Dental and Oral Health
Detailed information on adolescent problems of the teeth and mouth
Canker sores are small sores inside the mouth. They are often found inside the lips, on the cheeks, or on the tongue.
Orthodontics is the dental specialty that focuses on the development, prevention, and correction of irregularities of the teeth, bite, and jaws.
Read on to learn how to help your child care for their teeth correctly, from the type of toothbrush and toothpaste to use, to tips on how to brush their teeth.
Cleft lip and palate are openings or splits in the upper lip or roof of the mouth (palate). A child can be born with a cleft lip, cleft palate, or both. Cleft lip and palate may be the only birth defects, or they may happen with other defects.
Tooth decay is the breakdown of tooth enamel. Enamel is the hard outer surface of a tooth. Tooth decay can lead to cavities.
Generally, dental exams and cleanings are recommended every 6 months for children. Encourage good oral hygiene at home by helping your child brush their own teeth.
One type of dental emergency is a knocked-out tooth. If it's a permanent tooth, rinse it and place it back in the socket. Then immediately take your child to the dentist.
Teeth that have tooth decay must be repaired. Advances in dental materials and methods provide new, effective ways to restore teeth.
Flossing should be started when your child is about 2 to 3 years old, under the direction of your child's dentist. Read on for helpful tips, including step-by-step flossing directions.
Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay, strengthens tooth enamel, and reduces the harmful effects of plaque.
Herpangina is a very common illness in children. It causes small blisterlike bumps or sores (ulcers) in the mouth.
Cold sores are small blisters around the mouth caused by the herpes simplex virus. Once a child is infected with the virus, the virus becomes inactive (dormant) for long periods of time. It can then become active at any time and cause cold sores.
Detailed information on dental and oral health in children
Detailed information on infant problems of the teeth and mouth
Malocclusion is when a child’s teeth become crooked or crowded. The child may also have a problem with their bite. That means the teeth of the upper jaw don’t meet normally with the teeth of the lower jaw when the jaw is closed.
Mouthguards are important to help protect your child's mouth and teeth from serious injury.
Natal teeth are teeth that are present when a baby is born. The teeth are often not fully developed and may have a weak root.
A general dentist has had 3 or more years of undergraduate college education plus 4 years of dental school.
Periodontal disease is a serious bacterial infection. It destroys the gums and the nearby tissues of the mouth.
Detailed information on preschool and school-aged problems of the teeth and mouth
Detailed information on the prevention of oral diseases and dental problems
Dental sealants are thin, plastic films painted on the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars. They are highly effective in preventing tooth decay.
Detailed information on dental and oral health in children
Detailed information on toddler problems of the teeth and mouth
Children's teeth begin developing in the fetus. Good nutrition from the mother during pregnancy is important in the development of the teeth.
A baby's first tooth often appears between 5 and 7 months of age. Some babies get their first tooth a little earlier and others a little later. Here's what you need to know.
Thrush is a mouth infection that is common in babies and children. Symptoms include white or yellow velvety patches in the mouth. Thrush is caused by a type of fungus called Candida.
Thumbsucking is normal in infants and young children. It shouldn't cause any permanent problems if your child stops by age 5.
A toothache means that the pulp inside a tooth is inflamed and infected. The pulp is the soft part inside the tooth that has blood vessels and nerves.
Because most mouths are too small for the 4 additional molars called wisdom teeth, these teeth usually must be removed.
Detailed information on the most common dental procedures, including braces, bleaching, bridges, dentures, dental implants, fillings, root canal, sealants, and wisdom teeth extraction
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is an illness caused by a virus. It causes a rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It can also occur in the diaper area, and on the legs and arms.