Losing a baby tooth is a big moment in a child’s life. For some kids, it is exciting. For others, it can feel a little strange. One day a tooth is wiggly, and the next day there is a brand-new gap in their smile. 

Summer in the (716) is full of sunshine (most of the time), sports, pool days, camps, road trips, and outdoor fun. With all that activity, kids are bound to get thirsty. But when it comes to keeping smiles healthy, what children drink throughout the day can make a big difference. 

You may have heard someone say, “People with Down syndrome don’t really get cavities.” At first, that may sound surprising, especially because cavities are one of the most common dental concerns for children and adults. 

When it comes to keeping our teeth healthy, we usually think about brushing, flossing, fluoride, and regular dental visits. However, there is another vital part of your child’s oral health that is working all day long, saliva. Yes, spit! 

As the school year wraps up, families everywhere are gearing up for summer fun, and lots of outdoor adventures. While it’s a wonderful time for kids to relax and recharge, it can also be a season when healthy habits, including dental care, start to slip. 

National Smile Day is the perfect time to celebrate one of the happiest (and healthiest) things your child can do, smile. At our pediatric dental office, we love seeing bright, confident smiles every day, and this special occasion is a great reminder of just how powerful a smile can be for growing kids. 

When kids flash a big smile, there’s a lot more going on than just cuteness! Each tooth in your child’s mouth has a special shape and an important job, helping them eat and speak clearly.  There are different types of teeth in our mouth, each with their own special role. 

Most kids know George Washington as our nation’s first President, a brave general, and the face of the one‑dollar bill. However, did you know he was also famous for something far less heroic? His teeth! Washington’s lifelong dental struggles have become the stuff of legend, and Presidents Day is the perfect time to explore the truth behind his tooth troubles. 

Every February, dental professionals including yours truly, UPD Dental Associates, and families across the United States celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM). Sponsored by the American Dental Association (ADA), this month-long observance emphasizes the importance of oral health in children and encourages habits that lead to a lifetime of healthy smiles. Good oral health is not just about teeth; it impacts speech, nutrition, confidence, and overall well-being. 

We use our teeth for just about everything we eat, but what do bugs use? It turns out that insects have some of the most creative chewing tools in nature. From sharp mandibles to straw-like proboscises, their “mouths” are mini-machines built for survival.