Frequently Asked Pediatric Dental Questions Joliet
Get Your Questions Answered by a Pediatric Dentist
Below, our team has compiled a list of some of the most common questions we receive from parents about their children’s dental health. If you don’t see the information you’re looking for, we invite you to call our office! We’re always happy to help you learn more about your child’s developing smile.
When should my child have their first dental appointment?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first dental appointment by the time their first tooth erupts through their gumline, or by their first birthday. These early visits will allow our pediatric dentists in Joliet to build a positive relationship with your little one as well as monitor their oral development.
How often should my child go to the dentist?
Just like with adults, it’s important that children continue seeing their dentist twice a year, or every six months. Routine checkups and cleanings can help minimize their risk of developing harmful oral health issues and help them build good at-home oral hygiene habits.
When should my child start flossing?
You should begin flossing between your child’s teeth as soon as they have two teeth that have grown in next to each other. Typically, we don’t recommend having your child brush and floss on their own until they’re a little older and can effectively do so without assistance.
Should my child use a manual or electric toothbrush?
Both manual and electric toothbrushes are effective at removing plaque from your child’s teeth; however, our team highly recommends electric toothbrushes because they tend to be easier to use!
My child has a toothache! What should I do?
If your child is complaining of a persistent toothache, we recommend calling our office immediately. Have them rinse with a lukewarm salt water solution and gently floss between their teeth. You can also give them over-the-counter pain medication that’s safe for children. If an infection is present, our emergency pediatric dentist in Joliet can provide them with pain-relieving treatment.
Do you take dental insurance?
Our team does accept and maximize all PPO dental insurance plans, and we’re happy to conduct benefits checks to minimize the chances of receiving an unexpected bill.