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Ensuring your baby sees a dentist early in life is good practice for setting the stage for good oral health for the rest of your child’s life. Babies are born with all of their primary teeth already in their gums. Babies typically start to teethe between the 6 months of age and one year. While baby teeth erupt at different times for every child, they all catch up to one another by the time they are teenagers and usually have all of their adult teeth by their adolescent years. But before you start thinking about braces and retainers, let’s look at when you should start bringing your baby to the dentist, what you can expect, and how to plan for subsequent follow-up visits with your baby’s dentist.

When Should You Take Your Baby to the Dentist?

Typically, babies should be seen by a dentist when their first teeth start to break through the gums. Before then, your family doctor, or pediatrician will typically keep an eye on the baby’s mouth and gums to make sure there are no problems before the baby is seen by a dentist. By the time the baby has started to teethe, they are usually 6 months old. Parents can wait until the baby has more teeth if the teeth are coming in without too much trouble, but you won’t want to wait longer than one year of age. This is an important time your baby’s development. Some dentists may recommend seeing the baby earlier, or later in their development, so when you call your dentist to ask for an appointment, be sure to clarify when the dentist prefers to start following a child patient.

What Kind of Dentist Should You Take Your Child to Visit?

There are two types of dentists that babies and children typically see when they are in their teething stages of life: a general dentist, one that sees both children and adults on a regular basis for cleanings and common dental problems; and a pediatric dentist, which may or may not be available in your area. Pediatric dentists specialize in working with infants, children, and teenagers, and typically have 2-3 years more training than a general dentist. You may be referred to a pediatric dentist if your baby has issues with teething or their gums. Dentists, in general, are well equipped to manage the day to day care of infants during their teething stages.

How to Prepare For Your First Visit to the Dentist With Your Baby

When you first call for an appointment with your dentist, you’ll want to have your dental insurance or other healthcare related information ready, such as the baby’s date of birth, how many teeth they have, if they have seen another dentist prior to this visit, and if they have any medical conditions.

What Will the First Visit to the Dentist be Like?

When you arrive at the dentist, you’ll register for your baby’s appointment and have to present your dental insurance information, if applicable. It won’t be much different from when you visit the dentist yourself, except that you’ll have to provide information for your baby. Once you’ve been registered, the dentist will usually ask the mother or father to sit in the dental chair and place the baby on his or her lap. This is much easier than trying to have a baby sit still in a large chair. Some pediatric dentists office will have high chairs - like the ones you use to feed your baby in an upright position - but for the most part, it’s easier to just sit the baby on a parent’s lap.

The first visit to the dentist will not take much time at all. Because your baby won’t have many teeth and will likely have a healthy mouth overall, the dentist will do a general inspection of the gums and any teeth that have erupted (pushed through the gums), ask parents if there have been any problems associated with teething or other issues of the mouth, and then maybe do a light gum cleaning. The dentist will also ask about eating or nursing habits and check for evidence of bottle decay. The dentist and assistant will record the information collected throughout the examination and will likely book you a follow-up appointment every 6 to 9 months. The follow-up time is usually 6 months, however, some medical insurance plans will only allow for 9 or 12-month visits. You’ll want to discuss this with the booking receptionist when you are making subsequent appointments.

How to Care For Your Baby’s Teeth

Your baby’s dentist will be able to show you how to properly care for your baby’s teeth. Even if your baby doesn’t have any teeth yet, it is important to “brush” the gums. There are several devices available for cleaning gums that slip on the end of parent’s finger, and the mother or father can gently run the gums to clean them. When your baby does get teeth, using a very soft bristle brush, with just water or with a toothpaste designed for infants is best. The use of fluoride is not recommended for children under the age of 3. Special toothpaste is available for infants without fluoride at your local department store, pharmacy and grocery stores. Your dentist can also provide you with samples of toothpaste that is designed for babies and small children.

