Healthy Healthy Teeth Teeth

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Take care of your teeth and Take care of your teeth and gumsgums

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 KEEP THEM CLEANCLEANBrusBrushh

andand

FlossFloss

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.

BrushiBrushingng

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.

FlossinFlossing:g:

Brushing cleans tops and sides of teethFlossing cleans between them

Visit the Visit the dentistdentistEven 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 Eat foods that are good for youyou

Cheese Raw vegetables

Fruit Plain yogurt

Popcorn Nuts

Sugarless gum

Don’t snack too much between Don’t snack too much between mealsmeals Healthy

snacks

Learn how to read labels on food products

Learn how to read labels on food products

FOOD FOOD FACTSFACTS

Teeth can get broken or cracked while playing sports

Wear a mouthguard

Protect your teeth when Protect your teeth when playing active sportsplaying 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 What is a sealant?sealant?

Your back teeth have grooves and depressions.

This area is hard to clean.

Make Good Make Good ChoicesChoices

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 don’t 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.

Don’t smoke or use tobacco products.

Limit sweetened drinks—soda, 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 don’t 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.

Don’t smoke or use tobacco products.

Limit sweetened drinks—soda, sugary juices and sports drinks.

Kids don’t 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. You’ll be on the path to a healthy smile.

A Lifetime of A Lifetime of HealthyHealthyTeeth Starts NowTeeth Starts NowA healthy mouth helps to keep the rest of your body healthy A healthy mouth helps to keep the rest of your body healthy

Sources:American Dental AssociationAmerican Academy of Pediatric DentistryU.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 Children’s Dental Health Month, the contest is sponsored by Procter & Gamble, maker of Crest products. For Children’s Dental Health Month and contest information: www.nysdental.org

©2003 New York State Dental Association

Keep Your Smile Keep Your Smile HappyHappy