Protect Your Child’s Smile!
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MCNA Dental
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM). The American Dental Association (ADA) created this special month to help everyone be more aware of the benefits of good oral health for children. The NCDHM slogan for this year is “Water, Nature’s Drink!”. Good dental habits should include choosing water over other drinks. Here are a few ways in which water is good for your child’s teeth.
Contains No Added Sugars: Water does not have added sugars like other drinks such as sodas and sports drinks. Sugars stick to your child’s teeth and help bacteria weaken the outer surface. These weak spots turn into cavities!
Rinses Away Food and Bacteria: Drinking water after eating helps to clean your child’s mouth. It washes away bits of food and bacteria before they can cause trouble. It also helps to keep your child’s breath fresh.
Makes Teeth Strong: Water from the tap or a drinking fountain is a good source of fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral that helps to make the outside of teeth stronger. Strong teeth are better able to fight off bacteria and decay! Your child can also get fluoride from toothpaste and mouthwash.
The ADA has created free and fun posters to help your child remember to choose water. You can view and print them from the ADA website. You can also learn more from the ADA about water and oral health on the MouthHealthy website.
Sources: American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
