's dental experience a great one. 

Maintaining proper care of a child's deciduous teeth is important as it holds the space for their permanent teeth that come later in life. Childhood tooth decay is a large issue for Pediatric dentists as it may cause several issues down the road. With that being said, if a babies' tooth decays or is removed earlier than usual, it can potentially cause the space where the permanent tooth should grow, to close. This would ultimately result in orthodontic treatment. Having a knowledgable Pediatric Dentist in Chicago can decrease those chances. 

Speech development in infants rely on healthy primary teeth. By finding the right Pediatric Dentist in Chicago you can ensure your child will receive the care they need to promote healthy oral care. By suppressing your child's dental anxiety and practicing early oral health to prevent future incidents, you can easily pave the way to a brighter smile for your child. As you search for a Pediatric Dentist in Chicago remember that Dentistry4Children can provide your child with the services they need to ensure a healthy, long-lasting smile. 

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Fear-Free Dental for Children

From the time that teeth begin to develop, parents can see patterns in how the child's jaw and mouth are developing. What many parents do not realize, is that this is a perfect time for the child to visit an orthodontist. Since the child is so early on in their oral development, the mouth is easier to manipulate and fix. A Chicago Orthodontist can not only see problems that are happening in your mouth in real time, but can predict future problems as well. Early orthodontics is greatly recommended for children with problems such as overly narrow bites, cross bites, and over/ under bites. When looking for a Chicago Othodontist, Dentistry4Children is experienced in pediatric orthodontics and working with problem smiles starting at young ages.

A cross bite occurs when the top and bottom teeth are not aligned correctly. Cross bites can lead to problems with chewing and uneven growth of the jaw. It is much easier to fix at a younger age and can be corrected in a shorter period of time when the child is younger because the jaw bone is still growing and malleable.

A narrow arch is another problem that can be fixed effectively in younger children. A narrow arch is when the upper jaw makes a sharp "U" shape instead of the preferred wider, ovoid shape that a Chicago orthodontist would recommend.  Narrow bites can cause many problems for patients including crowding of teeth and irregular alignment of teeth. This problem is much harder and can take far more time to repair in an adult patient.

An anterior crossbite, also known as an underbite, occurs when one or more of the top front teeth bite behind the lower front teeth.  Underbites can cause gum recession in the lower front teeth, prevent normal growth of the lower jaw, and lead to excessive wear of the front teeth. Like other crossbites and narrowbites, underbites are much easier to fix in patients who are younger.

While seeing an orthodontist in Chicago at younger ages is still somewhat new and may seem extreme to some parents, the technology that a Chicago Orthodontist has is growing rapidly, and the problems that pediatric dentists can now observe and predict  are much easier to fix when the child is younger and is still developing. Treatment for such problems at a younger age can reduce the time spend correcting the mouth and can also reduce much of the pain that comes in treating jaw problems after the bones are already set and formed.

Children love to do what their parents do. Have you ever seen a mother cook dinner while her daughter is in the kitchen? Or a dad shave in the bathroom with his son present? I have, and it usually goes that the mom cannot bring the pot to the stove, and the dad can barely get the shaving cream on his face before their son or daughter is imitating their parents every move. Kids admire their parents and if mom or dad is doing it, then it has to be awesome. This rule carries over to the dentist as well. The dentist is often a place that induces great fear and anxiety in children. That fear usually stems in a number of things, a few of the most common are being away from their parents, the unknown, and fear of being hurt. As a family friendly Chicago Orthodontist, Dentistry4Children offers a great way to reduce this fear in your child: Go to the dentist together!

It is important to note is that dental health really begins in childhood, and dental health, in a great part, leads to dental beauty.  As a child, seeing the dentist on a regular basis is important for many reasons.  By going to the dentist regularly children are taught good dental habits and are held responsible if their dental hygiene is not up to par at their next visit. One of the most important reasons dentists urge parents to make appointments for their children is to build good habits for their kids.These habits are carried on into adulthood and passed down to their own children. Another reason regular dental visits are encouraged is to reduce their fear. The more we are exposed to something, the less scary it becomes; so bringing kids to the dentist on a regular basis relieves the anxiety. If it seems normal, then it must be okay!

