Children’s Oral Health

  • The Truth About the Tooth Fairy
    Feb. 1, 2024

    The Truth About the Tooth Fairy

    Children’s Oral Health

    Get tips on how to answer common questions from curious kids about the tooth fairy. Keep the magic alive with a deeper understanding of this winged wonder!

  • Tooth Fairy Giving Reaches Record High
    Aug. 22, 2023

    Tooth Fairy Giving Reaches Record High

    Children’s Oral Health

    Children have something to smile about as the Tooth Fairy giving reaches a record high. The average value of a single lost tooth during the past year increased 16% from $5.36 to $6.23 per tooth.

  • Back-to-School Checklist: Don't Forget to Add Dental Appointments
    Jul. 20, 2023

    Back-to-School Checklist: Don't Forget to Add Dental Appointments

    Children’s Oral Health

    Delta Dental of Illinois offers tips to help prevent health-related school absences This school year, Delta Dental of Illinois wants to remind Illinois parents to include a dental appointment on the back-to-school checklist. Having a healthy smile can help improve kids' concentration and performance in the classroom and may help reduce school absences.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Talking With Kids About the Dangers of Vaping
    Feb. 6, 2020

    Talking With Kids About the Dangers of Vaping

    Children’s Oral Health

    It’s never too early to talk with your kids about the dangers of tobacco, especially given the explosive growth of vaping.

  • Teething child? Products to Avoid and Tips that Work
    Sep. 11, 2019

    Teething child? Products to Avoid and Tips that Work

    Children’s Oral Health

    Teething — the process of baby teeth coming through the gums — begins with most babies about six months after birth. While teething pain caused by sore or tender gums can be relatively mild for some babies, others may experience discomfort.

  • Choosing Between a General and Pediatric Dentist
    Feb. 15, 2019

    Choosing Between a General and Pediatric Dentist

    Children’s Oral Health

    When looking for a dentist for your children, it can be tough to know who to see. Should you search for a general family dentist or would your children benefit from pediatric care? You can’t go wrong either way, but it’s good to have all the facts before you make a decision. Similarities Both accredited general and pediatric dentists have the training necessary to offer a high level of care to children. If you have an existing relationship with a family dentist you trust to provide quality care,

  • The Role a Dentist Plays in Your Child's Oral Health
    Jan. 8, 2019

    The Role a Dentist Plays in Your Child's Oral Health

    Children’s Oral Health

    Schedules may get hectic with school, extracurricular activities and homework, but making it to the dentist is always worth it. Dentists play a central role in children’s oral health that goes beyond checking teeth for cavities. The most obvious benefit dentists provide is preventive care through regular exams and cleanings. During these appointments, dentists or hygienists remove plaque and tartar to prevent the formation of cavities, which is one of the most common chronic diseases in childhoo