Frequently Asked Pediatric Dental Questions – Worcester, MA
Learning More About Your Child’s Care
We’re not just dentists; we’re also teachers. Whenever your child visits us for a dental checkup, we’ll take the time to teach them more about their teeth and gums as well as good oral hygiene. Of course, we can also teach you, the parent, about the dental development process and things they need to look out for to protect your little one’s smile. Before you call us with your questions, though, check to see if we’ve already answered them on this page.
When Should I Schedule My Child’s First Appointment?
A child’s first dental visit should take place either by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth becomes visible. The longer you wait to schedule the first appointment, the higher the chances are of finding a cavity or other dental problems later. We encourage you to begin your child’s dental care as soon as possible to keep their smile safe in the long term.
How Often Should I Bring My Child to the Dentist?
Just like you, your child should see the dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. A lot can happen in the mouth in a short amount of time, so regular preventive care is needed to stop minor issues from eventually leading to full blown emergencies.
When Should Thumb Sucking Stop?
Thumb sucking often stops naturally between the ages of 2 and 4, although some children may go back to such behavior when feeling particularly stressed. If your little one is still sucking their thumb by the time the turn 5, let us know; we can suggest ways to discourage the habit before it does any lasting damage.
Is It an Emergency if a Baby Tooth is Knocked Out?
Call us right away if a baby tooth is knocked out instead of falling out naturally. Most of the time it won’t be a problem, but we might have to take steps to make sure the remaining teeth don’t drift into the gap. We also need to make sure that the rest of your child’s mouth wasn’t damaged.
My Child is Scared of the Dentist. How Can You Help?
Our gentle, compassionate team members will help your child get used to the sights and sounds of our pediatric dental office, and we can use dental sedation to help keep particularly anxious patients calm.
Will You Take My Dental Insurance?
Please call our pediatric dental office before your appointment to confirm whether we take your dental insurance. We are in-network with most insurance plans and will gladly file out-of-network claims.