While ensuring health and building good habits are two of the main reasons that children are typically encouraged to visit the dentist, visiting a Chicago orthodontist is also good for parents. Like almost everything else in the world seems to be, dentistry has changed a lot since parents were kids. The technology and techniques that orthodontists use are far more advanced than even those of ten years ago. An orthodontist in Chicago can now  not only predict future problems, but also have the means to prevent these problems.

 By coming to this family-friendly orthodontist in Chicago with their children, parents can not only ease their child's anxiety and help make the dentist a more stress free environment (because if mom or dad is doing it, it can't be that scary), but they can also learn about how they can aid in helping their child's smile in the long run. They can learn of new techniques and measure the growth and development of their child's mouth. When looking for a Chicago Orthodontist, no other office can can compete with the experience of Dentistry4Children.

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Bothersome Bruxism

When you put your child to sleep you might expect to hear a soft sigh or maybe a quiet buzz of a movie they fell asleep to, but one thing that parents do not want to hear is the sound of their child's teeth grinding together. Teeth grinding or jaw clenching is known as Bruxism, and approximately three out of every ten children will grind or clench during their childhood years according to a Chicago Orthodontist. While many children grow out of this habit with age, it can cause damage to the tooth enamel, chipped teeth, and can carry on into adulthood causing even greater problems.

Some children grind during the day when they are angry, stressed, or depressed, however, the majority of the time it occurs during sleep. Bruxism can leave your child waking up with earaches, headaches, and a sore jaw. Many parents do not notice their child even grinds their teeth because much of the grinding is done when the child is away in another room, out of the parents presence. A Chicago Orthodontist says that staying attentive can give you great insight to learn if your child has Bruxism. Listen while they sleep, if you hear loud noises like rocks rubbing each other, that is a good sign that your child is grinding their teeth . Other ways you can detect Bruxism is to take note when your child says he or she has a headache or sore jaw when they wake up. If they are complaining about these things on a regular basis, it is a good idea to see an orthodontist in Chicago to check out their teeth and determine if any action is required to protect your child's smile. Another common complaint of children with Bruxism is pain when chewing; after clenching or grinding all night the muscles in the mouth are sore and it can hurt to eat.

While most children outgrow Bruxism, it is important to monitor your child's habit and schedule regular visits with a Chicago Pediatric Dentist. Dentistry4Children can help prevent damage to your child's teeth by administering a retainer that is much like the guard that a football player might wear during a game. While a Chicago Orthodontist can help reduce the effects of Bruxism, sometimes there are other things a parent can due to reduce it from the start. Parents can work on reducing their child's stress before bedtime. By making them feel calm, relaxed and at ease, you child's grinding may also decrease. If the Bruxism is in fact caused by stress, it is important to note that the grinding will not go away until the stress also goes away.

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The Sooner the Better

It is always made clear to a parent how often they have to bring their children to the doctor, but what parents are often not aware of is when exactly they should bring their child to the dentist. Many parents don't even think about the dentist for their children until they are going to school and are required to have a check-up. What they don't realize is that oral health is also a part of their child's overall health and has to be prioritized right up there with pediatrician visits.  

It is recommended that children see the dentist before their first birthday. There are many things happening in your child's mouth around this time that parents may not know or see. Children acquire their first tooth around the age of six months. It is important for the pediatric dentist to measure the development of the child's teeth, check for and implement ways to prevent tooth decay, enforce good oral health habits, and build a comfortable anxiety free relationship with the child. 

When you bring your child to a pediatric dentist in Chicago a great way for you to learn more about their oral health is to ask questions. The dentist can tell you what you should be doing at home to prevent problems and can give you information to keep your child in good health; preventing future problems such as cavities and tooth decay. 

