As your teen gets older, they will likely want to be treated more and more like an adult. Those juice boxes of childhood will be swapped for designer coffee drinks, and the colorful cartoon characters they once loved will be packed away and replaced with human heartthrobs and heroines. But while it’s perfectly healthy to encourage their interests to age along with them, there’s still one area where you shouldn’t be in a rush for them to grow up. When it comes to your child’s smile, here’s why it’s important to keep bringing them to a pediatric dentist until they turn 18.

Packing school lunches can be tricky, and it can feel even more challenging when your child has braces. Brackets and wires require extra care, and certain foods can cause discomfort or damage orthodontic appliances. The good news is that with a little planning, you can pack lunches that are both braces-friendly and nutritious while keeping your child happy and comfortable at school.

As you watch your child grow up, you may do your best in setting them up for a lifetime of success. You want them to be confident enough to reach for the stars after all! One way you can do this is by ensuring they have a smile that looks great. You might’ve needed braces before, but does your loved one need them too? It can be tricky to figure out when to start their orthodontic journey, so here are four signs that say it’s time to.

For many parents, taking a child to the dentist can be stressful—but for those whose children are on the autism spectrum, the experience can be even more challenging. The sights, sounds, and unfamiliar sensations of a dental office can trigger sensory sensitivities and anxiety. Fortunately, with preparation and the right support, dental visits can become more predictable, positive experiences for both you and your child.

Getting children to brush their teeth regularly—and thoroughly—can feel like a daily battle for many parents. But what if the secret to success isn’t more reminders, but the right kind of encouragement? A recent study published in Child Development suggests that children are more likely to brush their teeth, and spend more time doing it, when parents use praise effectively.

This finding highlights a simple but powerful way to support your child’s oral health routine and help them develop habits that last a lifetime.

You teach your child to brush their teeth every day to chew, talk, and smile confidently, but it probably isn’t something that they are thinking about very often. With all of the maintenance involved in maintaining healthy teeth, it is worthwhile to learn more about them. After all, we all rely on them for various functions. Read on to learn some cool facts about teeth that you can share with your child.

Losing a dental crown can feel like a big deal, especially when it happens to your child! Whether it pops off while eating or vanishes during a game of tag, a missing crown can leave both parents and kids feeling anxious. But don’t worry! With the right action plan and a calm approach, you can handle this minor dental emergency like a pro.

If your child has a broken, badly decayed, or damaged tooth, they may have been prescribed a dental crown by their pediatric dentist. Naturally, when many kids hear they need this treatment, they worry that getting their new crown might hurt. Thankfully, there’s no reason to be afraid! Here’s what your child can expect from the procedure, and why a dental crown is such an important way to protect their oral health!

Visiting your pediatric dentist every six months for a routine visit is an easy and effective way to maintain your child’s smile. It allows their provider to monitor their condition to catch and address any areas of concern before they progress to protect their dental health.

Many kids struggle with dental anxiety, but thankfully, your pediatric provider offers sedatives that can keep them calm. That said, some parents worry about what their child will feel when they’re medicated. Continue reading to learn what to expect to set your mind at ease!

If your child is scheduled for an upcoming dental procedure, they may be feeling nervous or scared about the appointment. While a little dental anxiety is normal, in some cases it can be so severe that sedation dentistry may be recommended. Naturally, however, you may have some questions. If you’re considering sedation dentistry for your child, here are some common questions and answers to help put your mind (and your child!) at ease.