Your children's dental hygiene is an important part of caring for their overall health. There are so many choices of toothpaste, mouthwash and other products on the market that it can be overwhelming to try to figure out which one is the best. You may have heard great things about charcoal toothpaste, proclaiming it as the newest and brightest star in the dental care industry. How much of the hype is true, though?

Most children love sweet treats. Whether they're eating cake at a birthday party or enjoying a popsicle on a hot day, the consumption of sugary foods is almost a given. The plaque that forms on their teeth is just as inevitable. The key is not avoiding plaque but getting rid of it on a regular basis. Teaching children effective methods for brushing their teeth regularly is just the start.

Helping your child to develop good oral habits will help them throughout their life. These habits are necessary to maintain healthy teeth and gums. They involve practices like brushing twice daily, flossing, and having routine dental exams.

Starting children early with proper dental care is important to help prevent problems with decay later in life. As a parent, you may be preparing for your child’s first dental visit and find yourself feeling a little bit overwhelmed. Don’t let the uncertainty overcome you. Here are some things to know about what you can expect when it comes to dental procedures for your child.

You may be familiar with the phrase “I’m eating for two” uttered by someone who’s pregnant. This refers to how healthy habits such as eating the right foods during pregnancy directly impact the health of a growing baby.

When it comes to summer snacks for the family, smiles no longer have to be synonymous with foods that contain excessive amounts of sugar and refined carbohydrates. There are plenty of healthy, cool and refreshing treats that are easy and affordable to make.

For many parents, getting their children ready to go back to school often includes shopping for the right clothes and checking items off a supply list. Scheduling a pediatric dental exam should also be included as part of these annual preparations.

Dental X-rays are scans of your mouth that a dentist uses to check the health of your teeth. The scans show details of your teeth and surrounding tissue that the dentist cannot see by eye during a routine oral exam. An X-ray is crucial because it gives your dentist a clearer picture of your dental health beneath the surface. How often you will need a dental X-ray depends on your age, dental and medical history, and current state of health.

Fun in the sun and in the water are some of the best things in life, but you do need to take a few precautions to protect your and your child's health. You’re probably thinking about sun protection, but have you ever thought about how swimming might affect your lips and teeth?

Many parents may wonder about when is the right time for their children to get braces. Studies show that 50 to 70 percent of children in the United States wear braces, so your children have a high chance of joining the statistics. Read on to learn how young they can start braces.