Seeing a Chicago pediatric dentist early on makes this visit seem more normal to your child. It takes away the stress and fear that many children develop of the dentist office. By doing this, your child will be more willing to tell you when their teeth hurt or if they have a problem with anything in their mouth before it gets bad. Any Chicago pediatric dentist will say that this good relationship between dentist and child helps the child have better oral hygiene down the road. 

Besides just that relationship and trust that is important to develop early on, there is also a great deal developing in the child's mouth that should be monitored by a dentist. A Chicago pediatric dentist can help prevent problems that years of braces and complicated procedures would be needed to fix in the future. The best rule of thumb when trying to decide when is the right time for your child to see a pediatric dentist is "the sooner the better". A pediatric dentist in Chicago can help your child love the dentist. 

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Come to the Dentist Together!

Children love to do what their parents do. Have you ever seen a mother cook dinner while her daughter is in the kitchen? Or a dad shave in the bathroom with his son present? I have, and it usually goes that the mom cannot bring the pot to the stove, and the dad can barely get the shaving cream on his face before their son or daughter is imitating their parents every move. Kids admire their parents and if mom or dad is doing it, then it has to be awesome. This rule carries over to the dentist as well. The dentist is often a place that induces great fear and anxiety in children. That fear usually stems in a number of things, a few of the most common are being away from their parents, the unknown, and fear of being hurt. As a family friendly Chicago Orthodontist, Dentistry4Children offers a great way to reduce this fear in your child: Go to the dentist together! 

It is important to note is that dental health really begins in childhood, and dental health, in a great part, leads to dental beauty.  As a child, seeing the dentist on a regular basis is important for many reasons.  By going to the dentist regularly children are taught good dental habits and are held responsible if their dental hygiene is not up to par at their next visit. One of the most important reasons dentists urge parents to make appointments for their children is to build good habits for their kids.These habits are carried on into adulthood and passed down to their own children. Another reason regular dental visits are encouraged is to reduce their fear. The more we are exposed to something, the less scary it becomes; so bringing kids to the dentist on a regular basis relieves the anxiety. If it seems normal, then it must be okay!

While ensuring health and building good habits are two of the main reasons that children are typically encouraged to visit the dentist, visiting a Chicago orthodontist is also good for parents. Like almost everything else in the world seems to be, dentistry has changed a lot since parents were kids. The technology and techniques that orthodontists use are far more advanced than even those of ten years ago. An orthodontist in Chicago can now  not only predict future problems, but also have the means to prevent these problems.

By coming to this family-friendly orthodontist in Chicago with their children, parents can not only ease their child's anxiety and help make the dentist a more stress free environment (because if mom or dad is doing it, it can't be that scary), but they can also learn about how they can aid in helping their child's smile in the long run. They can learn of new techniques and measure the growth and development of their child's mouth. When looking for a Chicago Orthodontist, no other office can can compete with the experience of Dentistry4Children.



Blog maintained by Identity Dental Marketing

Benefits of Early Orthodontics

From the time that teeth begin to develop, parents can see patterns in how the child's jaw and mouth are developing. What many parents do not realize, is that this is a perfect time for the child to visit an orthodontist. Since the child is so early on in their oral development, the mouth is easier to manipulate and fix. A Chicago Orthodontist can not only see problems that are happening in your mouth in real time, but can predict future problems as well. Early orthodontics is greatly recommended for children with problems such as overly narrow bites, cross bites, and over/ under bites. When looking for a Chicago Othodontist, Dentistry4Children is experienced in pediatric orthodontics and working with problem smiles starting at young ages.

A cross bite occurs when the top and bottom teeth are not aligned correctly. Cross bites can lead to problems with chewing and uneven growth of the jaw. It is much easier to fix at a younger age and can be corrected in a shorter period of time when the child is younger because the jaw bone is still growing and malleable.

