Any child might find it a bit challenging to get into a good routine of oral care, but it may be especially tough for kids with special needs. How can you help your young one get into a good habit of brushing and flossing? While every child is unique, and you should not hesitate to talk to your pediatric dentist for assistance, there are some guiding principles that work in most situations.

Learning to play a musical instrument is great for kids. It supports healthy development and teaches skills like discipline, mathematics, and more. However, just like anything else, there is another side to the story. Certain instruments can increase oral health risks! This blog post explores what those risks are and how you can protect your child’s smile.

It can happen when you least expect it—your child is on the field, their team is winning, and the clock is running out, when suddenly, a foul ball, flung elbow, or slip and fall damages or knocks out one of their teeth! While this can be alarming, did you know it’s also a scenario that can often be prevented entirely with the use of an athletic mouthguard? Here’s more about these essential, custom-made oral appliances and why the start of a new school year is the perfect time to set your child up with one.  

Pacifiers can be lifesavers for young, fussy children, helping them settle down for naps and calming impending tantrums. But as your child grows and their teeth begin to develop, this comforting habit can start to affect their bite. Both pacifier use and thumb-sucking are common causes of issues that affect the position of the teeth and how the arches meet. That said, it’s worth knowing how to ensure your little one is using their pacifier the right way; here’s what you need to keep in mind.

As a parent, you probably read labels carefully before handing your child a snack or drink, especially when packaging boasts about “healthy” ingredients. But a recent study found that a surprising 62% of drinks marketed toward children contain a surprising amount of added sugar, which can fuel tooth decay faster than you think! Understanding how common childhood cavities really are, and how drinks contribute to that risk, can help you make more informed choices for your child’s growing smile. Here’s more.

When you’re expecting, your to-do list may feel endless: prenatal vitamins, doctor’s appointments, nursery prep, and everything else in between. But as busy as you may be, one thing that should be at the top of your list of priorities is maintaining your dental health. Though it might seem unrelated, your oral health during pregnancy is closely connected to your baby’s health. In fact, research has shown that certain dental problems during pregnancy can increase the risk of complications for your baby! However, with a little awareness and good habits, these risks are very manageable. Here’s what you need to know.

Believe it or not, tooth decay is one of the most common oral health conditions among children in the United States. However, the good news is that modern dentistry offers several safe and effective ways of addressing it, one of which is silver diamine fluoride. Often abbreviated as SDF, it’s a simple solution that can both stop existing cavities from getting worse and keep new ones from forming in the first place! Here’s what you need to know about it.

In recent years, oral piercings have become a popular way for teens and young adults to express their personal style, and it’s easy to understand the appeal. But before your teen makes that appointment, there are some important things every young person and their parents should know—because these piercings can influence oral health and hygiene greatly. Here’s what you need to keep in mind.

There are certain things in life that nobody is excited to hear, and one of them is: “You need a root canal.” However, this isn’t just something that adults have to deal with; for parents, hearing that their child needs a similar procedure can feel just as intimidating. However, when a child’s tooth needs a pulpotomy, you should know that delaying or avoiding the treatment can spell bad news for their future smile. Here’s what you need to keep in mind.

Your child’s first visit to the dentist is an exciting milestone—and arguably the most important step in setting them up for a lifetime of happy, healthy smiling. However, for many parents, it’s natural to wonder what will happen during their first appointment and how they can help their child feel prepared for it. Rest assured, your child’s dentist will also have these things in mind! Here’s a brief look at what this visit entails and what you and your little one can expect.