Dental Health Tips For Parents

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- February is National Children's Dental Health Month. The following tips on children's dental health are offered by experts in the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine:

- Many dental problems can begin while your baby is still in the womb. Protect your baby's teeth by eating healthy foods during pregnancy.

- Don't put your baby to bed with a bottle filled with milk or juice. The sugars in these liquids can cause "nursing-bottle decay," which can destroy tiny teeth.

- Your child's first dental visit should take place by the first birthday.

- Begin teaching children to brush twice a day when they are old enough to use a toothbrush.

- If your water isn't fluoridated, make sure to use a fluoride toothpaste. If it is, use only a pea-sized amount. Too much fluoride can speckle teeth.

- Diet plays an enormous role in developing healthy teeth. Limit your child's consumption of sticky, sweet foods such as caramels and raisins. Provide fruits, vegetables, pretzels or popcorn instead.

- Teach children to floss as early as possible and make it a life-long habit.

- Ask your dentist to apply sealants to your child's permanent molars.

Sealants are plastic coatings that are applied easily to the biting surface of teeth to protect against bacteria that cause tooth decay.

- Many children need to begin teeth-straightening measures between the ages of10-12. Talk positively about this possibility with your child. Stress the end result -- a beautiful smile.

- Provide healthy foods for your teen-ager and stress the importance of brushing and flossing regularly. Make sure they wear mouth guards when playing sports.

- Be a good role model.