A narrow arch is another problem that can be fixed effectively in younger children. A narrow arch is when the upper jaw makes a sharp "U" shape instead of the preferred wider, ovoid shape that a Chicago orthodontist would recommend.  Narrow bites can cause many problems for patients including crowding of teeth and irregular alignment of teeth. This problem is much harder and can take far more time to repair in an adult patient.

An anterior crossbite, also known as an underbite, occurs when one or more of the top front teeth bite behind the lower front teeth.  Underbites can cause gum recession in the lower front teeth, prevent normal growth of the lower jaw, and lead to excessive wear of the front teeth. Like other crossbites and narrowbites, underbites are much easier to fix in patients who are younger.

While seeing an orthodontist in Chicago at younger ages is still somewhat new and may seem extreme to some parents, the technology that a Chicago Orthodontist has is growing rapidly, and the problems that pediatric dentists can now observe and predict  are much easier to fix when the child is younger and is still developing. Treatment for such problems at a younger age can reduce the time spend correcting the mouth and can also reduce much of the pain that comes in treating jaw problems after the bones are already set and formed.

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Thumb Sucking

Children can pick up many habits. The one that seems harmless at first can soon grow into a huge issue says pediatric dentist Chicago, Dr. Kevin Boyd, D.D.S. The habit is thumb sucking of course. When children are really young it is cute, but at what age does it stop being cute and is beginning to be a problem?

First lets take a look at why they might be doing this. There is something about sucking your thumb that is very comforting says the pediatric dentist Chicago. It makes the child feel secure, especially at nighttime. Let's not forget that they always have it on hand.

Children who suck their fingers and or thumb are at a much greater risk of altering their teeth. The reason being that children’s teeth, up to age 5, are very movable and are not set in says the pediatric dentist Chicago. You might be wondering why it even matters. Their teeth are just going to fall out, so what is the big deal. Well, people don’t realize this, but your permanent teeth actually follow the lead of your baby teeth. If they are pushed forward from thumb sucking, then your permanent teeth will follow.

This problem with thumb sucking can be very costly as well. If you don’t have dental insurance it can really be expensive.. There are ways to get your child off this disruptive habit. There are several ways to stop this says the pediatric dentist Chicago. There is nail polish that has a bitter unsatisfying taste that will make this comforting urge less appealing. And that is an understatement; the polish is gross and will deter your child from practicing.

If you can get your child to stop before age 4, there is a good chance their teeth will realign and get back in working order. If they continue, there will almost always be a negative result. The so-called “buckteeth” are the most common issue involved with thumb sucking. Not only does this effect your child’s bite, it could also give them self esteem issues that could impact them for the rest of their lives.

Dr. Kevin Boyd, D.D.S.

Pediatric Dentist Chicago

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Is Bleeding of the Gums Normal?

Pediatric Dentist Chicago

You may have asked yourself, “why do gums bleed?” Pediatric Dentist Chicago, Dr. Boyd, says that it is not healthy for gums to be bleeding. He states that this is an immediate indication of infection. He goes on to say that if the gums are healthy, they should not be bleeding! This can lead to gum disease, or in the long run, tooth loss. If your gums are bleeding, you should schedule an immediate appointment with the pediatric dentist Chicago. Simple brushing and flossing can prevent gum disease, and in return, prevent your gums from bleeding!

Pediatric Dentist Chicago

Chicago Pediatric Dentist

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Dental Care for Infants

Pediatric Dentist Chicago

Caring for your babie’s teeth, depending on how many they have, is critical. Pediatric dentist Chicago says that it is recommended that you should turn your infant onto dental basics before their first birthday. This helps establish the basics of brushing, and getting used to how the brush feels in the child’s mouth, says the Chicago pediatric dentist.

This is also a great way to benefit your infant from dental problems that may occur in early stages. Tooth decay is among the most common dental problems that occurs in infants. Just by doing this simple task, Pediatric dentist Chicago states that you are not only reducing the risk for your baby to have dental problems, but you are also giving yourself peace of mind.

