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Teeth Strengthening

Baby teeth are as important to infants and children as permanent teeth are to older children and adults. Not only do these first teeth enable your child to chew, make sounds and speak clearly, they help maintain the shape of their mouth and face as they grow, and save space for future permanent teeth.

If a baby tooth is lost too early because of an accident or decay, nearby teeth can shift or move into the vacant space, giving the permanent tooth less room to grow.

To help keep your child’s baby teeth healthy, start brushing his/her teeth when the first tooth appears, and teach them how as soon as they’re ready. Because it may take some practice before he/she can reach all the areas of their mouth with a toothbrush, you may want to supervise at least one of their two daily brushing sessions.6

Prevention of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is one of the most common childhood diseases,7 but there are things you can do to help reduce your toddler’s risk. In addition to encouraging them to brush and floss after meals, you can make adjustments to your toddler’s diet and how frequently they eat to help prevent the acid reaction that damages teeth.

  • Don’t let your toddler snack continually. Rather than letting your child eat small bites throughout the day, give him/her a snack and have them finish it all at once.
  • Give your toddler healthy drinks. Fluoridated water is a great choice. Soda, sports drinks, sweetened iced tea, lemonade and flavored milk have a lot of sugar and should be limited.
  • Serve treats with meals. To reduce acid reactions, give your child a treat with lunch or dinner, rather than by itself a couple of hours later.
  • Choose healthy snacks. Encourage your child to snack on nutritious foods like fruit, raw vegetables, lowfat yogurt and cheese.
  • Avoid sticky foods. Beware of foods like fruit roll-ups, gum and caramel, which can linger on the tooth surface, causing acid reactions to last longer and increase the risk of decay.8

6 “How to Take Care of Your Children’s Teeth”, Minnesota Dental Association website at www.mndental.org

7 “Fluoride and Water” www.kidshealth.org

8 “The Role of Diet in Cavity Prevention” www.drspock.com

Consult your physician or dental professional if using another fluoridated product.

Helpful Tips
for Parents

Lunch Box Basics

If you're concerned about your toddler getting a healthy meal or snack when he heads off to nursery school, daycare or the babysitter's, fix it yourself! He'll like the grown-up feeling of carrying his own lunch box and you'll rest easy knowing he's getting the nutrition he may need.
More

Toddler on Aisle Three

Holiday shopping with a toddler doesn't have to be stressful. Try these tips: Go in the morning when she's less likely to be cranky. Give her regular breaks from the stroller or shopping cart to let off steam. Bring water and healthy snacks like nuts, raisins or granola bars to keep her energy up, and disposable wipes for cleaning hands. Tell her the store rules and enforce them. Remind her to use her soft "public" voice when she needs something.

Source: "Ten Tips for All Day Shopping with a Toddler," www.thingamababy.com, May 18, 2006; "How to Take a Toddler Shopping," by Rose Halas, www.essortment.com