Kids and Teens

5 ways to pack your kids a healthier lunch

These tips will help you pack a lunch even your child’s dentist will approve of.

Baby pacifiers: Pros and cons

Pacifiers provide a source of comfort to infants. Prolonged use, however, can affect the proper development of the mouth and tooth alignment.

Braces 101

Braces are not only traditional shiny gray metal bands. Learn more about caring for your teeth when wearing braces.

Chewing tobacco, boys and baseball

Just because chewing tobacco is smokeless does not mean it is harmless.

Cough syrup and cavities

Cough syrup can contribute to tooth decay. There are several things you can do to lessen its effects.

Dental health tips for teens

Dental decay is the most common chronic disease in young people between the ages of 5 and 17, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The do's and don'ts of teething treatments

Althought a numer of popular treatments promise to soothe sensitive gums, not all methods are reliable, or even safe. Here an overview of the best - and the worst ways to deal with teething pain.

Give your child a lifetime of smiles

Cleaning a child’s teeth should begin when the first tooth is visible, because teeth are susceptible to decay as soon as they appear in the mouth. Children should also see a dentist every six months to help your child develop a positive attitude about the dentist.

How the HPV vaccine can protect your oral health

Learn how the HPV vaccine can help prevent oral cancer.

Halloween candy: a trick or a treat?

What do dentists give out at Halloween? Our survey gathers their best advice for Halloween treats and avoiding the scary tricks candy can play on teeth.

Oral health gives clues about eating disorders

More dentists are becoming the first line of defense when it comes to recognizing eating disorders in patients. A dentist may spot the warning signs of an eating disorder and be able to point parents in the right direction to get help.

Pacifying toddlers can harm development of teeth

Dental experts warn that once a child reaches the preschool years, a pacifier can become a habit that impedes the development of healthy teeth.

Piercings and your oral health

The problems that can arise from an oral piercing might surprise you. In fact, most dentists discourage oral piercing because of these risks.

Sealants can stop cavities before they begin

Dental sealants can protect your children from cavities. Sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to act as a barrier between the tooth and harmful bacteria.

Start the school year with a smile: 3 back-to-school tips

Don’t forget to add these oral health tips to your back-to-school checklist.

Teens and dental opioids: A guide for parents

Teenagers often get their first opioid prescription at the dentist. Here’s what you can do to protect your kids from addiction.

Teens and teeth whitening

A large part of the teeth-whitening market comes from image-conscious teens who are buying do-it-yourself teeth whitening kits. But teens who want a whiter smile should seek dentist supervision, says the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).

Tips and tricks for avoiding scary Halloween treats

You may not be able to prevent your child from eating candy – but you can take active steps to prevent tooth decay and promote good nutrition all year long.

What’s baby bottle tooth decay?

Baby bottle tooth decay is caused by the frequent exposure of a child's teeth to liquids containing sugars. Preventing baby bottle tooth decay involves changes in a child's diet.

What do you do when your child has a loose baby tooth?

Losing a baby tooth is an important milestone. Here's what you need to know to make sure it goes smoothly.

What you need to know about cleft lip and palate

Thousands of babies are born with cleft lip or cleft palate every year. Here's what the conditions means for your child's oral health.