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.

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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.

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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.

     
     

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Pediatric Dentist Provides Nutrition Education

Pediatric Dentist in Chicago, Dr. Boyd has been including nutritional education to his patients for years.

By teaching children to make healthy meal and snack choices, you can contribute to their oral and overall health for years to come.










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Pediatric Dentist Information

Pediatric Dentist Chicago, IL
Dental insurance plans differ by:

• services they cover
• amount they pay for dental procedures
• whether or not you can decide which dentist to see in order to get the most appropriate care in the most efficient manner.

Some dental insurance plans may limit your right to choose a dentist for your child, or your right to choose a pediatric dentist without first being referred by a general dentist, or your right to choose a pediatric dentist under any circumstance.
You have the right to choose a pediatric dentist for your child.
Your child will receive the most appropriate dental care when you make informed decisions with the dentist of your choice.
Pediatric dentists are primary care providers, as recognized by the American Dental Association.
Plans that require referral to a pediatric dentist only after an unsuccessful visit to a general dentist are not in your child's best interest.
When offered a choice of dental plans, know what services the plan does and doesn't cover before you enroll! Make sure you can select a pediatric dentist as your child's primary care provider.
Pediatric dentists are right for a child.
When you seek pediatric dental care for your child, you are making a wise decision.
Pediatric dentists are uniquely qualified by training and experience to provide the most appropriate, cost-effective dental care for children.
Pediatric dental care typically does not cost more than care provided by a general dentist.
Preventive dentistry can only occur if your child visits the dental office regularly. Some dental plans are designed to minimize coverage for regular examinations, topical fluoride treatments or dental sealants.
Parents have choices.
When you are unhappy with your dental plan, you have options.
Sometimes the dentist that is right for parents, brothers and sisters may not be the best choice for another child. When necessary, you can select a pediatric dentist outside your plan even though you may have to pay out-of-pocket expenses. The cost of this care is worthwhile in the long run.
You can find out if your employer offers less restrictive plans. Know your choices during your re-enrollment period.
If you are not happy with your dental plan, you should consider voicing your concerns to your employer.
If young patients must leave a pediatric dental practice, we understand.
When parents decide to change their child's dental provider, for any reason, pediatric dentists will assist in the transfer of records and make the transition as smooth as possible.
AND, if you switch to a more restrictive plan and are not satisfied, you are always welcome to return to your pediatric dentist.

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Pediatric Dentist, Dr. Boyd, Uses Cold-Blooded Creatures to Teach Kids About Nutrition & Dental Health

CHICAGO, IL—On Saturday, July 24^th, 2011 from 3-5pm Dentistry for Children and Families of Lincoln Park will be bringing the Cold Blooded Creatures to the Sheffield Garden Walk. Some of the cold-blooded creatures include: Bubba (the alligator), Big Al (the 250 lb. tortoise), Blondie (the python), and Dragon (the 60 lb. lizard).

“Children learn much quicker when they are entertained. The purpose of this show is to teach the children about nutrition and oral health in a way that’s fun,” said Dr. Kevin Boyd “There are similarities and differences in the teeth of different animals. By comparing the teeth, we can learn about the importance of our teeth, nutrition, and our overall oral health.”

Dr. Kevin Boyd and Dr. Janet Pannaralla will be checking the teeth of Bubba the Alligator! Children may also have the opportunity to take photos with the animals and ask questions.

Dentistry For Children will have a booth July 23^rd and 24^th from 12-5pm at the Children’s Corner at the Garden Walk. The Kids Corner will also have pony rides, a petting zoo, craft projects, food/beverages, and a pig train.

Dr. Kevin Boyd is a strong advocate for increasing public awareness regarding the fact that healthy eating is vital for achieving optimal dental and whole body health. Through academics, research, community outreach and public policy related activities, Dr. Boyd spends many hours at efforts aimed at improving children’s lives through the promotion of healthy eating behaviors.  Dentistry for Children and Families are active in the community and sponsor other events such as the Annual Free Children’s Dental Day.

      For more information about Dentistry for Children and Families, please call 312-988-9855 or visit www.dentistry4children.net.


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