Thumb Sucking and Jaw Development

Pediatric Dentist Chicago

Orthodontist Chicago

Special Needs Dentist Chicago

As a child there are many habits they tend to pick up. The one that seems harmless at first can soon grow into a huge issue. I am referring to thumb sucking of course. When they are really young it is cute, but at what age does it stop being cute and begin 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. It makes the child feel secure, especially at nighttime. Lets not forget that they always have it on hand. You cannot cut off their thumb, so there has to be a better way to get them out of this routine.

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. 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 fallow the lead of your baby teeth. If they are pushed forward from thumb sucking, then your permanent teeth will fallow.

This problem with thumb sucking can be very costly as well. If you don’t have dental insurance it can really be expensive, and why not try to avoid braces all together. There are ways to get your child off this disruptive habit. 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.

Blog Maintained by: Identity Dental Marketing

Getting Kids to Brush Their Teeth

Getting children in the habit of brushing their teeth

 Pediatric Dentist Chicago

Orthodontist Chicago

Special Needs Dentist Chicago

The average kid does not like brushing their teeth. In fact, if parents didn’t tell them to brush, they would never even consider it. This is why enforcing a designated brush time is very important. At the same time you don’t want to make it seem like a chore. It should be something they are happy to do, and in time it will become a habit that will just come naturally.

The first thing you may want to consider is your choice of toothbrush. If you can have your child excited about this, then you already have a good start. With all the cool toothbrushes out now, this step should come quite easy.

If your child is very young, and cannot properly brush his or her own teeth, there are a few little things that you can do to make it seem fun. First let your child brush your teeth and make a game of it. Afterwards let them try on themselves; they will most likely not do a great job, at this time you should go back and brush their teeth to do so correctly. If this doesn’t seem like something you are interested in, you could also have them practice on a doll and later try and mimic the process with them.

When you first start your kid off, it is wise to use very little toothpaste. If you use too much, you child may be overwhelmed and it could make the experience less enjoyable. A pea size amount should do the trick. Another thing you may want to keep in mind is toothpaste made especially for kids. These are sometimes a good way to get your child motivated. They are less potent and are a better choice for a younger more sensitive mouth.

If you want to take a more subtle approach; act like you don’t know your child is around, and begin too brush. While in the bathroom you should laugh and act like your having a great time brushing your teeth. Your child will view this as a fun activity and will want to partake as well.

The last thing that you need to do is praising your children for brushing. Tell them what a great job they have done. It will show them that you are proud of them and they will respond to your appreciation.

Orthodontist Chicago

Chicago Orthodontist

What are the advantages of early orthodontic treatment?

Early treatment provides the opportunity to:

1) early treatment will guide the development of the jaw bones as they grow creating a better environment for those new emerging permanent teeth

2) early orthodontic treatment will guide incoming teeth into optimal positions creating the most beautiful smile and facial structure

3) early orthodontic treatment will regulate the width of the jaws to prevent overcrowding and spacing of teeth

4) early orthodontic treatment will lower the risk of trauma to prominent front teeth, which can happen with later treatment

5) early orthodontic treatment can correct harmful sucking habits that interfere with proper growth

6) early orthodontic treatment reduces the likelihood of teeth becoming stuck or impacted under the gums

7) early orthodontic treatment will  preserve or gain space for arriving permanent teeth

8) it can allow for easier correction since the jaws are still malleable

Orthodontist Chicago

Blog managed by: Identity Dental Marketing

Orthodontist Chicago

How to Choose an Orthodontist in Chicago

Finding a Chicago Orthodontist can be confusing. How do you know if you're getting the best care?  Orthodontics will change your smile for a lifetime and it can guide your growth patterns when you receive early orthodontic treatment. 

There are many ways to choose a dentist or orthodontist in Chicagoland.  You can look online, you can ask your general dentist, or you can ask a family or friend for a referral. 

When considering an orthodontist, do your homework. Price is not the only variable to consider.  You should ask about the dentists preferences.  Research the advantages and disadvantages of early orthodontic treatment versus traditional forms of orthodontics in Chicagoland.

Did you know that pediatric dentists are also qualified to provide orthodontistry? Many pediatric dentists have received additional training in orthodontics. 

Another factor that may be important to you to is. Does the Chicago Orthodontist specialize in specific areas when it comes to specialized care? For example if you have had an accident and you, need extensive treatment for your teeth is the particular Orthodontist you're thinking of seeing proficient in this type of care?

You want an Orthodontist that you are going to feel comfortable with and willing to talk about various options. Ideally, you want this him to be able to give you all the options that are available and allow you to choose under her or his guidance what would be the best for you.

