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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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.

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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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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
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