Pediatric Dentist Chicago

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Adjusting Braces

Braces are not permanent, thankfully. Over time, more and more pieces of the braces will be removed as the teeth become straighter says Dr. Boys orthodontist Chicago. After braces have been placed on a patient’s teeth, wires are then applied. The wires contain very small rubber bands also known as elastic ties. The rubber bands come off gradually as time progresses says the orthodontist in Chicago.  Making appointments to get your braces and wires evaluated are essential to the process of braces. Dr. Boyd is among the best orthodontists in Chicago when it comes to children. His practice specializes with children, so he knows exactly what they should be doing. There is a specific order in which the process of adjusting braces happens in. usually in the following order. The colored ties are removed. Then the wires are removes. After that, the patient is finally allowed to brush their teeth. The orthodontist in Chicago would then recommend new treatment ideas, and finally replace the new colors onto the braces.

Orthodontist in Chicago

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What types of Braces the best for you?

Braces are common for children and teenagers says Dr. Boyd Orthodontist Chicago. This can be from genetics, bad eating habits, or  injuries. There are many components to braces. One being brackets.  There are three types of brackets says the orthodontist in Chicago. Regular brackets are made of steel or clear colored plastic and are then mounted to the front of every tooth. Then there are Lingual-type brackets. These are used on the back of the teeth rather than the front. Orthodontist Chicago says this may be ideal for patients who are worried about their appearance. The final type is traditional bands. These are better known as the full metal mouthful.

The Orthodontist in Chicago says that different braces apply to different types of teeth, Come in today and let the Chicago Orthodontist check out what braces would be best for your child.

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Healthy Habits for Better Teeth

Pediatric Dentist Chicago

Many Americans do not make the right eating choices. Children are even more likely to make bad eating decisions. This may affect the way your teeth look due to different sugars and acids. Here are some easy ways to improve your eating habits and also improve your teeth says pediatric dentist in Chicago, Dr. Boyd.

Dr. Boyd, Pediatric Dentist Chicago, of Dentistry 4 Children specializes with working with children and dental problems. He states that eating foods such as nuts, apples or cheese after eating a heavy carb  meal may help prevent cavities. The Pediatric Dentist Chicago says that the texture on those kinds of food break up the plaque that is stuck to your teeth. This is especially important for children to eat these kinds of foods, rather than going to grab a sugary snack or soda.  

If children, and adults, follow these simple steps, they can reduce the risk of gingivitis or other tooth related diseases. Pediatric Dentist Chicago

7 Very Helpful Tips For Children and Brushing Teeth

Children, as everyone knows can be a handful. They can be easily distracted, especially when they have to brush their teeth. Dr. Kevin Boyd, Pediatric Dentist Chicago, understands that it takes time to get children used to brushing. Here are 7 helpful tips that the pediatric dentist Chicago recommends.

1. Use a brush that has gentle bristles because it may irritate the child’s teeth if the bristles are too rough, therefore making them lose interest in brushing.

2. Pediatric dentist Chicago says to use only a small amount of toothpaste while brushing. 

3. Make sure to brush in a comfortable position so that the child feels safe.

4. Using a time is one of the best ways to make the child feel that brushing can be fun says the pediatric dentist Chicago.

5. Be sure to brush the teeth in back! This is a very common mistake for children.

6. Make sure that you rinse!               

7. Floss Floss Floss! This is the most important tip says pediatric dentist Chicago

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Advantages of Early Orthodontics

An orthodontist can improve a smile at any age. However, there is a specific timeframe which is recommended. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that the first orthodontic appointment should be around age 7. This is the average age of the eruption of the upper permanent front teeth. At this age, orthodontic services may be recommended and examination can predict the best route to caring for your child's teeth.

You may ask yourself what are the benefits of doing this at such a young age? Early evaluation not only provides detection of problems, but also greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Early treatment can also be known as interceptive treatment or even Phase 1 treatment. Some of the most common results of phase 1 treatment are crowded teeth, erupting teeth, creating facial symmetry with jaw growth, reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth, and making space for new teeth to come in. Not everyone needs phase 1 treatments.  Reducing the need for tooth removal is another advantage of early orthodontics. Here are some questions to ask yourself if you are considering orthodontics for your child.

