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 5 to a Cavity-Free Child: Make Sure Your Child Is Getting Enough Fluoride

Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and supporting bone and helps repair
minor decay damage. Your dentist can tell if your child is getting the
right amount. Common sources are:

  *Fluoridated drinking water.
  *Fluoridated tablets and drops.
  *Fluoridated toothpaste
  *Professional fluoride treatments

Step 6: Teach Your Child How To Brush

Children are usually ready to learn how to brush their teeth by age
2 or 3. But you still must brush any spots missed by the child.
Usually children don't have the dexterity to "go solo" until age 7.

Make brushing a daily routine, but keep it enjoyable, for example,
by brushing with your child or letting him or her use a colorful
toothbrush.

Step 7: Protect Your Child's Teeth With Sealants

When your child's permanent molars come in, consider protecting
them with sealants--clear plastic coatings the dentist appolies to
the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Sealants form a barrier
that keeps food and bacteria out of tiny grooves in the tooth. They
are nearly 100 percent effective in preventing decay in back teeth.

Step 8: Make Dental Visits Positive

When a child turns 2 or 3, start encouraging a positive attitude
toward dental visits by following these tips:

  *Play dentist beforemaking the real visit to familiarize him or
   her with what will happen.
  *Avoid using negative words like drill, shot or hurt.
  *Answer questions honestly, but not too specifically. Dental
   Professionals have special ways of explaining procedures
   to kids.

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 health, and that of your children or grandchildren,

Stephen H. Wolpo, D.D.S.