Frequently Asked Pediatric Dental Questions Hinsdale and Downers Grove

What should I use to clean my child’s teeth?

We recommend using a specially designed infant toothbrush twice per day, preferably just before bedtime. Using a toothbrush on your child will remove plaque, bacteria, prevent decay, and build great habits.

What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist?

A pediatric dentist has spent two to three years after dental school receiving specialized training and only treats children. Pediatric dentists provide primary and specialty oral care for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health needs.

Are baby teeth really that important to my child?

Baby teeth (also known as primary teeth) help children speak clearly and chew naturally, and they form the path that permanent teeth tend to follow as they begin to erupt. Some baby teeth remain in the mouth until a child is 13 or 14 years old, making them very important to keep healthy.

What should I do if my child has a toothache?

Have your child swish with warm salt water, and if there is any swelling, place a cold compress on the area. If the pain is severe, you can give the child acetaminophen. Do not place aspirin directly on the teeth or gums. Finally, contact us as soon as possible or proceed to the emergency room if they are having difficulty breathing, you can’t stop the bleeding, or you believe urgent medical attention is necessary.

Are thumb sucking and pacifier habits bad for a child’s teeth?

Thumb and pacifier sucking habits tend to only become a problem if the child carries on with them past a certain age. These habits can reshape their bite and shift teeth, leading to possible speech and orthodontic issues. If your child is still sucking their thumb or fingers past the age of three, we may recommend a special mouth appliance.

How often does my child need to see the pediatric dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a checkup every 3-6 months to prevent cavities and other dental problems. One of our pediatric dentists will let you know if your child will require more frequent visits.

When should I introduce toothpaste into my child’s daily routine?

The sooner, the better! Beginning at birth, parents should clean their child’s gums with a soft-bristled infant toothbrush or a cloth and water. Then, as the teeth begin to erupt, you should start brushing your child’s teeth twice daily using a fluoridated toothpaste. Use a smear or rice-grain amount of toothpaste to brush until your child can spit the toothpaste into the sink. Once your child can spit into the sink, they can begin using a pea sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

How do dental sealants work?

Dental sealants fill in the crevices on the chewing surfaces of your child’s teeth, preventing food particles from getting caught and causing cavities. The application of dental sealants is fast, comfortable and can protect their teeth for years.

How do I know if my child is getting enough fluoride?

We can discuss how to evaluate the fluoride level of your child’s primary source of drinking water. If the fluoride level is deficient, or if your child drinks bottled water lacking fluoride, our pediatric dentists may prescribe fluoride supplements, but only after reviewing any potential sources of fluoride your child is exposed to.

As a parent, am I allowed to accompany my child during their dental visit?

We absolutely welcome parents into the back during their child’s visit. This brings ease to the child and is greatly encouraged at Brush Pediatric Dentistry. We love for parents to be active participants in their child's care!

What should I do if my child falls and knocks out a permanent tooth?

First of all, stay calm and try to find the tooth. Only handle the crown, avoid touching the root, and attempt to reinsert the tooth into the socket. If you’re unable to do so, put the tooth in milk. In either case, make sure you call us immediately, or proceed to the nearest emergency room, as time is of the essence!

How can parents help prevent tooth decay?

Just like adults, children need to see their dentist regularly. At first sight of your baby’s first tooth, it’s time to come see us. We’ll recommend a routine for brushing, flossing, and other treatments that parents can follow with infants, and then supervise and guide children as they grow and mature. Daily at-home maintenance, regular dental visits, along with a balanced diet, will help teach your children to develop a lifetime of healthy habits.

What can you expect at the first dental visit?

You can read about your child’s first dental visit right here.

What snacks should my child avoid?

Because harmful oral bacteria love to feed off of carbohydrates, processed snacks and foods that are high in sugar are some of the leading culprits for common oral health problems like cavities. So, while your child may love Goldfish, graham crackers, and other similar snacks, but while these are easy to have on hand, they can easily get packed into the nooks and crannies of molars and lead to cavities. Because of this, it’s a good idea to occasionally substitute tooth-healthy alternatives (like fresh fruits and vegetables). Some other snacks that can cause cavities include dried fruit and fruit snacks, sports drinks, juice, cereal bars, cookies and candy, and chips.

What are the right snacks my child should have?

Tooth-healthy snacks for kids can help keep cavities at bay. Some of these include:

• Crunchy vegetables (cucumbers, peppers, carrots, celery)
• Nuts
• Low-sugar yogurts
• Meat
• Cheese sticks
• Almond butter (without added sugar)
• Water
• Smoothies
• Fresh fruits

If you’re ever in doubt of what snacks to stock up your pantry with, our team at Brush Pediatric Dentistry is always happy to provide you with some ideas at your child’s next checkup and cleaning!