Your child’s first visit to the dentist is an exciting milestone—and arguably the most important step in setting them up for a lifetime of happy, healthy smiling. However, for many parents, it’s natural to wonder what will happen during their first appointment and how they can help their child feel prepared for it. Rest assured, your child’s dentist will also have these things in mind! Here’s a brief look at what this visit entails and what you and your little one can expect.

For many parents with younger children, fruit juice seems like a healthy choice; after all, it’s got fruit in its name! But from a dental health perspective, juice is actually one of the biggest culprits behind childhood tooth decay—and it can be just as harmful as soda. Here’s a closer look at how these drinks interact with teeth and influence dental health, along with some alternatives that are certain to keep your child’s smile happy and strong.