I
t’s no secret that soda, juice
drinks and other sugary
sips can make
you pack on
pounds.
But these drinks
can take a toll on
your teeth too.
Here’s how to keep
your teeth healthy and
strong.
When acids attack
When you eat and drink, you
feed more than your stomach. You
also feed the germs that live in your
Why kids need
to see the dentist
There’s nothing like seeing your
child smile. So make sure a dentist
gets to see that smile too.
Regular dental visits are
important—even when your child
only has baby teeth.
During these visits, the dentist can
show you how to clean your child’s
teeth. He or she can also check for
problems. If there are problems, it’s
better to find them early.
Beginning with the first tooth,
take your child to see the dentist
twice a year. Some children may
need to go more often. Ask the
dentist what is best for your child.
To learn more about your child’s
dental benefits, call your dental
plan. If your child has Medi-Cal,
call Denti-Cal at
800-322-6384
.
Sources: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry; American Dental Association
mouth. ey need sugar
to live and grow. ey
turn the sugar to acids,
which attack your teeth.
If you don’t clean your
teeth regularly, the acids
can cause tooth decay and
gum disease. And it can lead
to infection, pain and tooth
loss.
Most foods, even milk and
vegetables, have some sugar in
them. But foods that are high in
sugar and low in nutrients—such
as soda and juice drinks—are the
real troublemakers for teeth.
4
ways to stop tooth decay
For healthy teeth:
1.
Choose water or low-fat milk.
Limit drinks that are high in sugar.
2.
Try to limit sugary drinks
between meals. e more often you
eat and drink, the more often the
bacteria make acids. At meals, the
acids are less harmful. Your teeth
are protected by extra saliva then.
3.
Brush twice a day. Also be sure
to oss once a day.
4.
See your dentist regularly.
Drinking fewer sugary drinks
can help cut empty calories from
your diet. It may also help you stay
at a healthy weight.
Sources: American Dental Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Sweet drinks
FOR HEALTHY TEETH, WATCH WHAT—
AND WHEN—YOU DRINK
family
health
2
dental health