B4-U-BUY(tm) FYI - Helping Children Curb Cavities

Helping Children Curb Cavities

Months before baby's first tooth appears, parents can help their children begin a lifetime of good oral health. The first step starts as soon as the baby is born; parents should use a wet cloth or gauze to clean gums and remove plaque after nursing. Gentle brushing with a soft bristle brush begins with the first tooth and flossing, when most primary teeth are in.

With the right kind of early care it's now possible for children to grow up cavity-free. Here are some guidelines from The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry:

Help your child brush with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day. Children can usually take over brushing themselves around the age of 6 or 7.
Floss children's teeth once a day until they are able to do it themselves-again, around 7 or 8.
Visit your pediatric or general dentist regularly.
Get enough fluoride through drinking water, fluoride products and, when indicated through fluoride supplements.
Have sealants applied to the chewing surfaces of permanent back teeth or molars soon after they come in.
Snack moderately-no more than three or four times a day. It's not the snacking that causes cavities but how long the food stays on the teeth, so, if possible, brush after snacking.

The snacks your children choose are as important as when - and how much - they snack. Research has shown that certain snack foods have anti-cavity power. For example, cheese and other dairy products stimulate the flow of saliva, which can help strengthen tooth enamel.

Raw fruits and vegetables are also great snack choices. Should your child want something sweet, caramel or some kinds of chocolate and hard candies that dissolve and clear the mouth quickly may be an alternative. If your child wants something crunchy, studies show that peanuts and cashews fight plaque and neutralize bacteria that cause tooth decay.

It's important to alternate snack choices to provide variety, moderation and balance in your child's diet.

For an informative booklet on children's dental health, write to The Sugar Association, 1101 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005. (NAPSI)