Children's Oral Health
See a Baby Tooth? See a Dentist

Baby teeth are worth more than just a dollar under the pillow. Providing proper care and oral hygiene during a child’s first year of life can mean a lifetime of good oral health. Traditionally, parents have waited to bring their children to the dentist until primary teeth begin to appear. The Academy of General Dentistry advises parents to take their child to a dentist by age 1 – or within six months of the eruption of the first baby tooth. Learn more ways you can take care of your baby's oral health.

Children's Oral Health
Tot Toothbrushes Promote Good Brushing Habits

Many parents don’t know that children’s teeth must be cleaned as soon as they start coming in. What they also may not know is that traditional toothbrushes may not be safe for toddlers to use themselves because they can be overinserted in the mouth or even swallowed. Today, safer toothbrushes are available that prevent the build-up of plaque and bacterial. Using toddler toothbrushes can help children establish good oral health habits at an early age.

Children's Oral Health
How to Find a Kid-friendly Dentist

Although more parents know about the importance of age-1 dental visits, many parents may still wonder what to expect. To prepare the child for the first visit, parents should ask the dentist about the procedures at the first appointment so there are no surprises. Plan a course of action for either reaction the child may exhibit – cooperative or non-cooperative. Talk to the child about what to expect and build excitement, as well as understanding, about the upcoming visit. Read on to learn how to make the first appointment a positive one.

FAQs: Dental Sealants

In addition to good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, there are other ways to protect teeth from decay. Dental sealants can protect teeth and seal them off from decay-causing bacteria. Dental sealants are made of plastic and are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to prevent decay. The plastic fits into the depressions and grooves (pits and fissures) of teeth. The sealants protect tooth enamel from the bacteria and acids that cause decay. Learn who is an ideal candidate to receive sealants.