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Cleaning
Your Teeth and Gums
 An important part of good
oral health is knowing how to brush and floss correctly. In addition to
brushing, using dental floss is necessary to keep the gums healthy. Proper
flossing is important because it removes plaque and leftover food that a toothbrush
cannot reach. Your dentist or dental hygienist can show you the best way to
brush and floss your teeth. If brushing or flossing results in bleeding gums,
pain, or irritation, see your dentist at once.
An antibacterial mouth
rinse, approved for the control of plaque and swollen gums, may be prescribed
by your dentist. The mouth rinse is used in addition to careful daily brushing
and flossing.
There is nothing more
beautiful than a child's smile. Good oral health is not difficult, but it
takes both child and parent to make it happen. Good oral health should begin
in infancy. Reducing sugar in the diet, careful brushing and regular dental
care can greatly reduce the risk of cavities.
Tooth decay is the
major cause of tooth loss in children. Parents need to instruct, monitor
and motivate the child on good oral hygiene.
Sugar Snack Facts
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 Frequent snacking
on foods containing sugar increases
a child's risk of getting cavities.
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Each time you eat
sugar, plaque in the mouth combines with sugar to produce acid. These
acid attacks on the teeth over time can destroy the tooth structure.
You need to eat a
variety of foods: grains, milk and milk products, meat, vegetables, and
fruits. Try to avoid establishing a "sweet tooth" by limiting foods high
in sugar.
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