How can I
best care for my child's teeth?
Good dental
hygiene habits should begin before your child's first tooth comes in.
What about
using fluoride tablets?
Fluoride
helps make teeth strong by hardening the tooth enamel. Many cities are required
to add fluoride to tap water. Fluoride
is an important part of your child's dental health, but don't give him or her
more than the directions call for. If you miss a dose, don't give your child
extra fluoride to make up.
What are
cavities?
Cavities are
holes that are formed when bacteria (germs) in your mouth use the sugar in food
to make acid. This acid eats away at the teeth. Cavities are common in
children.
Is my child
at risk for cavities?
Your child
might be at risk for cavities if he or she eats a lot of sugary foods (such as
raisins, cookies and candy) and drinks a lot of sweet.
How can I
help stop cavities?
Everyone in
your family should take good care of their teeth. Family members with lots of
cavities can pass the cavity-causing bacteria to babies and children.
Teeth should
be brushed at least twice a day and adults should floss once a day. Everyone
should see the dentist twice a year. Have your doctor or dentist show you the
right way to brush your child's teeth.
Does diet
affect my child's teeth?
Yes.
Avoiding sweets, sticky foods and between-meal snacks is good advice.
No comments:
Post a Comment