CHICAGO, Illinois – One of every six deaths in the United States is caused by tobacco use. Every day more than 3,000 young people start smoking – the yearly total is well over 1,000,000. The use of smokeless tobacco is also on the rise. Children begin using tobacco products for a variety of reasons: parental example, peer pressure, advertising, and lack of education regarding health risks. Smokeless tobacco not only is linked to oral cancer and other diseases, it also causes cavities.

CHICAGO, Illinois – Can an expectant mother do anything to help assure a proper start for the development of her child's teeth?

What you eat during pregnancy affects the development of your unborn baby's teeth. A well-balanced diet is highly recommended. Vitamins A, C, D, protein, calcium, and phosphorus are crucial to the general health and dental development of your child.

CHICAGO, Illinois – If stained or broken teeth are lowering your child's self-esteem, something can and often should be done. Does your child smile without showing her teeth or cover his mouth before laughing? Cosmetic dental procedures are available for children. The following are a few examples of the services pediatric dentists can provide:

CHICAGO, Illinois – As with all vigorous physical activities, waterslides hold potential dangers. Injuries usually occur when sliders collide while trying to pass one another within the walls of the slide, or slip and fall on wet surfaces. Two-thirds of all waterslide injuries result in oral trauma. Tooth fractures are the most common.

CHICAGO, Illinois – The third permanent molars, commonly called wisdom teeth, are usually the last teeth to erupt into the mouth. For many teens, this occurs between 14 and 18 years of age. In some cases, the wisdom teeth may not erupt until after age 20. The location of the wisdom teeth should be evaluated when the teenager is between 16 and 19. If removal is recommended, the procedure is best completed before age 20.