The Academy of Pediatric Dentistry defines special needs children as those with chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional conditions. They usually have limitations on daily activities and require more extensive attention when it comes to their general wellness – and this includes caring for their smiles!

Unfortunately, children with disabilities or special needs are more likely to develop dental problems, meaning it falls on you as a parent to pay particular attention to your child’s oral hygiene. Here are some of the potential problems you might encounter and why seeking professional dental care for your little one is imperative.

The yellow smile icon has become such a prominent symbol in the age of text, email, and social media. In fact, it’s so commonplace that you probably haven’t stopped to wonder where it originated from. It was actually first created by an artist in Worcester! In 1999, October 4^th was declared World Smile Day to help bring attention to its original meaning. To learn what it is, why it’s important, and how you can get involved, read on!

The teething journey is one that all children must traverse, and as parents, it’s up to us to lend a helping hand! With that said, knowledge is power, and knowing when baby teeth come in and fall out can help parents navigate this significant stage in their child’s development with confidence and ease. Continue reading to learn more, so that you can ensure optimal oral health for your little one as their smile takes form!

From the first time they smile to the first time they walk, every milestone is exciting to witness as a parent. Sadly, however, there are some that come with discomfort, like teething. It’s only natural to want to do whatever you can to ease your little one’s pain (and get some restful sleep again!), but are teething rings safe? Keep reading to learn the answer!

Did you know that more than 90% of people in the U.S. have had a cavity by their 21^st birthday? If that wasn’t troubling enough, cavities are the most common disease in children and adults worldwide. Before you get discouraged, there’s a naturally occurring mineral that can protect your little one’s teeth: fluoride. If you want to learn more on the topic – including how cavities develop and if fluoride is safe for children – then keep reading!

As a parent, there are few things as distressing as seeing your child in pain, especially what seems like unbearable tooth pain! While it’s crucial to consult with your child’s emergency dentist when they’re dealing with tooth pain, in the meantime, you may be wondering how you can help your little one endure their discomfort. Continue reading below for a few helpful home remedies that are certain to put your child’s tooth pain at ease!

Did you just start your orthodontic treatment? Congratulations – you’re now a massive step closer to the gorgeous smile you’ve been wanting! Naturally, the first week comes with the biggest adjustment, from finding out what you can and cannot eat to getting used to completing your oral hygiene regimen with brackets and wires. To make the transition into life with braces easier, here are four helpful tips for your first week with braces.

When it comes to orthodontic treatment, many parents wonder if there’s a magic age by which their child needs to start it. While most dental professionals agree that children should attend their first orthodontist appointment by their 7^th or 8^th birthday, every child’s oral situation is different, and braces aren’t always immediately needed. That said, some kids benefit from beginning their braces journey early on, and if luck is on their side, they might end up not even needing to undergo a full round of braces in the future! Continue reading below to learn more about phase 1 orthodontics and its many merits.

The world can come to a screeching halt when your little one experiences a dental emergency, especially if the situation unfolding is a knocked-out tooth! But the last thing you should do in these scenarios is panic; with a little quick thinking, you can ensure that your child’s smile is in no long-term danger. Here are three must-know steps your pediatric emergency dentist wants you to keep in mind whenever you’re addressing your child’s knocked-out tooth.

As a parent, you want to help protect your child from harm, including painful and potentially traumatic dental emergencies. The good news is that implementing good oral hygiene best practices – including brushing each morning and evening for a full two minutes – can go a long way. Plus, you can take it a step further by learning five things your child’s dentist never puts in their mouth.