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.

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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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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