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NEW We’re now welcoming new patients.

Magnolia Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics

#1 Chicago Pediatric Dentist | Dr. Melissa Connell , DMD

Drs. Melissa Connell and Megan Davenport – work together to ensure your child has a pleasant, happy experience at each visit!

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Fluoride & Your Child

Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral that is essential for proper tooth development and the prevention of decay.

Mother helping daughter brush her teeth

How Fluoride Helps

The protective outer layer of teeth, called enamel, is often subject to attacks from harmful acids. These acids can sometimes come directly from acidic foods and beverages, such as sodas and citrus fruits. They can also come from decay-causing bacteria created when acid from sugar combines with naturally-occurring bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria congregates in dental plaque and feed on sugar that is not properly cleaned from your child’s mouth. The metabolizing sugar and bacteria produce acids that eat through the tooth enamel. This is how cavities are formed. When fluoride is introduced, it becomes part of the crystalline structure of tooth enamel, hardening it and making it more resistant to attack. Fluoride can help repair small cavities that have already been forming.

Delivering Fluoride to the Teeth

Fluoride ingested by children from Chicago’s drinking water or supplements isn’t always enough, the permanent teeth can oftentimes hoard the fluoride leaving the baby teeth low on supply. Once a tooth has erupted, it can be strengthened by fluoride topically (on the surface). Using a fluoride-containing toothpaste is one way to make sure your children’s teeth receive helpful fluoride exposure daily. We recommend using only a pea-sized amount for children ages 2-6 and just a tiny smear for kids under two. Fluoride should not be used on children younger than six months. A very beneficial way to deliver fluoride to the teeth is with topical fluoride applications right here at the dental office. We can paint it right onto your child’s freshly cleaned teeth and let it sit for a few minutes for maximum effectiveness.

Mother helping daughter brush her teeth
Book Appointment

Welcoming New patients
(312) 957-8131

Existing Patients (312) 281-4860

Young girl brushing her teeth

How Much is Too Much Fluoride?

Teeth that are over-exposed to fluoride as they are forming beneath the gum line can develop a condition called enamel fluorosis, which is characterized by a streaked or mottled appearance. Mild fluorosis takes the form of white spots that are hard to see. In more severe cases (which are rare), the discoloration can be darker, with a pitted texture. The condition is not harmful, but may eventually require cosmetic dental treatment. Tooth decay, on the other hand, is harmful to your child’s health and can also be quite painful in severe cases.

The risk for fluorosis ends by the time a child is about 9 and all the permanent teeth have fully formed. Until then, we would be happy to discuss with you how much fluoride your child needs and in what form. Since fluoride use is cumulative, we need to take into account all the sources your child comes in contact with — including powdered infant formula mixed with fluoridated tap water — along with sugar consumption and other risk factors for decay, to make the appropriate recommendation. But while caution is advised, it would be a mistake to forgo the benefits that this important mineral can bring to your child’s teeth — and his or her overall health.

Melissa Connell, DDS
Megan Davenport, DDS
Anna Harvey, DMD
Nicole Oparaeke, DMD
Zesheng Chen, DMD, MS

Contact Us

1611 N. Wolcott Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
Click for Map & Directions
Welcoming New Patients
(312) 957-8131
Existing Patients
(312) 281-4860

Office Hours

Monday: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

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Glossary of Terms
Treatment Early Dental Care
Pediatric Dentistry
Teething
Thumb Sucking
Fluoride Treatment
Pregnancy and Child’s Teeth
Nitrous Oxide
Treatment Space Maintainers
Sleep Apnea in Children
Orthodontics Starting Age 7

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Following her graduation from dental school, Dr. Karras moved to Milwaukee, WI to complete a 26-month specialty training program at Marquette University, where she earned a certificate and Master of Science in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. Her research, which focused on the efficacy of the Invisalign system and its attachment types, was accepted for publication in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (AJO-DO), the world’s leading orthodontic journal. Dr. Karras feels fortunate to be a part of a profession where she can transform people’s smiles but also their self-confidence.

Outside of the office, Dr. Karras enjoys traveling, amateur photography, skiing, exploring Chicago’s food scene, and spending time with her “big fat Greek family.” She is fluent in English and Greek and speaks some Spanish as well.

Dr. Anna will be providing pediatric dental care at Magnolia on Friday afternoons and Saturdays and working side by side with Dr. Z, our awesome orthodontist to offer more opportunities for pediatric and orthodontic collaborative visits. Like all of us at MPDO, Dr. Anna enjoys providing a high level of comprehensive care to our patients. She can’t wait to meet you soon and help take care of your smile!

Dr. Davenport is a Diplomat of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She was awarded the Richard C. Pugh Achievement Award for scoring in the top 3% across the nation on her written board examination. Dr. Davenport is on staff at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and maintains active memberships in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Illinois Society of Pediatric Dentists, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, College of Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society, and Chicago Dental Society.

When she’s not at work, Dr. Davenport stays busy chasing around her two young kids with her husband, Kevin. She enjoys baking, college football (Go Irish!), hand lettering, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends. She looks forward to meeting you and your family at your next visit!

When she’s not providing excellent care to her patients and their parents, Dr. Connell loves spending time with her husband, Bob Burger, a Keller Williams real estate broker, and their three kids. As a family, they frequently embark on adventures both local and abroad, and they especially like the Pacific side of Costa Rica.