Healthy Teeth Keep Smiles Happy

Take care of your teeth and gums YOUR TEETH: help you eat affect your speech make space for your grown-up teeth to guide them in position You look better and feel better with a nice smile.

KEEP THEM CLEAN BrushandFloss

Place toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against gums. Move brush back and forth gently in short (tooth-wide) strokes. Brush outer tooth surfaces, inner tooth surfaces, and chewing surfaces of teeth. Use the "toe" of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, use a gentle up-and-down stroke. Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath. Brushing Two times a day with a fluoride toothpaste

Break off a piece of floss as long as your arm. Wrap the floss around one finger of each hand. Hold a small part of the floss tightly between your thumb and forefinger. Pull the floss gently into the spaces between teeth. Slowly work the floss up and down from each side of the tooth and below the gum. Clean the sides of the tooth by curving the floss around each tooth in the shape of a "C." Ask your dentist about floss holders for kids. Flossing: Brushing cleans tops and sides of teeth Flossing cleans between them

Visit the dentist Even if you have healthy teeth, you should see your dentist twice a year. At this visit, your teeth will be checked and cleaned. Cleanings remove plaque and tarter build-up on your teeth. You will learn how to improve taking care of your teeth and gums with proper brushing and flossing instructions.

Eat foods that are good for you

Cheese Raw vegetables Fruit Plain yogurt Popcorn Nuts Sugarless gum Dont snack too much between meals Healthy snacks

Learn how to read labels on food products FOOD FACTS

Teeth can get broken or cracked while playing sports Wear a mouthguard Protect your teeth when playing active sports

A sealant is a clear or shaded plastic material that your dentist may paint on your back teeth. It forms a coating or barrier to protect the tooth from bacteria and bits of food. Sealants can reduce the risk of decay for children and teens. What is a sealant? Your back teeth have grooves and depressions. This area is hard to clean.

Make Good Choices Avoid chewing on hard objects like pencils, ice or candy that could crack a tooth or filling. If you lose or knock out a permanent tooth, find it but dont clean it. Put it in a cup of milk and get to the dentist right away. Protect your teeth with a mouthguard when playing sports. Dont smoke or use tobacco products. Limit sweetened drinkssoda, sugary juices and sports drinks. Avoid chewing on hard objects like pencils, ice or candy that could crack a tooth or filling. If you lose or knock out a permanent tooth, find it but dont clean it. Put it in a cup of milk and get to the dentist right away. Protect your teeth with a mouthguard when playing sports. Dont smoke or use tobacco products. Limit sweetened drinkssoda, sugary juices and sports drinks.

Kids dont have to get cavities. Most dental diseases are preventable if you take good care of your oral health. Begin today with proper brushing and flossing, a healthy diet and regular dental visits. Youll be on the path to a healthy smile. A Lifetime of Healthy Teeth Starts Now A healthy mouth helps to keep the rest of your body healthy

Sources: American Dental Association American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Some art work in this presentation was produced by children who took part in the New York State Dental Association Keeping Smiles Brighter creative contest. Held each February in conjunction with Childrens Dental Health Month, the contest is sponsored by Procter & Gamble, maker of Crest products. For Childrens Dental Health Month and contest information: ©2003 New York State Dental Association Keep Your Smile Happy