simple steps to a healthy smile

Today I got to take part is a terrific webinar with Jennie Garth and Dr. Daniel Jones, Professor and Chair, Department of Public Health Sciences, Baylor College of Dentistry about simple tips and suggestions on how to help your kids maintain a healthy mouth.

Did you know that tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease in North America? And that half of second graders have tooth decay? That’s why Trident and Smiles Across America have joined forces to expand resources and help provide the dental care that kids need to keep them happy and healthy. Smiles Across America supports dental services to thousands of children in underserved communities nationwide - and this year, with Jennie's help, they are doubling the number of kids cared for by the SAA provider network!! How amazing is that?

Some important tips for your kids oral health:

1. The best thing you can do is provide a good example for your kids by modeling good oral hygiene yourself!!
2. Fluoride in some form(whether supplements, in your tap water, etc)
3. Brush as soon as your kids have teeth (You should do the brushing or at least supervising until ages 5 or 6 so they don't just suck the  toothpaste off)
4. First dental visit should be at age one (This way they get used to the dentist and problems can be caught early)
5. Limit juice in bottles (And NEVER put baby to bed with anything in a bottle except water!)
6. Sealants are the best way to prevent tooth decay after fluoride.
7. Avoid sugary snacks and drinks

Thanks to Dr. Jones and Jennie for all the great info! (Jennie is just too cute for words by the way - she was sharing such adorable stories about her three girls! LOVE HER!)

Comments

[Kellyn]

We are HUGE dental health people, as there is a huge family history of poor teeth and issues. My kids know they must brush at least twice a day, and Hunter it is a lot more with his braces. Boo is great about flossing everyday, Hunter is too when we remind him.

[Musings of a Housewife]

I used to think the reason I had so much tooth decay was b/c I moved to a region with unfluoridated water. That's what my dentist told me, anyway. I may be wrong. According to this article, fluoride is more harmful than helpful. Who do you believe? I certainly don't know, lol.

http://www.westonaprice.org/envtoxins/fluoridationfraud.html

I might get this book out of the library.

http://www.westonaprice.org/bookreviews/fluoride_deception.html

Another interesting read -

http://www.cheeseslave.com/2009/04/02/do-bread-cereal-cause-cavities-reversing-dental-decay-with-food/

I hope this comment goes thru with all these links.