New parents are often plagued by worrying about their new babies. They want the best for them and their health, and sometimes, parents don’t realize the importance of having a dentist check your baby at such an early age, especially if everything appears to be normal. A dentist is trained to spot issues that parents may not be aware of and can remedy problems early on for the child so that they may experience the best possible chance for good oral health throughout their lifetime. Your baby’s dentist should be included as part of an overall good health plan as the baby grows into childhood and adolescents, so make your appointment to have your baby’s teeth and mouth examined today.

Stress can lead to wide variety of health complications such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and over time, can even lead to severe depression and anxiety.

But can stress actually lead to loss of your teeth?

Short answer: No.

Long answer: Yes.

Just because you have a stressful job does not mean you’re going to wake up one morning and find that your teeth have fallen out of your mouth due to the stress alone. The human body doesn’t quite work that way. However, stress can cause other health related issues, which in turn can cause the loss of your teeth.

There has been lots of talk about Demi Moore going on a late night TV. show recently and talking about how she “sheered off her two front teeth” due to stress. Demi claimed that stress caused her teeth to fall out, which technically was true, however it was due the other issues that stressed caused which actually lead to the demise of her two front teeth.

People who saw the segment came away with the impression that if you have a lot of stress in your life, your teeth could fall out of your mouth one day. Demi previously went on the Ellen Degeneres Show in 2010 and was quoted as saying: “I had a bad bite and knocked my own front tooth out, which basically fell out into my hand, and I just thought my warranty was up.”

It was this “warranty was up” part that most people took to mean that teeth have warranties and stress causes them to expire quicker. While stress itself cannot cause your teeth to fall out of your mouth, stress can cause other health related issues, which in and of themselves can cause your teeth to eventually fall out.

Bruxism

It has been said that over 70% of Bruxism cases have been linked to stress. Bruxism is when you excessively grind your jaw or teeth. There are two types of this condition: sleep grinding and awake grinding. Researchers state that if you use drugs, alcohol or tobacco it can exacerbate the problem exponentially.

The constant grinding of your teeth can wear down the enamel thereby causing the tooth to crack or break. In some cases it can even lead to TMJ, which is an issue with the joint of your lower jaw. The main fix for Bruxism is to have a plastic or rubber mouth guard made so your teeth stop grinding against each other.

Most people who have bruxism don’t even realize they have it. The grinding of the teeth is a reaction to the stress and in most cases people don’t consciously realize that they are grinding their teeth.

So, let’s review: Stress > Bruxism > Worn tooth enamel > Cracked teeth > TMJ

As you can see stress itself did not cause the tooth to crack and break. That was caused by the worn tooth enamel which was caused by the bruxism (excessive teeth grinding). Had bruxism not caused the teeth to grind up against each other over the course of a few months to a few years, the tooth enamel would not have worn out.

This could have been prevented by simply wearing a mouth guard. The mouth guard is specifically designed to prevent the teeth from grinding up against one another. Your dentist can easily fit you for a mouth guard and have one manufactured in a short period of time.

Gum Disease

Scientists have recently discovered that stress can cause gum disease. This becomes a potentially huge slippery slope. When some people are stressed, they sometimes pick up unhealthy habits in order to emotionally cope:

• Drugs
• Smoking
• Pain pills
• Alcohol
• Eating junk food/not exercising
• Not performing proper daily dental hygiene

So, in addition to gum disease being caused by stress; smoking and drugs and everything else can actually increase the rate at which your gums and teeth degenerate. Stress now becomes a literal ticking time bomb for your oral health and teeth!

The problem with this is that most people aren’t aware of it until it’s too late. They don’t realize their dental health is degrading because they’re so preoccupied with their stress and worries. Not to mention oral health and tooth issues don’t usually manifest themselves until it is too late. At this point you wind up with a massive tooth infection (and oral pain that you would not wish upon your worst enemy) or your teeth literally fall out of your mouth like in Demi’s case.

How to Prevent Stress-Related Tooth Loss

The obvious answer to this question is to lessen the stress in your life. For some people that is easier said than done.

