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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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!

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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.

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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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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.

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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.

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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

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Pediatric Dentist Chicago

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Dentist

Thank you for visiting our blog! We specialize in providing all kinds of dental care for children and patients with special needs (including orthodontics).

Our main goal is to educate children and their parents about the best ways to take care of teeth and gums to ensure optimal dental health and prevent the onset of dental disease. 

Good dental health begins with proper nutrition, regular brushing and flossing, the right amount of fluoride, and regular professional exams and cleanings.

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How to Care for Children's Teeth

Oral Health Care Tips for Children

List of Dental Health Tips for Children:

First Dental Visit: It is important your child see a pediatric dentist by age one to establish a long-term dental hygiene and professional dental cleaning plan.  

Dental Sealant Application: Dental sealants are used to protect teeth from decay and are appropriate as soon as a tooth erupts.

Baby Teeth Cleaning: Baby teeth should be cleaned as soon as they erupt. Clean your baby's teeth with a soft washcloth or gauze after every bottle or meal. When more than one tooth erupts, you can soak a small-bristled child-sized (age-appropriate) toothbrush in warm water before using it on your baby's teeth, as instructed by your dentist.

• Baby teeth should be brushed using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Use water without fluoride until approximately six months of age. Encourage your children to brush their own teeth once they have the coordination to do so. Replace toothbrushes every two to three months.
• Children's teeth should be brushed after they are given medicine. Acids contained in medicines may eat away at tooth enamel, which serves as a natural protective coating for the teeth.  

 Fluoride Treatments: Check with your dentist and water authority about the need for fluoride treatments. Fluoride is a major component in the prevention of childhood dental caries. This is because fluoride alters the molecular structure of the tooth, making it more resistant to acid attack and decay.  However, children require the right balance of fluoride treatment. Too much fluoride could be problematic and lead to fluorosis. 

Mouth Washing: Mouth washing is usually recommended by age seven, provided your child can perform the activity.

Dental Flossing: Parent-assisted dental flossing should commence when two teeth erupt next to each other. Independent flossing should occur when children have the ability to do it on their own (often by six years of age).

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Early Orthodontic Treatment- Chicago Pediatric Dentist

Need and Advantages of Early Orthodontic Treatment

Timmy had been extremely quiet when you talked to him after summer camp today. Some kids, he says, referred to him as “buck tooth”. You hugged and reassured him that they were just simply kids that do not understand that his smile is changing because of typical development and that very soon his beautiful, healthy adult teeth will be replacing all his primary teeth. Nevertheless, it became apparent that Timmy’s central teeth stick out too much. 

You might also be concerned with Timmy's appearance and psychological health?  Does the position of his tooth affect his speech? Is that this an ordinary developmental phase? And also, when it is a temporary phase should you intervene to avoid a few psychological or even social scarring of your child?


The U.S. Connection of Orthodontics recommends that all children be seen by an orthodontist by the age of 7. You can find good reasons behind this recommendation.


The following is a  “Bite & Smile" checklist. So grab any pad and keep an eye on at the child’s smile.
Chew & Smile Check List
-Do the youngster's top teeth stand out past an acceptable limit?
-Do your child's front teeth touch the lower too much?
-As soon as your kid's back teeth touch, can he/she stick their particular tongue among leading teeth?
-Is there be enough space for your child's enamel?


If you've answered yes to any of these questions, you should bring your child for an orthodontic consultation at a dental office in Chicago, or your local town.


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Infant and Toddler Dental Care

Infants and toddlers are not immune to dental health problems.  The 2000, “Oral Health in America: A Report of the Surgeon General” found that tooth decay is the most prevalent chronic childhood disease – five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever.  It has become an alarming and growing problem in children aged 2 to 5 years old.  This is why we stress the importance of establishing a dental home for your child for the first tooth and learn the simple preventive measures for your home.

We highly encourage you seek the care of a pediatric dentist for your children.  If you choose our Chicago Pediatric Dental Office, we look forward to a happy and rewarding relationship with your family.

Why Choose A Pediatric Dentist

As pediatric dentist in Chicago, Dr. Boyd, is trained to create a positive enjoyable experience for children visiting the dental office.

Pediatric dentists must  complete a two-year specialty residency in addition to their basic four years of dental school.  The residency focuses on the special care of children from infancy through adolescence.  The doctors learn about the processes of a growing, changing and developing child.  They learn specifically about the mouth, face, head and neck development.  This residency also teaches dentists how the growing body’s health and nutrition relates to the oral health of the growing child.  During these  studies dentists learn how to calm an anxious young patient and how to use the dental equipment designed for children.

Dr. Boyd, like most pediatric dentists, specializes in the care of infants, children and adolescents as well as children and adults with special needs .  Dental care for an infant should begin as early as six months, or at the time the child receives his/her first tooth.  A pediatric dentist is trained to understand the growth and development of the mouth, the process of oral maturation and can identify and correct irregular growth patterns to create a solid bite and beautiful smile.

Pediatric dental offices often function, look, and feel different from a general dentist offices.  It is all part of helping a child and family have positive dental experiences.  At Dentistry For Children we focus on helping the child understand the importance and simplicity of a healthy nutrition and good oral health routines that will create strong beautiful teeth to last a lifetime.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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