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Emergency room visits for non-traumatic dental pain in children under age 15 rose nearly 60 percent between 2019 and 2022, according to data from the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health published in a major KFF Health News investigation on March 10, 2026. At Children’s Hospital Colorado, non-traumatic dental ER cases climbed 175 percent between 2010 … Read more
Reviewed by our dental health editorial team. Last Updated: March 2026. Quick Answer: Nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HAp) toothpaste is a mineral-based fluoride alternative gaining significant popularity, especially among parents concerned about fluoride following the 2025 FDA supplement restriction. Research shows it can remineralize early enamel damage comparably to low-concentration fluoride. However, no n-HAp toothpaste currently holds the … Read more
Reviewed by our dental health editorial team. Last Updated: March 2026. Quick Answer: A March 2026 study from the University of Copenhagen analyzed health records from 568,000 children and found that kids with multiple cavities had up to 45% higher incidence of cardiovascular disease as adults. Kids with severe gingivitis had up to 41% higher … Read more
Reviewed by our dental health editorial team. Last Updated: March 2026. Quick Answer: Two class action lawsuits filed in 2025 allege that independent lab testing found lead in multiple Hello Kids toothpaste varieties. As of March 2026, the FDA has not issued a recall of Hello Kids toothpaste for lead. A separate, confirmed ORL Kids … Read more
Reviewed by our dental health editorial team. Last Updated: March 2026. Quick Answer: The FDA’s October 2025 warning restricted ingestible fluoride supplements — not toothpaste, not drinking water. New York City still fluoridates its water at the CDC-recommended level. A Harvard study found a nationwide ban would create 25.4 million additional cavities in children within … Read more
TL;DR: The FDA restricted prescription fluoride supplements (drops and tablets) for children under age 3 starting October 31, 2025. This action did NOT restrict fluoride toothpaste, which remains the primary and most effective tool for cavity prevention in young children according to the AAPD, ADA, and AAP. Separately, new toothpaste packaging showing pea-sized amounts rolled … Read more
Key Takeaways: Pediatric dental organizations including the AAPD and ADA continue to recommend fluoride as the most effective cavity-prevention tool available to children. Why Fluoride Is Under Attack Right Now Water fluoridation has been a cornerstone of American public health since 1945 — but 2024 and 2025 brought the most serious political challenge to the … Read more
TL;DR: Hydroxyapatite (HAp) toothpaste is a legitimate, research-backed ingredient that can remineralize tooth enamel — but it is NOT proven to be more effective than fluoride at preventing cavities in children. Most U.S. and international pediatric dental associations, including the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and American Dental Association (ADA), continue to recommend fluoride … Read more
⚠️ Emergency Alert If your child has a knocked-out PERMANENT tooth, time is critical. Find the tooth, hold it by the crown (white part) only, rinse gently if dirty, and either replant it in the socket or store it in milk. Get to a dentist or emergency room within 30 minutes if possible. Every minute … Read more
Quick Answer What children eat and drink directly impacts their dental health—often more than brushing habits alone. The best foods for teeth are those high in calcium (dairy, leafy greens), phosphorus (meat, eggs, nuts), and fiber (crunchy fruits and vegetables). The worst are sticky sweets, frequent sugary drinks, and acidic beverages that erode enamel. The … Read more