We talked about how a rubber mouth guard can be used to help prevent your teeth from grinding up against each other, but what about gum disease and other tooth related issues? Stop smoking, chewing tobacco, drinking heavily, abusing drugs.

Another thing you can do is to visit a dentist on a regular basis. He/she will give you a dental checkup and let you know if they see anything you should be concerned about. It has been said that your dentists are usually the first people who can tell if you have stress in your life. It’s literally written all over your teeth, gums and mouth.

If your teeth do fall out there are many techniques out there to ensure that your smile continues to look its best, like dental implants. The implants are usually made out of a ceramic/titanium mix, which wears better than the original enamel your tooth came with. It’s not the ideal solution to the problem, but nobody will be able to tell they aren’t your real teeth.

Summer has arrived, and that means it's time for wedding season! It’s such a magical time of year when couples, young and old, seal their love with a tradition that is as old as time itself. But to get to that moment of starting forever together, the bride and groom have a lot of work to do. There are many details that go in to planning a wedding, and it can be overwhelming when you realize all of the things you need to do in order to prepare for your big day. There's the venue, the guest list, the food, the photographer, the groomsman gifts, and of course, the cake, but have you given your teeth any thought? You should - your smile is going to be preserved in pictures for the rest of your life. It’s an important detail that often goes overlooked, but here is how you can prep your teeth for your big day so that your smile shines as bright as the sun!

Teeth Whitening

You will want to consult with your dentist before using any teeth whitening product. The last thing you want is to botch a teeth whitening job before your wedding. In addition to any helpful advice your dentist can give you about at-home teeth whitening products, they may also be able to offer you an in-office treatment, which would be far more effective than any product you buy online or in a drugstore.

Make sure to give yourself at least a few weeks to start your teeth whitening routine. If you wait until too soon before the wedding, you might not get the desired results you were hoping for. What’s more, your teeth whitening treatment may require several applications, or you might have to try several products if you aren’t getting the results you wanted, so it's always best to get a head start.

It’s best to start any teeth whitening routine with a professional teeth cleaning. Just like a regular trip to the dentist, you can schedule a cleaning session and make sure your teeth are in perfect condition to accept the teeth whitening solution you have chosen.

Cosmetic Dentistry

If you are not completely satisfied with the shape or state of your teeth, you can always opt to have some cosmetic dental work done. This can be pricey, but many would argue that having the perfect smile on your wedding day is worth the time, effort, and money. You’ll want to give yourself a few months leeway if you are considering cosmetic dentistry. It can take time for your dentist to determine the best course of corrective action, determine if there are any underlying issues with your teeth that would prevent the procedure from moving forward, and allow for time to actually complete the procedure.

Cosmetic dentistry is often considered by brides and grooms who have a gap in their teeth, who have chips in their teeth, or who have missing teeth. If you are seeking appliances to correct the issues with your teeth, it can take time to order them in as well. Consult with your dentist to determine the best course of action on making your teeth as perfect as possible for your big day!

Have Your Teeth Straightened

While many couples are spending less and less time in their “engagement” stage of their relationship, many more are still spending one or even two years planning their weddings. If you plan to have any major cosmetic surgery or corrective surgery done to fix your teeth, you may want to consider pushing your wedding date out by a few months. If your teeth are very crooked or need a lot of work, you will need a lot more time to make any improvements to your teeth. If you want to have braces put on your teeth, for example, you may opt to go for a clear brace in case your teeth are not completed lined up by the time you get married.

A popular product on the market today is an orthodontic product called Invisalign. This is a clear product that moves teeth slightly over several iterations of the product’s life. People who opt to straighten their teeth with Invisalign can expect faster results than traditional braces, but it is pricier as well. However, if time is of the essence, Invisalign is definitely the way to go.

While there aren’t many quick fixes in life in general, we are lucky to live in a world where we can have our teeth cleaned and whitened, cracks in our teeth filled, and our entire smiles made over in a relatively short amount of time. When you are thinking of your big day, don’t forget to think about your smile: it’s the thing that you’ll be doing the most on that day, and you want it to be perfect!

