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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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Is Your Baby Teething?

While it’s exciting that your child has reached this developmental stage, it can cause some uncertainty and worry. Read how you can help your child get through this stage.

Recognizing the Signs of Teething

Your child might be teething if they exhibit any of the following:
• Biting and gnawing
• Drooling
• Increased fussiness or irritability
• Chin rash (caused by excessive salivation)
• Swollen gums
• Ear rubbing
• Decreased appetite
• Disrupted sleep patterns

The above signs are most evident from about four days before the tooth erupts through the gums up until three days after the tooth appears.

A less common teething issue is the formation of an “eruption cyst,” a small bubble-like swelling filled with fluid that covers an erupting tooth. Eruption cysts usually don’t require treatment as the tooth will simply pop the cyst when it erupts.

While there has been some disagreement as to whether diarrhea, rashes, and fever are signs of teething, these are more likely to be associated with an unrelated illness and should be reported to your pediatrician.

Young girl holding baby that is chewing on beads
Book Appointment

Welcoming New patients
(312) 957-8131

Existing Patients (312) 281-4860

How to Help Your Child During Teething

Teething babies get the most relief from cold and/or pressure on the affected area.

Baby teething

Give Relief to Your Child

When your child is showing signs of a tooth eruption, the following remedies can be used to give them relief from these symptoms:

• Chilled teething rings
• Cold, wet washcloths

• Chilled pacifiers
• Massaging baby’s gums

Be sure not to actually freeze your baby’s teething ring or pacifier because this could burn if left in the mouth for too long. The antiquated “remedy” of rubbing whiskey or other alcohol on the gums is neither effective nor appropriate. Over-the-counter medication may be helpful, but always consult with your pediatrician or pharmacist, and should not be rubbed on the gums because they can burn. Numbing agents should not be used on children under age 2 unless directed by your pediatrician.

If you have any questions or concerns about teething, feel free to contact our office. Remember, it’s best to start dental visits on your child’s first birthday to establish good routines and habits that will last a lifetime. We look forward to meeting your little one!

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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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.