Children’s Oral Health

  • What to do about a loose baby tooth
    Aug. 25, 2022

    What to do about a loose baby tooth

    Children’s Oral Health

    Remember that old iconic image of a loose tooth being pulled by a string tied to a doorknob? Slam! Problem solved. Fortunately, there’s a much easier and gentler way to help children when they have a loose baby tooth.

  • Tooth Fairy Tradition Remains Strong Across the United States
    Aug. 19, 2022

    Tooth Fairy Tradition Remains Strong Across the United States

    Children’s Oral Health

    According to findings of the 2022 Original Tooth Fairy Poll® released by Delta Dental of Illinois, the Tooth Fairy visited 79% of homes across the country with children ages 6-12 who have lost teeth.

  • How to help children overcome an overbite or overjet
    Jul. 13, 2022

    How to help children overcome an overbite or overjet

    Children’s Oral Health

    Most people’s upper front teeth slightly overlap their lower front teeth. In most cases, it’s so slight that it’s not noticeable. Even when the upper teeth overlap more than normal (overbite) or stick out too far forward (overjet), it’s usually a minor issue that doesn’t need treatment. It’s a different case for a child who has an excessive overbite or overjet. Here’s why these conditions cause concerns.

  • Illinois Families Invited to Receive Free Dental Exams for Young Children
    Jun. 10, 2022

    Illinois Families Invited to Receive Free Dental Exams for Young Children

    Children’s Oral Health

    Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation will offer free dental exams for Illinois children ages 5 and younger from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 16 at Midwestern University in Downers Grove, Ill. The event is part of the Foundation’s Dentist By 1 program, which educates parents and caregivers about good oral health habits and the importance of starting dental visits by age 1. Those attending will receive free preventive and diagnostic services, including cleanings, exams, fluoride treatments, sea

  • Tooth Fairy gives Midwestern teeth a 61-cent raise
    Feb. 23, 2022

    Tooth Fairy gives Midwestern teeth a 61-cent raise

    Children’s Oral Health

    Historically, the Midwest has been at the bottom of the Tooth Fairy’s pay scale — kids in the heartland received the least amount of money for a lost tooth for many years. However, in 2022 the region got a 61-cent pay raise, climbing ahead in national rankings.

  • Children missing preventive dental checkups during COVID-19 pandemic
    Feb. 1, 2022

    Children missing preventive dental checkups during COVID-19 pandemic

    Children’s Oral Health

    Throughout February, Delta Dental of Illinois is emphasizing the importance of good oral health care for children in honor of Children’s Dental Health Month. This reminder is even more important as some Illinois children haven’t received the preventive oral health care visit with their dentist during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Cavities are a big problem for little ones’ teeth
    Jan. 14, 2022

    Cavities are a big problem for little ones’ teeth

    Children’s Oral Health

    Cavities, also known as tooth decay, are one of the most common chronic diseases among children. The good news is that cavities are nearly 100% preventable. Here’s how to keep your young child’s smile healthy from the very start.

  • Caring for children's teeth between ages 6 and 18
    Apr. 8, 2021

    Caring for children's teeth between ages 6 and 18

    Children’s Oral Health

    While oral health care is important from birth, it’s especially critical starting at age 6 when permanent teeth begin to come in. Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic diseases for kids and it’s usually preventable. Cavities and gum disease occur even more frequently as children reach adolescence — with 54% of kids ages 12 to 19 having had, or currently having, cavities.

  • Helping kids with autism have healthy smiles
    Apr. 7, 2021

    Helping kids with autism have healthy smiles

    Children’s Oral Health

    Helping kids with autism have healthier smiles. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects people differently, and there is no “typical” profile of autism. Some with autism may not experience problems with dental check-ups, but for others, especially those who are sensitive to light, sound or touch, routine dental visits can be particularly challenging. Maintaining good oral health habits such as brushing and flossing can also be difficult.

  • Tooth Fairy thrifty in the Midwest while other states see over $5 per tooth
    Feb. 23, 2021

    Tooth Fairy thrifty in the Midwest while other states see over $5 per tooth

    Children’s Oral Health

    Regardless of dollar amount, many families have fun anticipating the arrival of the Tooth Fairy to celebrate a lost tooth. Preparing for a Tooth Fairy visit is a great way for parents to educate their children about the importance of good oral health habits like brushing twice a day, flossing daily, eating and drinking tooth-friendly foods and beverages, and visiting the dentist regularly.

  • A guide to dental coverage for infants and children
    Feb. 18, 2021

    A guide to dental coverage for infants and children

    Children’s Oral Health

    When a child is born, getting medical coverage is a priority. But it’s also important to have dental coverage, too. This guide to dental coverage for children helps provide everything you need to know.

  • How to keep children from grinding their teeth
    Feb. 10, 2021

    How to keep children from grinding their teeth

    Children’s Oral Health

    Regular teeth grinding or clenching, also known as bruxism, can begin as soon as a child’s teeth appear. It occurs more frequently in children, adolescents and young adults than in middle-aged and older adults — and is particularly common in toddlers and preschoolers.

  • Land of Smiles introduces new virtual show
    Oct. 17, 2020

    Land of Smiles introduces new virtual show

    Children’s Oral Health

    Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation, the charitable arm of Delta Dental of Illinois, is committed to improving the overall health and well-being of Illinois residents, with a focus on children. Over the past 12 years, the Foundation’s Land of Smiles program has visited 892 Illinois elementary schools, educating more than 426,000 Illinois children from ages pre-kindergarten through third grade on the importance of good health care.

  • Too much Halloween candy remains spooky for your teeth
    Oct. 13, 2020

    Too much Halloween candy remains spooky for your teeth

    Children’s Oral Health

    Whether your children trick-or-treat this year or just enjoy some sweets at home, help protect their oral health this Halloween season. While a piece of candy can make just about anyone smile, try not to overindulge, and choose candy wisely – candy that melts easily is the best choice – and take special care by brushing and flossing afterward.

  • Do your kids know what to do in a dental emergency?
    Sep. 1, 2020

    Do your kids know what to do in a dental emergency?

    Children’s Oral Health

    If your child’s mouth is injured, the situation should be addressed immediately to reduce the risk of permanent damage. Since you can’t be with your kids 24/7, it’s important for them to know how to handle a dental emergency. Here’s a guide that can help your kids understand steps to take and the importance of fast action in case of emergency.

  • The Tooth Fairy teaches children about oral health and gives families a reason to celebrate
    Aug. 21, 2020

    The Tooth Fairy teaches children about oral health and gives families a reason to celebrate

    Children’s Oral Health

    A new survey from Delta Dental of Illinois reveals that 80% of households with children receive visits from the Tooth Fairy, and these visits are motivated by a desire to give children something to be excited about, according to more than half of caregivers polled. In addition, 45% of caregivers report that having the Tooth Fairy visit gives them a reason to celebrate and 42% said it makes their child feel special.