Pediatric Dentist in 60124 | What’s in Your Mouth?

Elgin Pediatric Dentist

Your mouth contains hundreds of bacteria. Before you reach for the toothbrush and mouthwash, understand that not all bacteria are bad. Here’s what you need to know about the bacteria that makes its home in your mouth.

Bacteria Basics

More than 700 different oral bacteria species have been detected. Most people usually have less than 10% of these different strains in their mouth at one time. Different strains have different purposes. Bacteria that are harmless and help digest food are known as probiotics. Other types of bacteria help keep your teeth and gums healthy. The troublemakers are those that contribute to decay and periodontal disease.

The Dangers of Bacteria

Bacteria constantly grow and multiply in your mouth. According to Registered Dental Hygienist Magazine, certain bacteria species can double their population in 20 minutes if conditions are right. They feed on starches and sugars that are the byproduct of the food and drinks you consume throughout the day. Certain bacteria types produce an acid while they feed. This acid erodes your tooth enamel, leaving your teeth susceptible to decay.

Maintain a Healthy Mouth

The best way to manage the bacteria in your mouth is to maintain excellent oral hygiene. Brushing at least twice each day for two full minutes and flossing regularly is the best way to keep bacteria in check. You may want to consider an antibacterial mouthwash. Another key element to maintaining optimal oral health is sticking to a healthy diet. By avoiding or cutting back on foods and drinks that contain high amounts of sugars, acids, and starches, you can reduce the multiplication of bacteria that feed on these byproducts.

Not all bacteria are out to harm your teeth. Bacteria can be incredibly helpful in maintaining your overall heath. To help protect your mouth and teeth against the bad bacteria strains, keep following your oral hygiene routine. During your next visit to our office, we will provide a thorough cleaning and check for decay. We will also screen for any signs of other oral diseases.

For more information on keeping your mouth healthy, please contact our team.

Resources:

http://www.rdhmag.com/articles/print/volume-29/issue-7/columns/the-landers-file/oral-bacteria-how-many-how-fast.html

1640 Capital St., Ste 500, Elgin, IL 60124

60124 Pediatric Dentist | 7 Ways to Combat Bad Breath

Elgin Pediatric Dentist

Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, is commonly associated with certain foods. Garlic, onion, and cabbage can all cause a foul odor and taste for several hours after you’ve eaten them. This type of temporary halitosis is easily solved by avoiding the foods that cause it. However, in some cases bad breath is a chronic problem that simply changing your diet won’t solve.

Long-term bad breath is caused by the presence of bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria are most often found on the back of the tongue and thrive when your mouth is dry. There are a variety of ways you can help reduce or eliminate chronic bad breath. Some of these include:

Practice good oral hygiene.

Brush your teeth after you eat as often as possible and at least twice daily. Clean between your teeth using dental floss or another interdental (between teeth) cleaner at least once each day. Food particles between teeth will break down slowly and cause unpleasant odors and tastes.

Brush your tongue.

Even if you brush and floss your teeth as recommended, the bacteria causing your bad breath may remain on your tongue. Use a tongue scraper or toothbrush to gently scrape away any particles of food or bacteria every time you brush. For best results, place the scraper or brush as far back as you can manage without gagging. This will generally become easier over time.

Keep well-hydrated.

Dry mouths allow bacteria to thrive. By drinking plenty of water, you can help prevent the bacteria growth and reduce or stop bad breath.

Avoid bad breath triggers.

Onions, garlic, cabbage, coffee, and tobacco products are all known to cause bad breath.

Chew sugarless gum.

By chewing sugarless gum, you increase saliva production and keep your mouth moist. This helps slow or prevent bacteria growth, minimizing chances of bad breath.

Improve your diet.

Crunchy fruits and vegetables, yogurt, and foods rich in vitamins C and D all work to prevent the growth of bacteria, keep your mouth cleaner, and increase saliva flow.

See your dentist.

Follow your regular schedule of dental hygiene appointments and exams. If you have tried the tips above without improvement, make an appointment for an exam to see if there may be an underlying condition that requires treatment. Treat any oral illnesses, such as decayed teeth, periodontal (gum) disease, or infection.

For more information about the potential causes and treatments for halitosis, contact our office.

1640 Capital St., Ste 500, Elgin, IL 60124

Pediatric Dentist in Elgin | Teeth Stages

60124 Pediatric Dentist

A child’s first tooth growing in can be a bittersweet moment for parents. It can be frustrating when babies become irritable. It can also be exciting because this marks another stage in a child’s life. Understanding the stages of oral development can help you promote optimal oral health for your child.  

