Infant Dentistry in in Chicago

Why should my baby see the dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children see the dentist by their first birthday. Primary or baby teeth typically begin to erupt by 6 months of age, and it’s important to have your infant’s first teeth examined by a board certified pediatric dentist to ensure their oral health is on the right track.

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Did you know…

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Your baby’s teeth started to develop before they were born.

Ready to schedule your baby’s appointment?

Call (773) 904-0095

What to expect at your infant’s first exam

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Meeting You & Your Child

Your dentist will begin your child’s first appointment by getting to know you and your little one a little better. They may ask a few basic questions about your child’s oral health, such as when their first teeth came in and their current oral care routine. This information will allow your doctor to provide more specialized care.

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Counting Your Baby’s Teeth

Next, your child’s dentist will “count” your infant’s teeth and examine their mouths, looking for any potential signs of developmental issues or decay. This will provide them with insights on how your child’s mouth is developing as they grow.

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Examining Their Gums

Your dentist will also examine your child’s gums. While gum disease is rare in infants, inflammation and irritation can still occur, so it’s important to address these issues as soon as possible. Once the exam is finished, your dentist will discuss with you your child’s oral health and offer advice on how to keep their teeth healthy.

Did you know…

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71%  of infant tooth decay cases are caused by transmission from the mother.

Does your infant need an exam?

Call (773) 904-0095

Have questions about infant dentistry? Find answers here.

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When Should My Child See the Dentist for the First Time? 

The current recommendation of the AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) is that you take your child to the dentist for an appointment whenever their first tooth erupts or when they reach the age of 1, whichever happens first. While this may seem early, seeing a dentist regularly and establishing a “dental home” early has a number of great benefits.

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Why is it important to establish a dental home?

A “dental home” is the dental office where your child will receive the majority of their dental care as they grow. There are a few reasons why a dental home is important. First, your child will be able to develop a real, meaningful relationship with their dentist, and with the staff at our office. They will feel more safe and comfortable during their appointment, and become more familiar with the basics of dentistry. This can help reduce feelings of discomfort, fear, and anxiety, and prevent them from developing dental anxiety later in life.

In addition, if your child sees the same dentist regularly, they will receive more productive dental care. Their pediatric dentist will understand the unique oral health challenges that your child may face, and will be able to take steps to provide specialized care. For example, if your child is cavity-prone and develops tooth decay at a young age, their doctor may recommend a more diligent at-home oral care routine, along with regular fluoride treatments and/or dental sealants.

Are x-rays safe for toddlers?

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Yes. X-rays are safe for children of all ages. The latest x-ray technology uses minimal radiation, and all patients are given protective equipment to reduce their exposure. That said, your child will only need to get x-rays if their dentist believes they may have a hidden dental issue that can’t be detected with a visual exam alone.

Why are baby teeth so important?

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Baby teeth fall out naturally, so why is it so important to keep your child’s baby teeth healthy? Well, decayed and damaged baby teeth can be very painful and uncomfortable, and lead to serious oral health complications, just like adult teeth.

But beyond this, the baby teeth provide the “path” that the adult teeth will follow when they begin to erupt. If your child’s baby teeth are decayed or they lose a baby tooth earlier than they’re supposed to, this could lead to further oral development issues as your child grows.

Did you know…

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Teething begins around 6 months of age and continues until around ages 2 or 3.

Is your infant ready for their dental appointment?

Call (773) 904-0095