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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.

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Vitamin Efficiency

Multivitamins seem like a good way to ensure your toddler gets the nutrients he needs. But before you add the fun shapes and sweet flavors to his routine, talk to your pediatrician. Many think multivitamins are unnecessary for children unless they lack certain vitamins and minerals because of a food sensitivity or poor diet. If you decide multivitamins are right for your toddler, give him a children’s formula to prevent toxic doses, keep them out of his reach and teach him vitamins are medicine and not candy.

Source: Mayo Clinic website at www.mayoclinic.com, August 4, 2006

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.