teeth

February is Children's Dental Health Month. During this month, staff will be reminding students of the importance of caring for their teeth. These reminders include:

1. teeth should be brushed at least twice a day. While at home, brushing after every meal and after ingesting sweets is ideal. When brushing is not possible, rinsing the mouth with water is helpful.

2. floss every day. Flossing is necessary to remove plaque and promote gum health. Poor gum care has been found to be related to cardiac disease.

3. children should visit the dentist every six months

4. a healthy diet is essential for good teeth. Children should avoid sweets.

5. Mouth guards are recommended during sports to protect the teeth from injury.

Third graders can participate in a coloring contest sponsored by the Dental Society. Please encourage your child to complete the entry form.

News from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentristy

Toothbrushes for children 

Everyone knows how important it is for children to brush their teeth. What may not be known is the best type of toothbrush to use.The following points are important to consider when choosing a toothbrush:

     -choose one proportioned for a child's smaller hands and mouth

      round ended bristles are best since they are gentle on the gums

      bristles should be soft and free from fraying. Frayed bristles can harm the gums, and do not clean teeth as well. Remember to throw out toothbrushes after three months of use.

 A food to fight cavities

In addition to providing  calcium, cheese has been found to also fight the development of cavities.  Cheese stimulates the mouth's salivary glands which clear the mouth of debris and protects the teeth fro the acids that weaken them. the ingredients of calcium and phsphorus found in chees reducr the plaque's ph level and helps to improve the enamel of children's teeth. So, consider cheese for a healthy snack.