Welcome to Lincoln Shine Dental – Your Partner for Back to School Smiles!
Welcome to Lincoln Shine Dental, where we believe in bright smiles and excellent dental care for all ages. Conveniently located in the heart of Lincoln Park, Chicago, our practice is dedicated to providing compassionate care and expert dental services to families in Lincoln Park, Lake view and Old town areas.
As the new school year approaches, it’s the perfect time to ensure your child’s oral health is in top shape for the academic year ahead. Our team is committed to making dental visits a positive experience for children and adults alike, helping you achieve optimal oral health and confidence in your smile.
Why Back to School Dental Visits Matter
As your child prepares to head back to school, scheduling a dental check-up is essential for several reasons:
Preventive Care: Regular dental check-ups help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues before they become serious problems.
Early Detection: Dental visits allow our team to detect any potential issues early on, enabling prompt treatment and preventing the need for more extensive procedures in the future.
Oral Hygiene Education: We provide valuable guidance on proper brushing, flossing, and overall oral hygiene practices to help your child maintain a healthy smile year-round.
Boost Confidence: A bright, healthy smile can boost your child’s confidence and self-esteem, setting them up for success both academically and socially.
Common Questions About Children’s Dental Health:
- What are dental cavities (also known as caries)? Dental cavities are decayed areas in the teeth, caused by bacteria and acid erosion.
- What are sealants and why do my kids need to receive those? Dental sealants are protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth to prevent cavities, recommended for kids to protect their developing teeth.
- Do my children need x-rays every time they come in? X-rays for children are recommended based on their dental health needs and risk factors, not necessarily every visit.
- Do my children need a sports guard? Sports guards are advisable for children participating in sports to protect their teeth and mouth from injury.
- When do baby teeth come in and when does my child lose them? Baby teeth typically come in around 6 months and are gradually replaced by permanent teeth between ages 6 and 12.
- At what age should I take my baby for the first dental visit? The first dental visit for a baby is recommended around their first birthday.
- What is baby bottle tooth decay also known as rampant/nursing caries? Baby bottle tooth decay, also known as rampant or nursing caries, occurs when a baby’s teeth are frequently exposed to sugary liquids.
- When should I begin brushing my baby’s teeth and when should I teach and encourage my kids to brush on their own? Begin brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as they emerge, and teach them to brush on their own as they develop dexterity, usually around age 2 to 3.
- What is Nitrous Oxide or laughing gas? Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is a mild sedative used in dentistry to help patients relax during procedures.
Tooth brushing for children
When to initiate dental care for your baby and when to encourage independent brushing in children are crucial milestones in oral hygiene. For newborns, gently wiping the gums with a clean, damp cloth twice a day is advisable. As soon as their first teeth appear, typically around six months of age, introduce a toothbrush into their routine. Brushing should occur twice daily, using an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste and a soft, child-sized brush. For children under three, a rice-sized amount of toothpaste is recommended, while those aged three to six should use a pea-sized amount.
Flossing becomes necessary when two teeth are adjacent. It’s essential to supervise and assist your children with brushing until they demonstrate the dexterity to tie their shoes independently. A helpful strategy is to have them sit on your lap while facing away, allowing you to brush their teeth while they engage in a preferred activity like watching TV.
Our Back to School Dental Services
At Lincoln Shine Dental, we offer a comprehensive range of dental services tailored to meet the unique needs of children and adolescents, including:
- Routine Exams and Cleanings: Our gentle and experienced dental team will thoroughly examine your child’s teeth and gums, removing plaque and tartar buildup to keep their smile bright and healthy.
- Dental Sealants: We may recommend dental sealants to protect your child’s molars from decay, reducing the risk of cavities and promoting long-term oral health.
- Fluoride Treatments: Fluoride is essential for strengthening tooth enamel and preventing cavities. We offer fluoride treatments to help keep your child’s teeth strong and resilient.
- Orthodontic Evaluation: If orthodontic treatment is needed, we will conduct a comprehensive evaluation and recommend the best course of action to straighten your child’s teeth and correct any bite issues.
- Invisalign: We provide Invisalign treatment for teens to straighten their teeth discreetly and comfortably.
- Space Maintainers: Our team can fit your child with space maintainers to prevent shifting of teeth and maintain proper alignment.
- Palatal Expander: If your child needs expansion of the upper jaw, we offer palatal expanders to create more space and improve bite alignment.
- Dental Fillings: We offer dental fillings to restore teeth affected by cavities, ensuring your child’s oral health is preserved.
- Extractions: If necessary, we perform extractions with care and expertise to address dental issues and maintain oral health.
Schedule Your Child’s Back to School Dental Visit Today!
Once your baby’s teeth start to emerge, they become susceptible to cavities. Dr. Mahi advises scheduling your baby’s first dental visit as soon as their first tooth appears, and certainly no later than their first birthday. Our goal is not only to ensure your baby develops beautiful, healthy teeth but also to share in the joy of watching your children grow and hear delightful stories.
Don’t wait until the last minute – schedule your child’s back to school dental visit at Lincoln Shine Dental today! Our friendly team is committed to providing high-quality care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Give your child the gift of a healthy smile this school year – contact us to book an appointment.
Location:
You can find us conveniently located in Lincoln Park, Chicago, making it easy for families in the area to access quality dental care. Our address is 2620 N Halsted st, Chicago, Il, 60614.