As summer comes to an end, parents should be planning dental visits for their children ahead of the new school year.

Did you know that your genetics may provide a window into your risk for oral health issues?

If it seems like every time you go in for a cleaning your dentist finds a cavity, you may be wondering: “Am I just prone to cavities?” Actually, you might be.

Is the stress of the new school year causing your kid to grind their teeth? If it is, your child isn’t alone. An estimated 15 to 33 percent of children will grind their teeth at some point, compared to roughly 8 percent of adults. The majority of teeth grinding (also called bruxism) will happen after kids have dozed off to dreamland, which can make it tough for them to know it’s happening. Luckily, parents can help by learning how to spot grinding and how to help their kid overcome it.

It happens to all of us: Skipping our little one’s toothbrush time when we’re rushing to get them out of the door in the morning (or struggling to get them into bed at night). After all, how important can it really be for a two-year-old to brush? Do toddlers actually get cavities – and if they do, does it even matter? The answer to both is yes – and here’s why.

As we grow, our oral health needs continue to evolve. Cultivate strong teeth by planting the seeds for good oral health early and knowing what to watch for at different life stages.

Each February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of good oral health. The month-long national campaign began in 1981, but the first national observance of Children’s Dental Health Day occurred on February 8, 1949. In honor of National Children’s Dental Health Month 2018, we put together this how-to guide on loose & recently lost teeth.

The fresh, clean feeling that comes with a good smile-scrubbing session is enough to get most people to brush – but toddlers aren’t “most people.” According to a pediatrician and author Dr. William Speaks, toddlers are mainly motivated by having fun and being happy. If you’ve got a pint-sized protestor on your hands, your best bet is to make brushing a fun event. Sound challenging? These five ideas will help you get started.

Trick-or-treating is one of the best parts of being a kid. Who doesn’t love dressing up and eating a bunch of free candy?