Birth to 3 Years Old

The primary (baby) teeth that will appear in the first 3 years of your child’s life aid in development. Primary teeth are key for chewing, speaking, and appearance. They also hold space in the jaws for upcoming adult teeth. Even though they fall out, baby teeth are extremely important.  

3 to 6 Years Old

By the time your child is 3 years old, they will most likely have all 20 primary teeth. Your child should be brushing their teeth twice a day and flossing daily.

6 to 12 Years Old

Between the ages of 6 to 12 years old, your child will gradually lose all of their primary teeth and their first permanent (adult) teeth will move into place. Permanent teeth affect the position and health of the other adult teeth that will grow in later.  

12 to 17 Years Old

After 12 years old, your child will likely have most of their adult teeth. Oral health becomes critical because these are their teeth for life. Avoid excessive sugar which can lead to tooth decay, wear mouth guards while playing sports, and visit us if your child appears to have crooked teeth.  

17 to 21 Years Old

The last teeth to appear are wisdom teeth. Often times, we recommend that these teeth be removed to prevent overcrowding which can lead to many oral health problems. This tends to occur between the ages of 17 to 30.  

Teeth are constantly changing throughout childhood. How you take care of your child’s teeth now, can impact their oral health in the future.  

Call us to schedule your child’s first appointment today.  

1640 Capital St., Ste 500, Elgin, IL 60124

Elgin, IL Pediatric Dentist | Which Toothpaste Is Right for Me?

Pediatric Dentist in 60124

Don't be intimidated by the number of choices at the store when choosing a toothpaste. The right kind of toothpaste will be one of your best defenses in combating the buildup of plaque and bacteria, keeping your teeth healthy and free of decay. When deciding, keep in mind the ingredients each toothpaste contains. Here’s what to keep in mind.

Whitening Toothpastes

Do you want whiter teeth? Many toothpastes are advertised as being effective at whitening your teeth. Common ingredients in a whitening paste include carbonates, phosphates, and aluminum compounds. The goal of these ingredients is to prevent your teeth from further staining. Many whitening toothpastes also contain hydrogen peroxide, but the amount used in most toothpastes is not typically enough to have much of an impact on your teeth's color. Another common component is sodium laurel sulphate (SLS). SLS can cause irritation and mouth ulcers. If you are experiencing such discomforts, talk to our staff about making a change in toothpaste.

Toothpastes for Sensitive Teeth

If you are suffering from sensitive teeth, there are toothpastes available to help alleviate discomfort and hyper-sensitivity. If you notice your teeth are very sensitive to cold food or drinks, consider changing toothpastes. Some sensitivity toothpastes include potassium nitrate and potassium citrate, while others will use ingredients such as arginine and calcium sodium phosphosilicate. Be sure to check with our team first, as sensitivity can have a variety of causes requiring different solutions and treatments. Age, gum disease, and brushing too hard are often culprits in increased tooth sensitivity.

What Else Should I Look For?

Perhaps you heard in the news recently about a substance used in soaps called triclosan. The FDA ruled that triclosan can no longer be used in soaps, however it remains in use in many toothpastes. Triclosan can be effective as an anti-bacterial substance, and is also good at preventing plaque and other build-up from causing decay. If you are concerned about using a toothpaste containing triclosan, ask us at your next appointment.

Our dentist will work with you to make sure the toothpaste you are using is the most effective, safe solution for you.

If you have any questions about which toothpaste is right for you, call our office. We look forward to assisting you.

1640 Capital St., Ste 500, Elgin, IL 60124

Pediatric Dentist 60124 | How to Make your Child Comfortable While Visiting the Dentist

Elgin, IL Pediatric Dentist

Our patients love visiting our office. We make it a priority to make sure every child feels safe and comfortable when visiting us. We focus on keeping your children educated and happy with their oral health. Below are a few tips on how to make your child comfortable while visiting the dentist.

Be open about it at home

Sometimes children are uncomfortable with the dentist simply because it is unfamiliar territory. We encourage you to openly talk with your children about the dentist and the benefits of visiting us. We have also seen that educating your children on their teeth can spark their curiosity. You can even “play dentist” with your children at home where you take turns examining each other’s mouths.

