Taking your child to the dentist is an essential part of ensuring they have excellent health and a beautiful smile. However, as important as we know going to the dentist is, it may not be easy to gather important information from your child’s provider. If your child doesn’t tell you about anything they’re concerned about, you may not feel as though you need to ask questions at the dentist. Yet, there may still be a handful of questions you need to run past their dentist so you can stay informed.
If you have any questions about your child’s oral health, you should absolutely bring them to the dentist’s attention. However, if you have trouble understanding what your child needs or you want to go above and beyond with their care, we have some helpful suggestions. The dentists at Esteem Dental have valuable experience handling dental issues of many kinds, and we aim to support you in every way possible.
Questions You Should Ask Your Child’s Dentist
Even if it seems like your child is in great dental health, it’s still important to stay informed by asking questions. Some important questions to ask your child’s dentist include:
What Kind of Toothpaste Should My Child Use?
Depending on your child’s age, the kind of toothpaste they should use will vary. Younger children should not use toothpaste with fluoride, for example. Certain toothpastes will also help address specific oral health issues, such as reducing the likelihood of cavities. Your child’s dentist can also share other information about the toothpaste to use, including how much of it.
Most often, dentists will have general information they can share with you pertaining to your child’s age and toothpaste use. However, there may be circumstances where a prescription toothpaste or more specific recommendations will benefit your child’s oral health. The dentists at Esteem Dental can also provide recommendations after seeing you in the office and conducting an assessment.
Is My Child Brushing Their Teeth Correctly? Will You Show My Kid How to Brush Properly?
Your child’s dentist will help you assess whether they are brushing their teeth correctly. After an assessment, your provider can then identify whether your child brushes for long enough, with adequate movement, or if they are missing any regions of their mouth.
Some dentists may also demonstrate to your child how to brush their teeth, or they can have a dental assistant sit down and work with them. However, a teeth brushing demonstration may not be necessary if your child is doing well. Your child’s dentist may also recommend you watch them brush their teeth to ensure proper brushing.
My Child Still Sucks Their Thumb – How Should I Encourage Them to Stop?
If your child still sucks their thumb, it’s a good idea to discuss this with their dentist. In the long run, thumb-sucking or putting foreign objects in their mouths can cause harm to their bite and alignment. If you have tried to encourage your child to stop sucking their thumb at home but haven’t had success, your dentist may have additional recommendations for you to try.
Depending on how old your child is, the dentist can also help correct any issues associated with thumb sucking. This may include using braces, retainers, or other aligners. If you have additional questions related to thumb sucking, a dentist from Esteem Dental can help with this process.
Have Additional Questions? Contact Esteem Dental Today
When choosing a dentist for your child, asking the right questions is crucial to ensure their oral health is in capable hands. Esteem Dental encourages parents to actively engage in their child’s dental care. Questions about the types of procedures offered, how dental emergencies are handled, and advice on daily oral hygiene are essential for a comprehensive understanding of your child’s dental health needs.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to Esteem Dental for more personalized advice and exceptional dental care. Contact us at (407) 476-5650 or via our contact form. Your child’s smile is a precious gift, and Esteem Dental is dedicated to ensuring it remains bright and healthy. Visit Esteem Dental for more information and to schedule a consultation.
