Keeping your Winning Smile Childrens Dental Health Tooth

Keeping your Winning Smile Children’s Dental Health

Tooth Health and Diet • A good diet is essential for growth and development. • In the mouth, the teeth, bones, and soft tissues need a wellbalanced diet.

Eat… • A variety of foods from the six food groups of the food guide pyramid. Grains Milk Group Fruits Meats/Beans Vegetables Oils Remember to drink milk, the calcium is good for your teeth!!!

The Food Guide Pyramid

What you eat…affects your teeth. • Foods and Beverages have sugar in them. • Sugar gives us energy to go to learn and play. • But, sugar can be bad on our teeth.

What you eat…affects your teeth. • Germs LOVE sugar too!!! • Germs in our mouth cause plaque— sticky, yellow film—to build up on the surface of our teeth. • And germs produce acids that break down and weaken our teeth. • So what should we do?

What you eat…affects your teeth. • Limit snacking. • For snacks, choose healthy, nutritious foods like… • Cheese • Raw veggies • Plain yogurt • Fresh fruit

What you eat…affects your teeth. Do not snack on: • Candy • Soft drinks • Potato chips • Chocolate

Toothbrushing • Brush your teeth twice a day. • Always use a child-size toothbrush.

Proper Brushing Technique 1. Place the toothbrush against the gums. 2. Move the brush back and forth gently in short stokes. 3. Brush outside and inside of each tooth—upper and lower. 4. Finish by brushing your tongue too.

Teeth Cleaning Recommendations Brush your teeth twice a day. Floss your teeth once a day. Visit your Dentist every 6 months.