| According to the American Dental Association (ADA), | | | | with your dentist as soon as you see the first tooth |
| tooth decay among the children in the United States | | | | and preferably before your baby's first birthday. |
| is still a common occurrence for childhood diseases. | | | | Drink Water That Has Fluorine In It |
| Even though there have been many improvements | | | | Some people have to rely on well water and well |
| towards dental care, this is nothing to smile about. | | | | water is not fluoridated. Even though others are using |
| For children from the ages of 5 - 17 year olds, tooth | | | | city water, the flourine content may not be enough |
| decay is at least five times greater than asthma. | | | | to fight cavities. Water that contains the proper level |
| The National Center for Health Statistics claims that | | | | of flourine in it will help reduce tooth decay up to 40 |
| at least one fifth of the children who are 2 - 4 years | | | | percent. |
| old, half the children that are 6 - 8 years old and | | | | If you are using a well system or your city water |
| almost 65 percent of teenagers that are 15 years old | | | | doesn't meet the proper amount of flourine in the |
| suffer from tooth decay. We're talking about a lot of | | | | water, talk to your dentist about what he/she would |
| children here. In these days and with all know and all | | | | recommend you do. |
| the tools we have, this shouldn't even be happening. | | | | Eating Healthy Foods |
| Read these tips and recommendations that were put | | | | A proper, well balanced diet for your children will help |
| together by the ADA, experts in the dental field and | | | | keep their teeth and body healthy. Make sure that |
| the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry: | | | | your child drinks plenty of water, don't let them get |
| Teeth Need To Have A Good Cleaning | | | | dehydrated. |
| Until children reach the age of 6 years old, a parent | | | | If your children snack between meals, fix them |
| should brush their teeth for them twice a day. Use a | | | | something that is healthy, but also something that |
| toothpaste that has been approved by the ADA. | | | | they will enjoy and keep them from craving junk |
| Apply toothpaste about a quarter of the way down | | | | food. |
| the bristles. When your child has passed the age of | | | | When you put your child to bed, do not put anything |
| six, it is a good idea to still watch them carefully so | | | | in their bottle except for water. Try to ween them |
| that they brush each and every one of their teeth | | | | off a bottle as they near the age of one by teaching |
| properly. | | | | them how to use a cup. |
| Once your baby starts to grow it's first tooth, this is | | | | Starting dental care with your child's first tooth will |
| when the care of their teeth starts. Pick up a | | | | help to get the child in the habit of maintaining their |
| toothbrush that has been designed especially for | | | | teeth properly. This will save them a lot of grief from |
| toddlers and infants. Gently brush their teeth and | | | | tooth decay as they get older. Also, by teaching |
| gums after each feeding. | | | | them the importance of eating a healthy, well |
| Going To The Dentist | | | | balanced diet of good foods. |
| Don't wait to visit the dentist. Make an appointment | | | | |