Why Good Dental Health is Important
Numerous studies and research have shown the importance of starting children early in their lives with good dental hygiene and oral care. According to research, the most common chronic childhood disease in America is tooth decay. Early treatment prevents problems affecting a child’s health, well-being, self-image and overall achievement.
Parents are responsible for ensuring their children practice good dental hygiene. Parents must introduce proper oral care early in a child's life—as early as infancy.
For more information, please see our Prevention page.
Eating Healthy
Eating a well-balanced diet leads to a healthy mouth and teeth. A child’s diet should consist of foods from the five major food groups, and a limited amount of sugary snacks because they can cause cavities. The longer food remains in the mouth, the longer acid from that food can attack tooth enamel (example: hard candies and mints). It is important to choose nutritious snacks for your child, such as vegetables, whole fruits, nuts, low-fat yogurt, and low-fat cheese.