Expert Answers for Children's Dental Care
At Hinsdale Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, we know you've got questions. We're here to provide you with clear, informative answers. If your question isn't covered here, don't hesitate to contact our office.
A pediatric dentist specializes in children's oral health care from infancy through their teenage years.
She has additional training to address children's unique dental issues and developmental stages, ensuring specialized and compassionate care for your little ones.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling a child's first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months after the first tooth erupts.
Early visits with Hinsdale Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry help establish a dental home and start your child on a path to good oral health.
Children should visit a pediatric dentist every six months for regular check-ups and cleanings. These visits are crucial for maintaining oral health, detecting issues early, and providing preventive care to keep your child's smile healthy and bright.
At your child's first visit to Hinsdale Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Blair will gently examine your child's teeth, jaw, and oral tissues. This visit also includes discussing oral health care basics for children and any concerns you may have.
It's a comfortable and friendly experience aimed at setting a positive tone for future dental visits.
Baby teeth play a crucial role in a child's development. They help with proper chewing, speaking, and holding space for permanent teeth.
Maintaining the health of these teeth is essential as they set the foundation for a healthy adult smile. Dr. Blair emphasize the importance of caring for baby teeth to prevent future dental complications.
Dental X-rays are an important diagnostic tool. They help our doctors detect hidden dental issues and monitor your child's dental development.
Our team only takes X-rays when necessary, and we use them to plan treatments more effectively, ensuring the best possible care for your child's dental health.
Sealants are protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent decay. Fillings are used to repair cavities and restore the normal function of the tooth.
Crowns are placed over a damaged tooth to restore its size, shape, and strength. These treatments protect and preserve your child's teeth from further damage.
If your child has a toothache, clean the affected area with a soft brush and rinse with warm water. Check for any food trapped between teeth and remove it gently.
If pain persists, contact our Hinsdale office for an appointment. Avoid using topical pain relievers as they can harm gum tissue.
In case of a broken tooth, rinse your child's mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Collect any tooth fragments and bring them to Hinsdale Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry.
Contact Dr. Blair immediately for further guidance and to arrange for urgent care.
If your child knocks out a permanent tooth, find the tooth and hold it by the crown, not the root. If it's dirty, gently rinse it without scrubbing.
If possible, try to reinsert it into the socket and have your child hold it in place with a clean gauze or cloth. If you can't reinsert it, place the tooth in a clean container with milk and contact our office immediately for emergency dental care.
For bites or cuts on the tongue, cheek, or lips, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress. If bleeding persists or if the cut is deep, seek immediate medical attention or contact your child's dentist for advice.
In many cases, these injuries will heal on their own, but it's important to monitor the trauma sites for signs of infection.