Visit the dentist regularly

With unfamiliarity of something there almost always comes fear. You can ease these fears with regular visits to the dentist, so it becomes part of your children’s routines. We recommend regular visits to our office every six months to one year for you and your children. This will not only ensure your child will become more familiar and comfortable with the dentist, but also that they are receiving the best oral care possible.

Make oral health fun

Brushing together as a family can encourage your children to take care of their teeth and make it a regular part of their daily routines. This will encourage them to want to visit the dentist to show off the hard work they put in to their oral health. You can also implement other fun activities such as brushing to music, letting them pick out a toothbrush, or using fun flavors of toothpaste.

We hope these ideas will help your children become more familiar with the dentist. We are excited to meet you and your children and know that any visit you make to our office will be fun, safe, and comfortable for everyone involved. If you have any more questions, please contact our office or schedule a visit today.

Kids First Pediatric Dentistry
1640 Capital St., Ste 500, Elgin, IL 60124
(847) 717-5437

Pediatric Dentist in Elgin, IL | Gear Up - Protect Your Child’s Teeth

60124 Pediatric Dentist

Losing a tooth can make simple tasks difficult. A missing tooth can impact the way you smile, eat, and talk. If your child plays sports, they are at a higher risk for losing a tooth. It is important for them to visit us to discuss potential protective solutions. Mouth guards are a useful tool for keeping your child’s teeth healthy. Here’s what you need to know.

What do Mouthguards Do?

Mouthguards help protect the teeth. They are a line of defense in situations where an injury may occur. In addition to protecting teeth, they help cushion the tongue, jaw, and lips from injury. Usually, a mouthguard protects the top row of teeth because they protrude out further than the bottom set.

Who Should Wear a Mouthguard?

If your child plays sports, particularly high-contact sports, they should wear a mouthguard. Hockey, football, wrestling, and boxing can all present situations where teeth may become injured. Think of a mouthguard as a necessary component to your child’s set of equipment. It may also be helpful for non-contact sports players to wear a mouthguard. Even baseball players and gymnasts can benefit from using one to protect against an oral injury.

Custom vs. Store-Bought

Ideally, your child should wear a custom-fitted mouthguard. There are options available at stores, but these often do not fit well. Having a mouthguard that fits comfortably and does not impeded talking or breathing is important. At your child’s next visit, ask us about fitting your child for a mouthguard. If your child wears braces, we can help you find a solution that keeps their teeth safe during orthodontic treatment.

Your child’s teeth deserve to be protected. Imagine how difficult it would be to talk, eat, drink, or smile with a missing tooth. Young athletes put their mouths at risk each time they practice or compete. Make sure they have the right gear to stay safe.

For questions about your child’s dental care or to schedule your next visit, please contact our office.

1640 Capital St., Ste 500, Elgin, IL 60124

60124 Pediatric Dentist | 6 Ways to Get Your Calcium

Pediatric Dentist in Elgin, IL

Calcium is an important mineral for building strong, healthy teeth. Not everyone can tolerate the lactose found in dairy, which is often a prime source for calcium. There are a wide variety of options available to get the calcium you need. Here are six options rich in calcium:

Canned Seafood

Canned seafood, such as sardines and salmon, can be an excellent source of calcium. These inexpensive options contain more calcium than their fresh counterparts. Canned seafood has small, soft, edible bones that are generally unnoticeable but can be a great way to add calcium to a salad or another dish.

Alternative Milk Products

Soy, rice, and almond milks offer added calcium and can be used as a milk substitute in many dishes. Experiment with different varieties to determine which flavor you like the most for each use. Try one of these milk alternatives on cereal or use in a cooked dish. Soy, rice, and almond milks are available in a variety of flavors, including plain, sweetened, unsweetened, vanilla, and other options.

Green Vegetables

Green vegetables are a prime source of calcium. Collard greens, mustard, turnip, and dandelion greens, Chinese cabbage, spinach, kale, okra, and broccoli are all great choices for adding calcium to your diet.

Milk

Milk is one of the best sources of calcium. One cup of cow’s milk can potentially contain a quarter of the recommended daily intake of calcium. Cow’s milk is also a cheap option, as it is generally priced below alternative options like almond milk. Additional benefits provided are good source of protein, vitamin A and vitamin D.

Yogurt

Most yogurts are high in calcium. The highest source of calcium from yogurt comes from the low-fat variety, while Greek yogurt has a lower amount of calcium than regular yogurt.

