Ladan Vakili, DMD

Why Summer Treats Can Sneak Up on Teeth Summer changes everything about how kids eat. Days are longer, schedules are looser, and snacks seem to appear around every corner, from poolside popsicles to ballpark cotton candy to endless juice pouches at the park. The problem is not just the sugar itself but how often teeth […]

With the sun finally peeking out and the fields drying up, the spring sports season is officially here! Whether your child is stepping onto the baseball diamond, sprinting down the lacrosse field, or hitting the pavement for skateboarding, it is an exciting time for Marin County families. As you check off your back-to-school-style list, including […]

Now that the holidays are over and your family is looking ahead to what 2026 has in store, it’s a great time to set some oral health goals for your kids (and everyone in the family). New Year’s resolutions can be difficult to keep because they are “all or nothing,” but setting goals is a […]

It’s time for holiday celebrations, and your kids are doubtless looking forward to holiday visits with family and friends as well as lots of treats. During these hectic months, it can be easy to let some things slide, but good oral hygiene shouldn’t be one of them. Maintaining good dental care habits is especially important […]

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 […]