-       Do your child’s front teeth stick out too far?

-       Do your child’s front teeth cover the lower too much?

-       When your child’s back teeth touch can they stick their tongue in between the front teeth?

-       Is there too little or too much room for your child’s teeth?

If you answered yes to any of these questions feel free to contact us at

312-988-9855

or visit us at dentistry4children.net

1721 North Halsted Avenue Chicago, Ilinois 60614

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Dentistry for Special Needs Children and Adults

Special Needs Dentist Chicago

Children and adults with special needs are unique in their own ways.  Some children with special needs may require extra attention. 

Special needs children may have symptoms can affect their teeth in many ways including how their teeth will grow, how calcium in enamel s layered in the tooth’s enamel, how much saliva builds up in the mouth, and how often the child is able to eat. With all of the symptoms and special treatment that may be required, you may ask when is the best time to visit the dentist. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists recommends children with special needs should visit a dentist 6 months after their first tooth comes in. They also recommend no later 12 months, if you would like to wait a little while. Pediatric dentists are specially trained for 2 to 3 years after dental school to handle patients with these symptoms.  Here are some very helpful tips for challenges with brushing the child’s teeth.

-       You do not have to brush only in the bathroom

-       You may brush you child’s teeth with their head in your lap so you can see the teeth better.

-       Keep the child occupied while brushing.

-       Let the child “teeth” or chew on the toothbrush to get used to it.

Adults with special needs are just as important as children with special needs when it comes to their dental care. Like children, special needs adults may have symptoms that can alter the way to care for their teeth. Here are some tips for adults with special needs.

-       Eat Well! Eat foods such as fruits and vegetables to reduce the rtisk of tooth decay

-       Clean Well! Brush with fluoride toothpaste twice a day to reduce plaque buildup.

-       Drink Well! Drink plenty of water and not so much sweet, or sugary drinks.

If you have any questions about dentistry for children with special needs, feel free to contact us at

312-988-9855

or visit us at dentistry4children.net

1721 North Halsted Avenue Chicago, Ilinois 60614

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Ways to get your kids to brush their teeth

Brushing and Flossing Your Child's Teeth

Pediatric Dentist Chicago

Orthodontist Chicago

Brushing
Most children spend less than a minute brushing their teeth. Oral health care professionals recommend, however, that they brush for two to three minutes. If it helps, try putting a timer in the bathroom or giving your child a toothbrush with a timer built in. This way, your child will know how long to brush. Or, have them brush for the length of a song, which is generally two to three minutes.

It's especially important that your child brush his or her teeth before going to bed at night. The eight to 10 hours your child is asleep gives bacteria lots of time to feast on food particles left on the teeth and produce enamel-eating acid. The flow of saliva in the mouth also is lower at night so food is less likely to be washed off the teeth.

The technique for brushing your child's teeth is the same whether you do it or he or she does it. If your child is too young to do it him or herself, it may be easiest to cradle his or her head in your one arm while keeping your other hand free to brush.

Pediatric Dentist Chicago

Orthodontist Chicago

To brush your child's teeth:

1. Place the toothbrush alongside the teeth. The bristles should be at a 45-degree angle to the gum line.
2. Gently move the brush in a small circular motion cleaning one tooth at time. Be sure to have a system so you don't miss any teeth. For instance, you might start with the bottom back tooth and work your way to the front, then repeat on the opposite side of the mouth before switching to the top teeth.
3. Brush across the chewing surfaces, making sure the bristles get into the grooves and crevices. Clean the side of the teeth that face the tongue using the same circular motion. Again, start in the back and work your way forward. Remember to brush the inside of the top teeth, too.
4. Brush your child's tongue lightly to remove bacteria and keep breath smelling good.
5. Have your child rinse his or her mouth with water.

