Search    Help With Search

Help

PREVENT PROBLEMS All About Cavities Brushing and Flossing Fluoride Mouth-Healthy Eating Sealants Taking Care Of Your Teeth Tobacco Your Dental Visit MORE  CONDITIONS Bad Breath Cavities Cold Sores Dry Mouth Impacted Tooth Sensitive Teeth TMJ Tooth Discoloration MORE  TREATMENTS Crowns Dentures Fillings: The Basics Gum Surgery Implants Root Canal Treatment Scaling and Root Planing Whitening MORE  GENERAL TOPICS Controlling Pain Cosmetic Dentistry Emergencies Fill, Repair, Replace Kids And Teens Oral Health and Your Body Orthodontics Periodontics Seniors MORE

Information to guide you through your baby's first dental visit to the teen-age years. A Parent's Guide to Tooth Eruption Check out our animated guide to learn about tooth development, possible problems and keeping your child's teeth and mouth healthy. Oral Hygiene and Your Teenager The teenage years can be tough on teeth. Columbia Commentary: Baby Teeth -- Save Them or Pull Them? Yes, baby teeth are "going to fall out anyway," but there are good reasons to save a decayed or diseased tooth if you can. Can Pacifiers And Baby Bottles Ruin My Baby's Teeth? Baby-bottle tooth decay can be very serious. Your Child's Mouth Primary teeth can get a serious form of tooth decay. And what happens as primary teeth fall out to make room for permanent teeth? Tongue Piercing Not That Risky, But Things Can Go Wrong If you're going for a hole in your tongue, you might want to be aware of what can go wrong. Your Infant's Mouth Even before teeth begin to erupt, it's important to clean your baby's mouth. Learn how, and find out more about teething and sucking habits. Are You Feeding Your Kids Tooth-Friendly Foods? How often your children eat is as important as what they eat. Cleaning Your Child's Mouth and Teeth Find out the best way to keep you child's teeth clean, and when you can start letting him or her take on the chore. Early Orthodontics May Mean Less Treatment Later More and more children are undergoing orthodontic treatment early to correct problems as teeth develop. Toothpaste, Toothbrushes and More Which kinds of toothbrushes and toothpastes should your child use? What about electrical devices and mouthwashes? Sports Safety: Avoiding Tooth and Mouth Injury Protect your mouth and teeth when you participate in sports. Your Child's Age 1 Visit Pediatric experts say you should take your infant to the dentist when the first tooth appears and no later than age 1. Columbia Commentary: Brushing Kids' Teeth and the Risks of Tasty Toothpaste Children's toothpastes are made to taste good, but many kids still aren't ready to brush alone. Swallowing fluoride toothpaste can discolor developing teeth. X-Rays for Children When should X-rays be taken of your child's teeth? Columbia Commentary: Let's Expand Gains in Oral Health to All Children A recent government research report shows improvements in U.S. oral health, but unfortunately, the health of baby teeth appears to be getting worse. Fluoride Fluoride is a mineral added to toothpaste and some drinking water to make teeth stronger. Columbia Commentary: Breastfeeding and Tooth Decay, a Complex Issue Breast milk contains chemicals known to protect teeth, yet some studies suggest that breastfeeding in some cases may contribute to early tooth decay. Sealants For Children A sealant is a clear or tinted plastic protective coating that is painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars), the area where most cavities form. Columbia Commentary: The Boy Who Died From a Toothache The death of a 12-year-old boy from complications of a neglected toothache is a tragedy that should never be repeated. Repairing Children's Teeth When dentists talk about restoring a tooth, they are referring to any procedure, such as a filling, that returns the tooth to its original shape and function. Additional Resources Organizations and agencies to contact for more information. Endodontic Treatment in Children Endodontic treatment involves the material in the center of the tooth, called the pulp.

Terms and Conditions / Disclaimer Privacy Policy Editorial Policy Contact Us About Us Site Map

© 2002-2008 Aetna, Inc. All rights reserved. All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a new fitness regimen. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. External website links provided on this site are meant for convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement. These external links open in a different window.