Medically Reviewed by Esteem Dental And Orthodontic Team on January 22, 2024
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Stephen Greene, DDS on September 2, 2026
Taking your child to the dentist is an essential part of supporting their long-term oral health and a confident smile. However, as important as we know going to the dentist is, it may not always be easy to gather the information you need from your child’s provider, especially if your child does not tell you about anything that is bothering them. Even when a visit seems routine, there are still a handful of questions worth asking so you stay informed about your child’s care.
If you have any questions about your child’s oral health, bring them to the dentist’s attention. However, if you have trouble understanding what your child needs, or you simply want to go above and beyond with their care, the suggestions below are a good starting point. The dentists at Esteem Dental have experience handling dental questions and concerns 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 is still worth staying informed by asking questions. Some important questions to ask your child’s dentist include the ones below.
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 generally should not use toothpaste with fluoride unless a dentist has specifically recommended it, for example. Certain toothpastes will also help address specific oral health goals, such as reducing the likelihood of cavities. Your child’s dentist can also share information about how much toothpaste to use at each age.
Most often, dentists have general guidance they can share pertaining to your child’s age and toothpaste use. However, there may be circumstances where a specific product or approach is recommended for a particular child. The dentists at Esteem Dental can offer that kind of guidance after seeing your child 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 can help you assess whether they are brushing their teeth correctly. After an assessment, your provider can 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 proper brushing directly to your child, or a dental assistant may sit down and walk through it with them. A hands-on demonstration is not always necessary if your child is already doing well. Your child’s dentist may also recommend that you watch a demonstration so you can reinforce it at home.
My Child Still Sucks Their Thumb. How Should I Encourage Them to Stop?
If your child still sucks their thumb, it is a good idea to discuss this with their dentist. Over time, thumb-sucking or putting other objects in the mouth can affect bite and tooth alignment. If you have tried to encourage your child to stop at home without success, your dentist may have additional strategies to try.
Depending on how old your child is, the dentist can also help address any alignment issues linked to thumb-sucking. This may include discussing braces, retainers, or other appliances down the road. If you have additional questions related to thumb-sucking, a dentist from Esteem Dental can help walk through the options.
How Often Does My Child Need X-Rays, and Are They Safe?
Many parents wonder how often dental X-rays are needed and whether the exposure is a concern. Dentists generally space X-rays out based on a child’s individual cavity risk and how their teeth and jaw are developing, rather than on a fixed yearly schedule for every child. Modern digital X-rays also use very low radiation levels, and providers use protective measures such as lead aprons during the process. Asking your child’s dentist why a particular X-ray is being recommended, and how often to expect them going forward, helps you understand the reasoning behind the recommendation.
What Should We Do if My Child Has a Dental Emergency?
Knocked-out teeth, chipped teeth, and sudden tooth pain can happen without warning, and it helps to know the plan before an emergency occurs rather than during one. Ask your child’s dentist how the office handles same-day or urgent concerns, what steps to take at home in the meantime, and how to reach the practice outside of normal business hours. Having this information ahead of time can make a stressful moment easier to manage.
How Can We Prevent Cavities Between Visits?
Prevention is easier to maintain when you understand what is driving risk for your particular child. Ask about your child’s specific cavity risk factors, whether a fluoride treatment or dental sealant might be appropriate, and which snacks or drinks tend to be the biggest contributors to decay. A dentist who knows your child’s history can give guidance that is more useful than general advice.
Why Asking These Questions Matters
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s guidance on the dental home concept, establishing an ongoing relationship with one pediatric dental provider by age one helps support anticipatory guidance and consistent preventive care throughout childhood. Asking these kinds of questions at each visit is part of what makes that relationship work. It gives your child’s dentist a clearer picture of daily habits at home and gives you a better understanding of what to watch for between appointments.
Have Additional Questions? Contact Esteem Dental Today
When choosing a dentist for your child, asking the right questions is an important part of feeling confident in their care. 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 all worth bringing up for a fuller understanding of your child’s dental health needs.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to Esteem Dental for more personalized guidance. Contact us via our contact form. Your child’s smile is worth the extra questions, and Esteem Dental is glad to help keep it healthy. Visit Esteem Dental for more information and to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Your Child’s Dentist Visits
At what age should my child first see a dentist?
Most pediatric dental organizations recommend a first visit by a child’s first birthday or within six months of the first tooth coming in, whichever happens first. Starting early helps a dentist track development and address small concerns before they grow.
How often should my child see the dentist?
Most children benefit from a checkup and cleaning every six months, though a dentist may recommend more frequent visits for a child with a higher cavity risk or ongoing orthodontic monitoring. Your child’s dentist can set a schedule based on their individual needs.
Should I bring a list of questions to my child’s dental appointment?
Yes. Writing down questions ahead of time helps ensure nothing gets forgotten during a short appointment window. It also gives the dentist a clearer sense of what matters most to you, whether that is toothpaste choice, brushing technique, habits like thumb-sucking, or scheduling for X-rays.
What if my child is anxious about seeing the dentist?
It helps to ask the dentist directly about their approach to easing anxiety, such as explaining tools before use, pacing the visit to the child’s comfort level, or allowing a parent to stay close by. A dentist experienced with children will usually have several strategies ready to share.
Can I ask about preventive treatments like fluoride or sealants?
Yes, and it is worth asking. Fluoride treatments and dental sealants are common preventive options for children, and whether either one makes sense depends on a child’s individual cavity risk. Your child’s dentist can walk through the reasoning during a routine visit.
About the Author
Board-Eligible Pediatric Dentist, Esteem Dental & Orthodontics
Dr. Greene earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Howard University College of Dentistry and completed a combined PhD in Biomedical Science and Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he also served as an NIH/NIDCR-funded clinical researcher studying human dental genetics. He is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the Florida Dental Association.
Dr. Jordan Jones, DDS
Dr. Jordan Jones leads the experienced team at Esteem Dental, providing comprehensive family dental care to the Winter Garden and Lake Nona communities. With a focus on general dentistry, pediatric care, and orthodontics, Dr. Jones combines advanced techniques with a compassionate approach to ensure every patient receives personalized, quality treatment in a comfortable environment.
✓ Medically Reviewed
