Health Information

Dental and Oral Health

  • Adolescent Problems of the Teeth and Mouth

    Detailed information on adolescent problems of the teeth and mouth

  • Aphthous Stomatitis

    Detailed information on aphthous stomatitis, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

  • Nursing Bottle Caries

    Did you know that babies can get cavities? They can—usually when they go to bed with a bottle filled with milk or juice. Find out how to prevent this type of tooth decay, which is also called nursing bottle caries.

  • Orthodontics/Braces for Children

    Orthodontics is the dental specialty that focuses on the development, prevention, and correction of irregularities of the teeth, bite, and jaws.

  • Brushing and Toothpaste for Children

    You should begin brushing your child's teeth around 24 months of age, or as directed by your child's doctor. Children will need help brushing their teeth until they are 7 to 8 years old.

  • Cleft Lip/Cleft Palate

    Detailed information on craniofacial anomalies, including cleft lip and cleft palate

  • Tooth Decay (Caries or Cavities) in Children

    Tooth decay first appears as white spots on the teeth. The cavity then turns a light brown color and progressively becomes darker.

  • Dental Health Overview

    Generally, dental examinations and cleanings are recommended every six months for children. Encourage good oral hygiene at home by helping your child brush his or her own teeth.

  • Dental Emergencies

    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.

  • Fillings

    Teeth that have tooth decay must be repaired. Advances in dental materials and techniques provide new, effective ways to restore teeth.

  • Flossing and Children

    Flossing should be started when your child is 2 to 3 years old, under the direction of your child's dentist. Children younger than 2 don't need to floss.

  • Fluoride and Children

    Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay, strengthens tooth enamel, and reduces the harmful effects of plaque.

  • Glossary - Dental and Oral Health

    Glossary of terms relating to oral health

  • Herpangina

    Detailed information on herpangina, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

  • Herpes Simplex Virus/Cold Sores

    Detailed information on cold sores and herpes simplex virus 1

  • Home Page - Dental and Oral Health

    Detailed information on dental and oral health in children

  • Infant Problems of the Teeth and Mouth

    Detailed information on infant problems of the teeth and mouth

  • Malocclusion

    Detailed information on malocclusion, including causes, diagnosis, and treatment

  • Mouthguards

    Mouthguards are important to help protect your child's mouth and teeth from serious injury.

  • Natal Teeth

    Natal teeth are teeth that are present when the infant is born. They are usually the infant's primary teeth (or baby teeth) that have come in early.

  • Online Resources - Dental and Oral Health

    List of online resources to find additional information on dental and oral health in children

  • Oral Health and Dental Specialists

    A general dentist has had three or more years of undergraduate college education plus four years of dental school.

  • Periodontal Disease

    Periodontal diseases, also called gum diseases, are serious bacterial infections that destroy the gums and the surrounding tissues of the mouth.

  • Preschool and School-Aged Problems of the Teeth and Mouth

    Detailed information on preschool and school-aged problems of the teeth and mouth

  • Prevention of Oral Problems

    Detailed information on the prevention of oral diseases and dental problems

  • Sealants

    Dental sealants are thin, plastic films painted on the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars. They are highly effective in preventing tooth decay.

  • Topic Index - Dental and Oral Health

    Detailed information on dental and oral health in children

  • Toddler Problems of the Teeth and Mouth

    Detailed information on toddler problems of the teeth and mouth

  • Anatomy and Development of the Mouth and Teeth

    Children's teeth begin developing in the fetus. Good nutrition from the mother during pregnancy is important in the development of the teeth.

  • Teething

    A baby's first tooth usually appears between 5 and 7 months of age. Often, the two middle bottom teeth come through the gums first, followed by the middle four upper teeth.

  • Thrush or Candidiasis

    Candidiasis is an infection caused by yeast on the skin and mucous membranes. When the infection occurs in the mouth, it is called thrush.

  • Thumb Sucking

    Thumb sucking is normal in infants and young children. It shouldn't cause any permanent problems if your child stops by age 5.

  • Toothache (Pulpitis)

    Detailed information on toothache, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

  • Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Children

    Detailed information on a wisdom teeth extraction procedure

  • Dental Procedures for Children

    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-Mouth Disease

    Detailed information on hand-foot-mouth disease, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment