First Visit

The First Visit to the Dentist

Pediatric Dentist Chicago

Infants require a great amount of time, care, and attention. Most parents try and do what is best to ensure that their baby grows up into a healthy toddler. Babies are born in a hospital, and are examined by a doctor months before they are even out of the womb. But when is the right time for them to make their first trip to the pediatric dentist Chicago?

The average age a baby’s first tooth erupts varies, just like when they say their first words. Interestingly enough, teeth actually aid in a child’s speech development. Usually, an infant’s first tooth erupts sometime around their first birthday. However, they can come in earlier, and about one in 2,000 are born with one or more teeth. Although the age of a child’s first tooth varies, the right age for the first visit is solid number.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a baby should be taken to a pediatric dentist Chicago, around their first birthday. It seems like common sense, but many parents find it unnecessary when their baby’s gums have yet to yield a tooth. However, this first visit before their first birthday plays an important role in a child’s oral health, regardless of whether or not they have tooth to their name.

And with that first tooth parents must do their part in helping it remain healthy and free of cavities. At a certain age most children will want to take on the responsibility themselves, but until they grow up, like many things, it is a parent’s duty. After the tooth first erupts, it must be wiped clean with either a soft wet cloth, or a small, soft bristle toothbrush. This routine can be done once a day and is best before putting them to bed at night. Teething can be a very testing time, but one important tip to keep in mind is that pacifiers should never be dipped in anything sweet. 

This can lead to major problems in the healthy development of a child’s first tooth by causing bacteria to build up and the tooth to decay.

So when that first year comes around parents should take the first step in caring for their baby’s future smile by making the first visit to the pediatric dentist Chicago.

To make appointment with your pediatric dentist Chicago call or visit our site.

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The Importance of Making Regular Visits to the Dentist

 Pediatric Dentist Chicago 

Patients are generally advised to schedule their next appointment 6 months following a dental visit, or at least within a year.  However, according to a survey conducted by the CDC in 2010, only about 60% of adults in the U.S. had seen a dentist within the past year.  Many of those who hadn't reported that they simply didn't see the point in making regular visits.  So… why should you?

Visiting your dentist regularly can improve your overall health, believe it or not!  Gum disease has been linked to an increased chance of heart disease, stroke, and cancer. A routine professional cleaning and oral inspection can reduce the risk of gum disease and facilitate early detection.  Dentists and their staff go through years of training and are required to regularly attend courses in continuing education, so they're always up-to-date on the latest in dental technology.  This ensures that your office visit is as effective as it can be.

Whether it's a congenital defect, accidental, or general wear-and-tear, your teeth can take a beating!  Cavities, loose or broken teeth, jaw locking, under/overbite, impacted wisdom teeth, cleft palate – these are common dental problems that can cause pain or cause complications.  Dentists have a multitude of treatments at their disposal – from corrective therapies to surgical procedures, you're sure to find something that works for you.  Your dentist can also make recommendations for aesthetic and cosmetic options to keep your smile looking its best. It's important to start early so please visit your pediatric dentist Chicago.

Perhaps most importantly, making regular visits can build a rapport between you and your dentist.  It can make you feel more comfortable during your time in the office chair and help ease tension during more complicated procedures.  You'll also experience less stress when faced with the possibility of making future visits.

Making a habit of going to the dentist is especially important if you have children – seeing you in the dentist's office on a regular basis can make a real impression on them, introducing the importance of oral care and overall dental health at an early age (make an appointment with your pediatric dentist Chicago).  The more comfortable you are with your dentist, the more comfortable they are likely to be.

In case of a dental emergency, familiarity with your dentist can make a real difference. From there on your dentist can recommend visit to other doctors like orthodontist Chicago, if you require it. It's a good idea to discuss your office's policies regarding off-hours visits.  It can be a real relief knowing you have someone to call should you experience a chronic toothache or have an accident involving your teeth.  Your dentist can alleviate swelling or pain, repair chipped or lost fillings, or even replace a tooth that's been knocked out!

As you can see, there are many reasons to make regular visits to your dentist's office.  From disease screening and prevention to solutions for your unique dental problems, from an improvement in overall health to having someone to call on in case of emergencies, it's important to build a relationship with your dentist. And, as always – remember to brush and floss daily!

For more information and to make an appointment with Dentistry for Children and Families please visit us at http://www.dentistry4children.net

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Teething

Dentistry for Children and Families located in Chicago provides a wide array of services for you and your children's dental health. The consensus among pediatric dentists is that a child begin regular dental care the age of 12 months, with dental exams twice a year for the following years. A Chicago pediatric dentist at Dentistry for Children and Families can provide you the services that you need.

Once an appointment is set up and a child's dental health is examined we can set up a meeting with a Chicago orthodontist if the child require it or if they require a special needs dentist Chicago we can set that up too.

Between 6 months and 12 months a child's first tooth should appear consult you pediatric dentist Chicago at this time or in whatever area you live. The child's teeth must be brushed after each feeding and at bedtime. You can use soft brush toothbrush. When the child begins to walk, parents need to be alert for potential injuries, dental injuries included. The child needs to be weaned off bottle by his or her first birthday. If the mother breastfeeds, the AAPD recommends breast feeding for a least one year.

 From 12 month to 24 months in age, continue with scheduled examination with your Chicago pediatric dentist. Brushing with a drop of fluoridated toothpaste becomes acceptable as the child learns to rinse his or her mouth, and as most baby teeth have come out by now it will be necessary.

Visit Dentistry for Children and Families for more information.

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