Questions to Ask a Dentist for Kids

The American Association for Pediatric Dentistry recommends taking your child to a dentist for kids before the age of one. At this point, some of their teeth should have erupted, so a dentist can evaluate their development and spot any abnormalities. Issues like a poor bite are easier to address when detected early in life because a child's jaw and facial structures are still soft.

Questions to bring up with a dentist for kids

Parents who are getting ready for their child's first dental appointment may have questions that they want to go over with the dentist for kids.

1. What type of toothpaste should I use on my child, and how much do they need?

Children are more likely to swallow toothpaste when brushing than adults are, so dentists often recommend using a zero- or low-fluoride toothpaste for children under six. A rice-grain quantity is enough to clean their teeth and gums thoroughly.

2. Can you show my child proper brushing techniques?

Many people, parents included, do not have good brushing techniques, so dentists will often demonstrate proper brushing techniques to children during their appointments. This way, the child knows the right methods, along with anything the parents might have forgotten to touch on when educating the child about oral hygiene.

3. When will my child have all their baby teeth?

Every child's teeth erupt at different rates, but a child should have all their baby teeth by the time that they are three years old. These baby teeth will eventually fall out to make way for their permanent teeth. Most of a child's permanent teeth should erupt by the time that they reach the age of seven, except for the wisdom teeth. These typically erupt during the late teenage years. Most people will have their wisdom teeth by their 21^st birthday.

4. When should I start flossing my child's teeth?

Parents should start flossing their child's teeth when there are no longer any visible gaps between them. At this point, brushing can no longer clean the sides of the teeth, so flossing is needed to keep these interdental spaces clean.

5. Can you help with my child's thumb sucking?

Yes, dentists can help with bad habits like thumb sucking. Different types of devices can be used to discourage the habit. While it might seem harmless, thumb sucking often leads to crooked teeth or bite issues, so parents should prioritize ending the practice. Talking to the child about the adverse effects of thumb sucking and watching out for it are often enough for them to stop doing it.

6. Will my child need X-rays?

X-rays are typically not needed until after a child's fifth birthday, unless they have existing dental issues or trauma. Dentists typically order a child's first X-ray around age seven to examine their bite and determine if they need teeth-straightening treatments. It is typically the optimal time to perform orthodontic treatments.

We are here to help

Do you have more questions for our dentist? We are here to help. Call or drop by our Bowie clinic to set up an appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://www.gatewaydental.org or call Gateway Dental Dr. William Swann DDS at (301) 485-7492 for an appointment in our Bowie office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Kid Friendly Dentist in Bowie, MD.