Comprehensive Pediatric Services
Our pediatric dental services are designed to address every aspect of your child’s oral health journey in Lincoln Park, Chicago. We provide thorough dental examinations that assess tooth development, bite alignment, and overall oral health — identifying potential concerns early so we can act before small issues become bigger ones.
Creating Positive Dental Experiences
Understanding that many children feel anxious about dental visits, our team specializes in creating comfortable, welcoming environments. We take time to explain procedures in age-appropriate language, allowing children to feel informed and involved in their care. Our gentle approach helps even the most nervous young patients feel at ease.
Dr. Martha Silva brings particular expertise to pediatric care, combining her extensive training with her natural affinity for treating children and families. As a mother of two girls, she understands both the clinical and parental perspectives of pediatric dental care. Her friendly demeanor and patient approach help children feel comfortable while receiving the highest quality treatment.
We encourage parent involvement throughout the dental experience — parents are welcome to accompany their children during treatments and receive detailed explanations of procedures and home care instructions.
Building Healthy Habits Early
Establishing proper oral hygiene routines during childhood creates the foundation for lifelong dental health. We work closely with parents and children to develop age-appropriate oral care routines that children can successfully maintain at home. This includes selecting appropriate toothbrushes and toothpastes, demonstrating proper brushing techniques, and introducing flossing when children are ready.
Nutritional counseling forms an important component of our pediatric approach. We provide guidance on tooth-friendly foods and beverages while explaining how dietary choices affect oral health. Regular dental visits scheduled every six months allow us to monitor your child’s oral development and reinforce positive habits as they grow.
The Family Dentistry Advantage
Choosing a practice that serves the entire family offers significant advantages for busy parents. At Floss Lincoln Park, we provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages, allowing families to coordinate appointments and maintain consistent dental relationships. This approach helps children see dental care as a normal part of family health routines rather than something to fear.
Our restorative dentistry services ensure any dental problems your child experiences can be addressed promptly and effectively. When orthodontic needs arise, our teen orthodontic services provide seamless transitions as children grow into adolescence.
Signs of Airway Issues in Children
Many parents don’t realize that everyday symptoms their child experiences may be connected to airway restrictions — something Dr. Silva’s specialized training can help address. Watch for these common indicators:
If your child experiences these symptoms, an airway-focused evaluation may reveal opportunities to improve both oral structure and breathing function through specialized orthodontic treatment. Dr. Silva’s advanced education through the University of Florida School of Dentistry’s prestigious Mastership program includes over 600 hours of training, including in airway orthodontics.
Advanced Technology for Young Patients
Modern dental technology allows us to provide more comfortable, efficient treatments for children. Digital imaging reduces radiation exposure while providing detailed views of developing teeth and jaw structures. These advanced diagnostic tools help us identify potential problems early and create more precise treatment plans. Advanced materials and minimally invasive techniques reduce treatment time and increase comfort, making dental visits more pleasant for young patients.
Emergency Care for Children
Dental emergencies can happen at any time, and children’s active lifestyles sometimes result in dental injuries. Our emergency dental services ensure urgent dental problems receive prompt attention. Whether dealing with a knocked-out tooth, severe toothache, or dental trauma, our team provides immediate care to alleviate pain and prevent further complications. Having an established relationship with our practice means emergencies can be handled more efficiently, with our team already familiar with your child’s dental history.
Starting Your Child’s Dental Journey in Lincoln Park
We recommend scheduling your child’s first visit by their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth appearing. These early visits focus on examination, parent education, and creating positive associations with dental care that last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should my child first see a dentist?
We recommend scheduling your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth appearing — whichever comes first. Early visits let us monitor jaw and tooth development, give parents hands-on guidance, and help your child build a positive relationship with the dentist from the very start.
Can my child be seen at the same appointment as me?
Yes — that’s one of the key advantages of choosing a family practice like Floss Lincoln Park. Because we see patients of all ages, families can often coordinate appointments so parents and children are seen the same day. This makes dental care feel like a normal family routine rather than a separate obligation.
Do you see children with dental anxiety?
Absolutely. Our entire approach is built around making dental visits feel safe and comfortable for children who are nervous. Dr. Silva uses age-appropriate language to explain every step before it happens, parents are welcome in the treatment room, and we never rush. Most anxious children are at ease well before the appointment is over.
How often should my child come in for cleanings?
Most children should visit every six months for a cleaning and exam. These regular visits let us catch developing issues early, reinforce good habits, and keep your child comfortable with dental care throughout childhood. Some children with higher cavity risk may benefit from more frequent visits — we’ll let you know if that applies to your child.
What age should my child start orthodontic treatment?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This doesn’t mean treatment starts then — often we simply monitor development — but early evaluation lets us identify issues that are much easier to correct while the jaw is still growing. Dr. Silva can assess this during your child’s regular visit.