Most children miss the molars and the tongue sides of the bottom teeth when brushing. Be sure to pay special attention to these areas.

Flossing
Once any two of your child's teeth touch each other, it's time to start flossing. Flossing helps prevent cavities by removing plaque and food particles caught between teeth. It should be an important part of your child's dental routine.

Your child should be able to floss his or her own teeth by the time he or she is 9 years old. To floss younger children's teeth, place them in your lap facing you. The technique is the same, no matter who is doing it. To floss your child's teeth:

1. Take about 18 inches of dental floss and wrap one end around each of your middle fingers.
2. Using your thumbs and index fingers as guides, gently slide the floss between two teeth, using a saw-like motion.
3. Once at the gum line, pull both ends of the floss in the same direction to form a C shape against one tooth. Pull the floss tightly and move it up and down against one tooth.
4. Pull the floss against the other tooth and repeat the motion.
5. Repeat this for all of the teeth. Be sure to floss both sides of the teeth farthest back in the mouth.

Remember, good oral hygiene is an important part of your child's overall health. Your child can get off to a good start by:

• Seeing a dentist regularly
• Brushing twice a day and flossing at night before bedtime at home
• Getting the right amount of fluoride
• Eating a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables

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Breastfeeding Vs Bottle Feeding

From Dr. Kevin Boyd,  Pediatric Dentist Chicago
in response to a patient's inquiry about breastfeeding and bottle feeding for children.
Pediatric Dentist Chicago

Breastfeeding will be best for your new baby and I encourage you to do this if you are able; if not, please consider minimizing the transition from the bottle, to cup feeding....you can do this very early....and dad can help.

 If you plan to use a bottle, then certainly the Medela Calma seems to be the least harmful to normal growth and development of your baby's teeth jaws and face.  Please also consider pumping your own breastmilk in lieu of commercial formulas for as long as possible...none of them even come close to the superior quality of your own milk.

And finally, Dr.'s Carrie Gosch and Deanna Monroe are 2 of the finest pediatricians in Chicago and many of my patients, and my own daughters, see them or one of their associates; please call our Pediatric Dental Office  to get their number to schedule a pre-delivery appointment with them if you feel it necessary.

Also contact our pediatric dentist office to schedule a pre-natal visit with me if you'd like to ask more questions regarding infant/early childhood feeding, the Calma bottle, etc.; as I was aspiring to be an pediatric dietitian before entering dental school and have a master's degree in nutrition and dietetics, I enjoy diet counseling as a component of my dental practice.

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Pediatric Dentist Chicago

Pediatric Dentist
Pediatric Dentist Chicago
A real story from a patient's second visit to Dentistry For Children, to see Dr. Boyd, the Chicago Pediatric Dentist.

Yesterday we took both girls back in for their first of many dental devices. You may remember our first visit back in November which was completely unpleasant for Lucy. This time I asked the hygienist if she could take off her mask and with that, Lucy was calm. Len sat in the chair this time and we let Kate go first so Lucy could watch and see what was going to happen. It made a world of difference because, as has been demonstrated in nearly every video I've taken of them, Lucy insists on doing whatever Kate is doing even if it's unpleasant. Fortunately, the visit was not unpleasant at all. They were both fitted for infant trainers to help align their jaws correctly. True to form, they remain opposite in every way, even in jaw structure. Lucy needs her upper jaw to move forward and Kate needs her lower jaw to move forward.

Kate had it down pat last night but I could only get Lucy to keep it in her mouth if I distracted her with Yo Gabba Gabba. Pick your battles, right?

As for what else is going on in their mouths, here's what I can recall from trying to listen to the dentist while keeping 2 toddlers from destroying his office:

In order to explain, here's a visual to help in case you aren't familiar with tooth development: Kate has 16 teeth and is working on cutting the last 4--the 2nd molars. That's pretty much it. Normal.

