Your help in their early years can mean
your child's or grandchild's happiness for a life time.

* Print this 2-part series for future reference (forward it to parents). 

Step 1 to a Cavity-Free Child: Encourage Good Eating Habits.

A balanced diet will help make sure your child has healthy teeth.
Your child's diet should include a variety of foods, such as fruits
and vegetables, cereals, dairy products, and meat. Calcium is
especially important for building strong teeth; some good sources
are milk, cheese and yogurt.

Step 2: Clean Your Baby's Gums and Teeth.

After each feeding, wipe your baby's gums with a small wash-
cloth or gauze pad to help clear away food residue and stimulate
the gums. Once teeth start erupting, use a small soft-bristled
toothbrush to clean them. Wet the brush bristles with water.

Step 3: Prevent Nursing-Bottle Syndrome.

Tooth decay can occur when a baby is given a bottle filled with
milk, formula or fruit juice at bedtime or for long periods during
the day. Extended exposure to the sugar in these liquids can cause
teeth to discolor and decay. To prevent this, clean your child's
teeth after each feeding and give him or her a bottle filled only
with water at bedtime.

Step 4: Begin Dental Visits Early.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that
your child see a dentist by his or her first birthday. At that point
the dentist will check for any cavities in the child's primary teeth
and for such early developmental problems as a bad bite.

Look for Part 2 later this month!

Remember, Your help in their early years can mean
your child's or grandchild's happiness for a life time!

* Print this 2-part series for future reference (forward it to parents). 

To your good health, and that of your children and grandchildren!

Dr Steven H. Wolpo, D.D.S.