Only 51.4% of children usually get a dental checkup at least once a year. Because it can be so difficult to find proper pediatric dental care for children, it can be difficult to help them maintain their dental health. By finding the best dentist in Chicago for children, you can trust that your children are getting the care they need.
Do you want to learn how you can find the best pediatric dentist near me? Keep reading these 7 questions you should ask your dentist to find the best dentist for children.
1. When Should I Bring My Child For a Dental Appointment?
One of the things you should ask a new dentist before a pediatric dental appointment is when should I bring my child in for their first dental appointment? Many people are unaware of the recommendations set by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
It is recommended that you bring your child to their first dental visit within six months after they get their first baby tooth. If your child develops teeth later than others, you should have their appointment before they turn one year old.
Even if your child has no teeth, your pediatric dentist will inspect their gums and teeth and can help identify any problems with their oral health.
If your child is already over a year old and has not had a dental visit, there is no need to worry! Simply book an appointment for your child whenever you can. It’s better to go to the dentist later than not at all.
2. What Should I Expect For The First Visit?
Another question that you should ask your dentist is what you should expect for your first visit. This can help you prepare yourself and even prepare your child for their visit.
When your children are at their first visit, they will typically sit in your lap while your dentist performs their examination. If your child has teeth, your dentist will clean them. Otherwise, they will clean the gums and discuss your child’s oral health.
There will be a few dental tools used to clean your child’s teeth, just like an adult dental cleaning. By helping your child know what to expect for the first visit, you can prevent it from being a bad experience and from leading to any dental anxiety in the future.
3. How To Prevent Bad Dental Habits?
Something else you should ask your pediatric dentist is for advice to prevent bad dental habits. With children, things like sucking thumbs or using a pacifier for too long can create a lot of problems for their oral health and the development of their teeth.
Your pediatric dentist can give you tips to help your children stop sucking their thumbs to allow your child’s teeth and mouth to develop properly.
4. Are X-Rays Safe for Children?
Many parents worry about taking their children to a dental appointment because they are unsure if x-rays are safe for children. While x-rays are only taken when necessary, they are completely safe for your child.
Regardless, your dentist will do what they can to keep your child safe and to minimize your child’s exposure to radiation from the x-rays.
5. Do Baby Teeth Really Matter?
Because baby teeth are meant to fall out, many parents believe that baby teeth do not matter. However, this is simply not true! Adult teeth grow slowly. Many children will not have all of their baby teeth replaced until they are teens.
To ensure your child has good oral health, it is vital that you work to keep their baby teeth healthy. Baby teeth will also provide pathways for adult teeth to grow into. Without baby teeth, your child may experience many other problems with their teeth.
6. How Can I Protect My Child’s Baby Teeth?
Something else that you can ask your dentist is how you can help protect your child’s baby teeth. Good oral health habits start young, so it is important that you teach your children how to properly brush and floss from a young age.
If you want other ways to protect your child’s teeth, you can ask your dentist about fluoride toothpaste or other treatments. You can also avoid sugary fruit juice, as it can cause many future issues with your child’s teeth.
7. Will My Child Need Braces?
Finally, if your child is old enough, you can ask the pediatric dentist if your child will need braces. If there is an obvious issue with your child’s alignment, your dentist could provide an orthodontic exam.
This is a great thing to do even for younger children, as it can ensure they have the proper development for their mouths.
By asking your dentist about braces for your child, you can be one step ahead of the process! For example, you can find ways to save money for the future so you can afford braces when the time comes.
You can also utilize other methods or alignment, like a palate expander, to help your children prepare for braces!
Looking For The Best Dentist For Children? Find the Best Chicago Kids Dentist Today
When it comes to your child’s dental health, it is important to find the best dentist for children. Not only will this help your child feel at ease in a dental office, but it provides you with more answers and information about pediatric oral hygiene.
By asking your new dentist each of these questions, you can find the best oral care for your child.
Are you looking for the top dentist in Chicago? Brushin’ on Belmont can help! Our doctors, Dr. Bob and Dr. Monika, specialize in pediatric dentistry and can help you find answers to all of your questions about your child’s oral health.
Contact our team today to set an appointment with the best dentist for kids or to learn more about our pediatric dental services.