How To Care for Your Teeth
Did you know that you get two sets of teeth in your lifetime? The first set, sometimes called "baby teeth", are replaced by permanent teeth about the time you start first grade.
But, just because you get two sets of teeth doesn't mean you shouldn't take care of the first set! If your baby teeth get rotten (decay), your permanent teeth might grow in crooked.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is caused by food that is left on your teeth. Food can also get between your teeth and cause decay. These bits of food can make a film on your teeth (plaque). The germs that live in the plaque make acid that can eat holes in your teeth (cavity).
You can cut down on the chances you will get cavities by brushing away the bits of food before they turn into plaque. The best time to get food off of your teeth is before it turns to plaque. That's why you should brush after eating.
Brushing Your Teeth
You can help prevent cavities by brushing your teeth every morning and before you go to sleep. Use a good toothbrush that is the right size for your mouth. You should use toothpaste that has fluoride in it. Flouride helps prevent cavities. Be sure to brush all of your teeth.
Brush your teeth gently, don't scrub them with the toothbrush. Make small circles with the brush. Brush the front, back, and tops of every tooth. Brush your gums to help keep them healthy.
Before you go to bed, clean between your teeth with dental floss. Ask your mom or dad to show you how to use dental floss.
Preventing Cavities
- Brush your teeth every morning after you eat breakfast.
- Brush with toothpaste that has flouride.
- Don't eat between meal snacks unless you brush your teeth afterward.
- Don't eat foods high in sugar.
- Floss every day to get rid of food and plaque between your teeth.
- Brush your teeth before you go to bed at night.
- See your dentist for checkups.
If you don't find the knowledge you are looking for right away, search until you do. Remember—Knowledge is Powerful Medicine!
