Keeping your Keeping your Winning SmileWinning SmileKeeping your Keeping your Winning SmileWinning Smile

Children’s Dental HealthChildren’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 well-balanced diet.

Eat…• A variety of foods from the six food

groups of the food guide pyramid.

Grains Milk GroupFruits Meats/BeansVegetables 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?

• Limit snacking.• For snacks, choose healthy,

nutritious foods like…•Cheese•Raw veggies•Plain yogurt•Fresh fruit

What you eat…affects your teeth.

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.Brush your teeth twice a day.

Floss your teeth once a day.Floss your teeth once a day.

Visit your Dentist every 6 Visit your Dentist every 6 months.months.