A perfect smile :)

Talking about teeth has always been my pet subject. Either during my routine well check with parents/patients or over dinner table conversations with families/friends. In this day and age, appearance and first impression are everything. We need to start young to take care of our smile and teeth.

Childhood dental decay is the commonest chronic childhood illness in US. Its 5 times more common than asthma, and 7 times more common than hay fever. 40% of children will have tooth decay by the time they reach kindergarten ! Tooth decay in baby teeth means greater risk for decay in adult teeth.

I recently brought my 2 1/2 year old son to his dental appointment. His dentist recommend a xylitol dental wipe. Xylitol is a natural occuring organic sugar that is not fermented by bacteria in mouth, therefore create a protective coat for the teeth enamel. Tooth paste and dental wipe that contain xylitol are better for kids whom are still unable to spit out fluoride tooth paste.

Start a good habit by brushing and flossing twice daily, wiping baby's mouth/gum/cheeks/tongue after feeding. Wean off bottle by one year old; limit sugary food/drinks; no sharing of utentils from adult (definitely no mouth-to-mouth feeding like actress Alicia Silverstone !).

Visit a pediatric dentist by one year of age or 6 month after the first tooth eupted. Check to see that your city has 0.7-1.2mg/L fluoride added into drinking water.

http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/MWF/Index.asp