Summer is just around the corner! Are you ready to take in all that summer in Chicago has to offer? With all the hustle and bustle of the city, it can be pretty easy to lose your routines, like your oral health. By being conscious about your oral health, you will be more inclined to continue your good habits even though the weather, and the city, are beckoning as the whether begins to warm up. Here are five tips to help you keep your teeth healthy this summer in Chicago!

Limit Sugary Drinks

When you are strolling around the Water Tower Place or Millennium Park this summer, try to limit the sugary drinks you have - there are lots of slushy machines and drink carts just waiting to quench your thirst and keep you hydrated, but try to resist drinking too much sugar. As you know, sugar causes cavities and decay, and you don’t want to roll into the autumn season having to visit the dentist, now do you? If possible, substitute soda for water, or drink through a straw to help minimize the sugar effects on your teeth.

Don’t Forget to Brush

It seems ridiculous to remind grown men and women to brush their teeth, but when the weather gets nice, you’re going to be so excited to get out of the house and do all there is to do that you’ll likely forget to do more than just brush your teeth. When you visit the city, try to maintain some semblance of routine so that your oral health doesn’t go by the wayside. Long days on the beach can lead to naps, and naps can sometimes turn into staying in for the night. So make sure once you get home from a long day out, you take the time to brush your teeth before laying down to relax.

Make Healthy Choices

While visiting Streeterville, Chicago, you will be tempted by many amazing dining establishments and food carts and vendors. There is lots to enjoy and lots of food to try, but remember to make healthy choices. Eating good, clean, healthy foods is good for your oral health and overall well-being. Just because you are enjoying the big city doesn’t mean you have to wreak havoc on your routines. Try the foods you really want to try and then steer clear of the rest. Remember not to drink your calories and stay away from really sugary drinks. An easy way to stay on track with your healthy lifestyle is to eat vegetables with every meal you order. Enjoy your vegetables first and then enjoy smaller amounts of the other foods you wanted to try. It all adds up to help keep you healthy and happy this summer!

Protect Yourself and Your Mouth

When you make your way to Millennium Park in the heart of Chicago, don’t be surprised by the sheer number of people that are enjoying themselves there! It’s an amazing place, but you need to be careful not to hurt yourself if you get a spontaneous game of touch football going, or another fun sport. Wear protective mouthpieces if you engage in any kind of aggressive activity: you don’t want to be spending your summer days in the hospital or dental chair. Be safe, and you won’t have anything to worry about. The same goes for the rest of your body: be sure to wear the proper equipment when you are cycling, walking, or running this summer in Chicago. Don’t leave that bike helmet at home.

Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools

BBQ's are a great way to enjoy the weather while hanging out with family and friends, but sometimes we get a little too relaxed and don't feel like standing up to go find things that we may need... like a bottle opener for instance. Don’t use your teeth as a bottle opener: this can cause a lot of damage to your teeth, and they could even crack. Similar to the touch football from this afternoon, don’t put yourself in harms way just for the sake of putting yourself in harm's way! You are going to need those teeth to bite into the amazing food throughout the Chicagoland area this summer. Take that extra 30 seconds to stand up, stretch your legs, and walk over to find the bottle opener. Your relaxation will end pretty quickly if you crack your teeth on a bottle cap.

Whether you are making your way to Chicago for a weekend getaway, or you live here year-round, you’ll find an incredible array of activities, entertainment, shows, events, concerts, food establishments and more. There is something for everyone in the Windy City! But before you go hog wild and forget about your health, remember to make a plan to ensure you are taking care of yourself throughout your time in Chicago this summer. Don’t open bottles with your teeth, use mouth guards if you are engaging in random sports, try to make healthy choices or at least, healthier than you would normally pick at a restaurant, remember to brush your teeth and try to limit the amount of sugary drinks you purchase this summer. If you keep your oral health, and overall well-being in the back of your mind, you’ll have an even better time in Chicago than if something happened that caused you to break, chip, or hurt your teeth.