Cheese

A lot of cheeses are excellent sources of calcium. Parmesan cheese has the highest amount of calcium among cheeses. Softer varieties of cheese generally have less calcium than others. Aged and hard cheeses typically contain less lactose, making them easier to eat for people with dairy restrictions.

Calcium is important for developing and maintaining strong teeth and bones. If you have trouble digesting dairy, don't let that stop you from consuming your recommended amount of daily calcium.

Contact our office to schedule your visit today.

1640 Capital St., Ste 500, Elgin, IL 60124

Elgin, IL Pediatric Dentist | 4 Ways to Make Oral Hygiene Fun

60124 Pediatric Dentist

As a parent, it’s important to model good behaviors to your children. From being courteous to cleaning up after themselves, your child learns how to be responsible from you. It can be difficult to get your child to practice good oral care unsupervised, however the long-term benefits of an early start to good oral hygiene are worth the effort. Below are some tips to help you make practicing good oral health a fun part of your child’s daily routine, rather than something you have to fight over every day. Contact our dental team today to learn more or to schedule your child’s next dental examination and cleaning. 

1. Brush with a Buddy. 

Your child will be much more excited to floss and brush their teeth if it’s a family activity, rather than something they have to do alone. Brush your teeth with your child, or if they have siblings, have all the kids brush together. This will help make the time more fun and help your child to subconsciously accept oral hygiene as a normal part of a daily routine. 

2. Choose the Right Supplies. 

Kids can sometimes be difficult to please. Something as simple as the color of the toothbrush or the design of the toothpaste tube can make a world of difference in getting your child excited to brush. Let you child pick out their own toothbrush. This will help them feel like they have a say in their oral care routine, rather than being forced to do something they don’t want to. 

3. Reward Good Behavior. 

A little incentive can go a long way. When trying to get your child to floss and brush on their own, it might be helpful to implement a simple reward system. For example, your child could track their own brushing on a calendar and trade it in for a small gift or prize after a few months of twice daily brushing. Get creative! 

4. Educate to Empower. 

It’s important that your child understands why practicing good oral hygiene is so important. Rather than simply telling them they have to, use this as an opportunity to teach them about the dangers associated with poor oral health. 

There are a lot of strategies you can use to make brushing a fun part of your child’s day, rather than a chore. You know your child better than anyone, so don’t be afraid to come up with some additional techniques that will work better for them!  

Regular professional dental cleanings are an essential part of any good oral hygiene routine, so contact our dental team to schedule your child’s next appointment today. 

1640 Capital St., Ste 500, Elgin, IL 60124

Pediatric Dentist in Elgin, IL | Gear Up - Protect Your Child’s Teeth

60124 Pediatric Dentist

Losing a tooth can make simple tasks difficult. A missing tooth can impact the way you smile, eat, and talk. If your child plays sports, they are at a higher risk for losing a tooth. It is important for them to visit us to discuss potential protective solutions. Mouth guards are a useful tool for keeping your child’s teeth healthy. Here’s what you need to know. 

What do Mouthguards Do? 

Mouthguards help protect the teeth. They are a line of defense in situations where an injury may occur. In addition to protecting teeth, they help cushion the tongue, jaw, and lips from injury. Usually, a mouthguard protects the top row of teeth because they protrude out further than the bottom set.  

Who Should Wear a Mouthguard? 

If your child plays sports, particularly high-contact sports, they should wear a mouthguard. Hockey, football, wrestling, and boxing can all present situations where teeth may become injured. Think of a mouthguard as a necessary component to your child’s set of equipment. It may also be helpful for non-contact sports players to wear a mouthguard. Even baseball players and gymnasts can benefit from using one to protect against an oral injury. 

Custom vs. Store-Bought 

Ideally, your child should wear a custom-fitted mouthguard. There are options available at stores, but these often do not fit well. Having a mouthguard that fits comfortably and does not impeded talking or breathing is important. At your child’s next visit, ask us about fitting your child for a mouthguard. If your child wears braces, we can help you find a solution that keeps their teeth safe during orthodontic treatment. 

Your child’s teeth deserve to be protected. Imagine how difficult it would be to talk, eat, drink, or smile with a missing tooth. Young athletes put their mouths at risk each time they practice or compete. Make sure they have the right gear to stay safe.  

For questions about your child’s dental care or to schedule your next visit, please contact our office. 

 75 West Schaumburg Road, Shaumburg, IL 60194