Laleh Vakili, DMD

Summer is peak season for youth sports, and whether your child is playing baseball, soccer, basketball, or skateboarding around the neighborhood, their smile is out there on the front lines. A sports mouthguard is one of the most important pieces of protective gear a young athlete can wear, but protecting your child’s dental health this […]

Easter is just days away, and your kids will no doubt be getting plenty of delicious, sugary treats in their Easter baskets. Although it’s okay to let them indulge in a few pieces of candy occasionally, letting them gorge on too many sweets will not only upset their stomachs, but it can also lead to […]

Proper speech development in children is crucial. If there are developmental delays in speech, lisping and other pronunciation problems can develop and be difficult to extinguish as a child grows older. Baby teeth are essential to proper speech development. They provide structural support for the lips, jaw, and tongue. This allows the mouth to form […]

The holidays are all about wonder. Children waiting up to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus, listening for the sound of reindeer hooves on the rooftop, and wondering what the elves have made for them this year. It’s a time of year when kids are excited because there is magic in the air. This year, […]

Halloween is just around the corner, and your kids are no doubt looking forward to trick-or-treating. But all those sugary treats can do serious damage to children’s teeth and gums, especially if they aren’t vigilant about brushing and flossing. If you’d like to give out Halloween treats this year that are healthier for kids and […]

Although fluoride has been added to many U.S. water supplies since the 1960s to help prevent cavities, debates still swirl around whether fluoride is safe and beneficial. What Is Fluoride? Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral in water, soil, and certain foods. It significantly strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks that […]

Anxiety is normal when children face an unknown situation. Because going to the dentist may involve seeing a strange new medical professional for the first time or undergoing a procedure that seems frightening, it can be difficult to reassure your child that visiting the dentist is normal and can be a positive experience. However, you […]

Mouthguards are not only a requirement for most contact sports, such as football, but also a reassurance for parents. We recommend that young athletes wear mouthguards even for low-impact sports and activities like skateboarding. Although there may not be as much risk of contact when participating in low—or no-impact activities, it takes just one fall […]

Getting your child to brush their teeth, even with your help, can be difficult. Choosing the right toothpaste to use can be a struggle as well. Hundreds of brands and types are on the market, and you don’t want to choose one inappropriate for their age or developmental stage. You also want to avoid ending […]

Learning to brush their teeth is an important part of being independent and able to care for themselves and their children. However, it does take skill and coordination to brush your teeth thoroughly. When your child is a toddler, you should begin teaching them how to brush, but continue to do the real work yourself […]