As parents, we are always looking for ways to comfort our kiddos; especially when it’s bedtime or naptime! However, while giving them a bottle of milk or juice to help them fall asleep might seem harmless, this common habit can actually lead to something called baby bottle tooth decay. Here’s what you need to know about this dental condition, along with some ways you can protect your child’s teeth from an increased chance of cavities.

The holiday season is filled with sweet treats and all kinds of small, delightful gifts! However, not every stocking stuffer is smile-friendly; unfortunately, some may contain high amounts of sugar. Needless to say, this can spell bad news for the teeth and gums—especially in the case of children, who often find their stockings filled to the brim with chocolate, candy canes, and other holiday candies. Here are some better alternatives that your child will love just as much and smile about brightly.

Sports and outdoor games are an amazing way for kids and teens to stay active, build confidence, and form connections with others in their peer groups—all while having great fun! However, these activities can also come with some risks, especially for teeth. Believe it or not, an estimated 3 million teeth are lost during sports each year in the US! But whether your child plays football, hockey, soccer, or another sport entirely, a properly fitted mouthguard can make all the difference in preventing serious dental injuries. Here’s what you need to know.

Pacifiers can be a lifesaver for both parents and babies. They help little ones self-soothe, fall asleep more easily, and even provide comfort during stressful moments—and parents benefit by being able to have a few moments of reprieve! That said, while pacifiers (and thumb sucking) are a completely normal part of early childhood, it’s important for parents to know that prolonged use can affect how your child’s teeth and jaws develop. Here’s what you need to know.

For many kids, a trip to the dentist’s office can feel scary. Between all the bright lights, new sounds and smells, and unfamiliar faces and dental instruments, it’s a lot to take in. However, children’s books have a way of turning dental visits into something fun and easy to understand. Reading them together before your child’s visit can help them feel more comfortable—or even excited—about dental care! Here are five popular children’s books centered around dental visits that your little one will love.

Your child’s first set of teeth, often called the baby teeth or primary teeth, play an incredibly important role in their oral health and development—even though they’re destined to lose them! These tiny teeth help your little one chew, speak clearly, and smile confidently; however, as a parent, you might not be sure what to expect, or might be searching for ways to comfort your child while they’re teething. Here’s what your child’s pediatric dentist wants you to know about their incoming pearly whites.

Losing baby teeth is a rite of passage for all of us—and each pearly white that falls out means a potential visit from the tooth fairy! Continue reading to learn about a few ways that you can help to make your child more excited for an upcoming visit from the tooth fairy and why losing their baby teeth isn’t something they should stress about.

For children with autism, visiting the dentist can be an overwhelming experience filled with unfamiliar sights, sounds, and sensations. However, as uncomfortable as this may be for certain children, dental care isn’t something that can be put off—meaning it’s wise to look for ways of making dental visits a positive and productive experience! With the right approach, you can help your child feel far more comfortable and confident when it comes time for their appointment; here’s what you need to know.

Summertime is right around the corner, and your child is probably looking forward to warmer weather for outside activities, plenty of time off from school, and any fun family vacations you might have planned. But one other thing you should add to their summer schedule is their next routine dental checkup and cleaning! Though it’s unlikely to be the thing they’re most excited for, this visit can ensure that heading into their break, their teeth are happy, healthy, and thriving. Here are three reasons why the beginning of summer is a great time to take your child to see their pediatric dentist.

Teething is a major milestone in your child’s early dental development, but it can also come with some discomfort for your baby, which in turn can cause discomfort for you! As those first little teeth begin to erupt, your child may become fussier than usual, and they might also express a need to bite on objects. In these instances, you may be wondering if a teething toy is a safe option to give your child to help them find relief. Here’s what you need to know about these toys and how to use them safely and effectively!