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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

Don’t Bug Me!

Playing outside is one of the joys of summer, but your toddler isn’t the only one taking advantage of the warm weather. Bugs are on the rise this time of year, but insect repellent can help protect your child from biting insects
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Lights Out

A good night's sleep is essential to both you and your toddler. If your little one can't sleep because she's afraid of the dark or she gets disoriented and upset after waking in a dark room, a nightlight can be a simple solution. Some pediatric sleep disorder experts say a nightlight is fine if it helps calm your child or makes it easier for you to check on her. Just be sure the light is low so she won't be tempted to get up and read or play during the night.

Source: www.babycenter.com

Now Hear This!

Listening skills are vital to your child’s education, verbal communication and interpersonal relationships. He’ll start learning to listen as young as two when you practice and encourage these good habits: Get down on his level and make eye contact while talking. Don’t interrupt unless there’s a question. Divide listening and talking roles. Pay attention to what he says and respond with a nod or a comment. Ask him to repeat what you’ve talked about and compliment him for being a good listener.

Source: “Teach Your Kids Listening Skills (the Real ABC's),” by Jodie Lynn, www.family.go.com, accessed October 15, 2007.