It’s that time of year when kids are heading back for another year of learning. With backpacks and lunchboxes in hand, you may wonder what you can do to make sure that they’re not only paying attention to their teacher and studies but also their oral health. Accidents can happen, and toothaches can occur, so if you want to avoid a sudden trip to the emergency dental office, here are 3 back-to-school safety tips to help them keep in mind.

Are you mindful about what you pack for your child’s school lunches? It’s easy to fall into the habit of throwing in a pre-packaged meat, cheese, and cracker tray as well as a small bag of cookies and a juice box, but have you considered how it might be impacting your child’s teeth and gums? Choosing the right foods doesn’t have to be hard, and it can lead to positive feedback from your little one’s dentist during their next visit. Find out which types of food you should pack and which ones to avoid so that cavities do not form.

In America, our version of the tooth fairy typically wears a dress, has wings, and collects teeth left under children’s pillows at night. However, reports and stories from around the globe show that she operates a little differently abroad. Everyone loses baby teeth, and other countries have their own fun rituals to commemorate the occasion and promote good dental health for children. Read on to learn about how other cultures celebrate these little steps on the road of life.

With such polarizing information about fluoride on the internet, it can be hard to make an educated decision on whether or not to use fluoridated toothpaste to clean your little one’s teeth. While the choice is up to you, it’s always an excellent idea to ask their children’s dentist for more information so you can make an educated decision. They can provide you with ways to help keep your little one’s teeth cavity-free if you decide to not use fluoride as well as offer clinical research if you’re on the fence about the situation. Read on to learn more about what the latest research says about children using fluoride.

A child’s first dental visit can either be an exciting or scary time for children. As dentists, we do our best to promote a fun and exciting environment so that little ones feel safe, secure, and comfortable while in the chair. We know it can cause some uncertainty because of the unfamiliarity of the dentist’s office, but as professionals, we can create a positive experience that gets children excited about oral health and hygiene. As you prepare to bring your little one in for their first appointment, hear from a dentist who shares what you can expect.

As a parent to a toddler, you might be growing more concerned about your child’s oral health as their baby teeth begin to emerge. Prioritizing oral hygiene and dental visits becomes increasingly important during this stage. One significant challenge you’ll encounter is introducing toothbrushing to your child. Convincing an energetic toddler to sit still for two minutes might seem like a daunting task, but it’s entirely achievable. To make the process as smooth as possible, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to brush your child’s teeth with ease.

Establishing a consistent oral hygiene routine can be challenging for many children, from mastering the proper brushing technique to spending an adequate amount of time on it. However, you’ll be surprised to know that expressing your pride in them for remembering to clean their teeth can make a significant difference. Keep reading to learn why praising your child for brushing their teeth is highly impactful and how to effectively do so.

One of the best things about being a kid is the lack of serious responsibility. For the most part, young children can do basically whatever they want—within reason, anyway.

That may be part of why it’s so hard to get kids to take their oral health seriously. As a parent, trying to convince children to brush thoroughly and floss their teeth can pose serious challenges. Here are some ways to make dental care a little more exciting for your child.

Pediatric dentistry tends to be a specialty distinct from other kinds of dental care because young people’s growing jaws require specific knowledge to treat effectively. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that many parents struggle to make decisions regarding their children’s oral health.

One of the first choices parents have to make regarding their kids’ teeth is when to use a pacifier, and when to help their kids wean off. You may have heard that excessive pacifier use can affect your child’s teeth; here’s what you should know about the impact that it may have.

As a parent, you may be excited to see your tyke’s baby teeth come in. After all, the process shows your little one is growing up! Still, you should be careful as the last of these pearly whites emerge. When your child’s second molars erupt, they’ll likely feel discomfort. You’ll thus need to guide them through that situation. Luckily, your local dental practice can help. Read on, then, to learn the signs of two-year molars erupting, how to manage their pain, and when to see a dentist.