Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to children and their teeth, parents certainly have plenty of questions! Fortunately, Dr. Lily is always happy to provide the answers. Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most common pediatric dentistry questions we receive every day. If you have one that we haven’t addressed here, you can always call our office and just ask! We’re always ready to talk with you and make sure you understand everything there is to know about your child’s dental care.

When should my child first visit the dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, as well as Dr. Lily, recommend that your child’s first dental appointment should be scheduled as soon as their first teeth start to appear, or around the time of their first birthday—whichever happens first! This will enable Dr. Lily to check their teeth and gums and make sure everything is developing correctly.

What will my child’s very first appointment be like?

Whenever a child comes to see us for their very first dental appointment, our goal is to simply help them feel comfortable in the office. We’ll give them time to acclimate to the new sights, sounds, and smells of dentistry, and we’ll always go at their pace. If they are relaxed enough, we’ll perform a brief exam while they sit in your lap and discuss the best ways to look after their growing smile.

When should I start brushing my child’s teeth?

As soon as you can see them! In truth, you should be regularly cleaning your child’s mouth even before their teeth appear. After every feeding or snack, gently wipe down their gums with a damp, warm washcloth. Once the teeth start coming in, you can switch to using a child’s toothbrush with just a speck of toothpaste.

My child is really afraid of the dentist. Can you help?

Yes, we have a number of sedation options that are safe and have been proven to help little nerves simply melt away. Whether your child needs just a little help or a lot to feel comfortable in our office, we’ll find the best solution for them so they have nothing to fear at the dentist.

Should I worry about my child’s thumb/finger sucking?

Most young children will suck their thumb or finger in moments when they need some additional comfort, and many will simply grow out of it. However, if your child is still sucking their thumb or finger by the age of four, it could start to negatively impact their oral development. Dr. Lily has plenty of strategies to help children break this habit in a gentle and positive way, so be sure to contact her if you have any questions.

Does my child need to have dental X-rays?

X-Rays are a vital part of your child’s dental exams. Without them, certain dental issues can and will be overlooked. Pediatric dentists are careful to minimize your child’s exposure to radiation. Dr. Lily uses digital X-rays create instant images while reducing radiation exposure by 80%.

Do you take insurance?

Yes, we are willing to accept and file claims for a long list of dental insurance plans in order to make our patients’ care much more affordable. You can view a list of all the plans we are in-network with here.

I don’t have insurance…can I finance my child’s care?

Yes! We would love to help your child get the quality care they deserve. Give us a call for more details.