Lucy has 13 teeth. She is missing both lateral incisors on her lower jaw and one lateral incisor on her right upper jaw where her cleft was located. She still needs to cut her 2nd molars as well. Since her bottom lateral incisors never came in that means she will not get them as an adult either. As for the top lateral incisor, it could be there in a stunted form or it may not be there at all. It could still come out through her gums or her palate (really hope that doesn't happen as that will cause nasty problems) or it might not ever come out. This all means that she may or may not have this tooth as an adult either.
For now, we wait are taking a wait-and-see approach. We'll work on jaw alignment with the infant trainer and continue that process with different appliances as they get older, shaping the jaw and keeping the canines where they are supposed to be so her face will keep the proper shape. In the past, dentists would just move all the teeth over to fill the gap where teeth are missing. Now, as they have realized that the canines are kind of like the cornerstones or framing of your face, it is best to keep those in their proper location.

The goal with the infant trainers now is for them to wear them 5-10 minutes a few times a day and then to work up to sleeping with them at night. This will also help them continue to breathe through their noses at night which is optimal for good health.

Pediatric Dentist

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Chicago Pediatric Dentist

A real patient's testimonial about their first visit to Dentistry For Children to see Dr. Boyd, Pediatric Dentist in Chicago.

Yesterday we took both girls to the dentist for the first time. We chose a dentist who works closely with our cleft team--Dr. Boyd. He said her lip and palate looked great--actually thought Dr. Vicari had done her lip it looked so good! She has a 2% overbite but she juts her tongue and lower jaw out which makes her appear to have a big underbite which is to basically say that it's all fixable. She screamed (but surprisingly stayed immobile on my lap, clutching my finger) through both the dental exam and the teeth cleaning which was helpful in that we could see all her teeth and her palate but it did make explanations from the dentist a bit difficult to hear. We go back in January to have her fitted for her first appliance to help her jaw form properly--an infant trainer.

Kate was up next and had the total opposite reaction to the masked hygienist and dentist. You can certainly tell which kid has been traumatized by masked doctors and which kid has not. After examining all the instruments and playing with the water wand, Kate reclined back on me and said "AAAHHHH" the whole time her teeth were being cleaned and examined. Got a clean bill of health but he also said the infant trainer could help her too as he can already see that she is going to have overcrowded teeth (sorry kid, that comes from me...) which is going to affect the way her jaw forms. So, she will go back in January as well.

He recommended that Lucy be weaned from the bottle in a month's time but in my opinion that is going to all depend on how quickly she picks up drinking from something else as the majority of her liquids still comes from the bottle. He also wanted Kate off the sippy cup and straws...bottom line, we should all be only drinking out of cups b/c the other types of cups force your jaw into growing in such a way that keep orthodontists in business. I guess that means Starbucks has been good for business with its version of the adult sippy cup!

Amazingly, no cavities for Lucy (or Kate but no surprise there as she's yet to eat candy and doesn't prefer sweet stuff). The dentist was actually really impressed with how good her teeth and mouth looked overall. He said it was obvious that someone was taking care of her nutritionally (which we could tell based on her overall health and her being able to self-limit on food when at the table). But she also received excellent surgeries which is just astounding based on the horror stories we've heard of fistulas, lips sewn too tight, etc. She got the best care she could have under the circumstances.
Lucy recovered quite quickly as soon as the masks came off the staff and the dental bib was removed. She did hug me and try to hide in my shirt as I was standing us up to leave the room but as soon as she saw Kate and Len in the waiting room she perked right up and started laughing and dancing around. It must just be the masked strangers because she loves to have her teeth brushed every night...in fact she's the one with her mouth wide open saying "AAHHH!"

Kate, meanwhile, was upset when the bib was removed and kept asking for both the bib and the toothpaste...I can assure you she's not as thrilled or compliant when I brush her teeth at night, mouth clamped shut or biting the brush. I guess I need the spinny brush and "Mr. Thirsty" (the thing that sucks the water out of your mouth).

Chicago Pediatric Dentist