You also want a Chicago Dentist who is going to be available that will see you in the case of an emergency for example and one that you were not going to have to wait for months to get into sees. You need somebody that is reliable and that you can see when the need arises.


Post by: Identity Dental Marketing

Pediatric Dentist Chicago

Tooth Decay

Chicago Pediatric Dentist:
Cavities, caries, or tooth decay, is a preventable disease. While caries might not endanger your child's life, they can negatively affect their life and health.

With kids, teeth and gums are often, constantly exposed to large amounts of starches and sugars, acids may form that begin to eat away at tooth enamel. Carb-rich foods such as candy, snacks, soft drinks, sports drinks and even fruity juices leave sugar on your teeth. Those deposits bond with the bacteria that normally survive in your mouth and form plaque. The combination of sugar and plaque forms certain acids that can damage the mineral structure of teeth, with tooth decay resulting. Visiting your pediatric dentist regularly can remove plaque and prevent decay as well at proper at home oral hygiene.

Tooth Sensitivity

Did you know that teeth expand and contract in reaction to changes in temperature. Hot and cold food and drinks can cause pain or irritation or discomfort to those with sensitive teeth. Over time, tooth enamel can wear down, gums may recede or teeth may develop microscopic cracks, exposing the interior of the tooth and irritating nerve endings. Just breathing cold air can be painful for those with extremely sensitive teeth. Our pediatric dentist, Dr. Boyd can help you to retain your enamel and can recommend products and treatment to strengthen your teeth and minimize sensitivity.

Gum Disease

Gum disease, or periodontal disease can cause pain, inflammation, bleeding, tooth loss and bone damage. Gum disease begins with plaque build up on the teeth and gums. Gums in the early stage of disease, or gingivitis, can bleed with brushing and flossing and become red and swollen. As the disease progresses to periodontitis, teeth can fall out or need to be removed by a dentist. Gum disease is highly preventable and can usually be avoided by daily brushing and flossing. One indicator of gum disease is consistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth. Many American children have gum disease.  It's speculated that the plaque in the mouth can be spread to the rest of the body through the blood stream and affect overall health. Contact your pediatric dentist for an evaluation.  Catching gum disease in its earliest stages is important.  So don't ignore the pink in the sink!  After a certain stage of this disease, it is no longer reversible, but can be maintained with regular dental visits.

Halitosis (Bad Breath)

Daily brushing and flossing helps to prevent the buildup of food particles, plaque and bacteria in your mouth. Food particles left in the mouth deteriorate and cause bad breath. While certain foods, such as garlic or anchovies, may create temporary bad breath, consistent bad breath may be a sign of gum disease or another dental problem. If you are experiencing bad breath, visit your dentist for a complete exam and diagnosis to treat the problem.

Canker Sores

Pediatric Dentist Chicago
Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) are small sores inside the mouth that often affect adults and children alike. Generally the sores last approximately one to two weeks. Antimicrobial mouthwashes or topical agents can help to treat the canker sores. 

Misaligned teeth

A bite that does not meet properly (a malocclusion) can be inherited, or some types may be acquired. Some causes of malocclusion include missing or extra teeth, crowded teeth or misaligned jaws. Accidents or developmental issues, such as finger or thumb sucking over an extended period of time, may cause malocclusions. Dr. Boyd, pediatric dentist in Chicago is an expert in the area of early orthodontic treatment.

Post by: Identity Dental Marketing

Dental Care with Braces

Parents often don't realize the specific dental care needs of children with braces.

Children often need more frequent cleaning to prevent plaque build up, decay and white spots on the teeth.

Post by Identity Dental Marketing

Pediatric Dentists

Pediatric Dentists have special training and are often much better with special needs children and adults.

1. College Degree

   Someone interested in becoming a pediatric dentist or pedodontist begins with obtaining a bachelor of science degree, usually in a pre-dental or pre-medical concentration with a major in biology or chemistry from a University. 

   
   

   Dental School

   • The college graduate would then acquires a Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree in a 4-year program at an accredited dental school.

     
     

   Residency

   • To become a pedodontist / pediatric dentist, a the graduate then needs to complete a residency program providing 2 to 3 years of intensive training in that specialty.

     
     

   Clinical Studies

   • Dentists in a pediatric residency learn advanced diagnostic procedures and surgical methods. They study topics including child psychology, oral pathology, pharmacology, radiology, and oral and facial trauma, while focusing specifically on the needs of children.

     
     

   Additional Courses

   • Residents in pediatric dentistry also take coursework in child psychology, child development, and providing dental care to children with special needs.

     
     

     Post by Identity Dental Marketing