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The first thing to teach your children about preventive tooth
care is that good eating habits are important. Foods that keep the
whole body healthy will also keep teeth, gums and jawbones in good
condition. Milk, cheese, meat, eggs, vegetables, fruits, whole
grain breads and cereals are excellent for healthy teeth and gums.
If your child eats between meals, remember that snacks should be low in sugar. In-between-meal treats such as candy,
cookies, ice cream, sugared chewing gum and sweet drinks may
play havoc with a child's teeth. Bacteria which are normally present
in the mouth combine with sugar to form acids - acids which attack
tooth enamel. Eventually, it causes cavities.
When sweets are eaten between meals there is more apt to be a chance for cavities to develop, since the child will probably
not brush right after - before acids have a chance to form. |
