February is National Childen's Dental Health Month

Our teeth are meant to last a lifetime. With proper care, a balanced diet and regular dental visits, your child's teeth can stay healthy and strong throughout their entire lifetime.

It's important to realize that what kids eat - and when they eat it - may affect not only their overall general health, but also their oral health. Almost all foods have some type of sugar that cannot and should not be eliminated from our diet. Many of these foods contain important nutrients and add enjoyment to eating. But there is a risk for tooth decay from a diet high in sugars and starches. The average U.S. teenage boy drinks 81 gallons of soft drinks each year! A steady diet of sugary foods and drinks can ruin teeth, especially among those who snack throughout the day.

So what can you do to reduce your child's risk of tooth decay?

• Sugar and sugary drinks should only be consumed during meals. Saliva production increases during meals and helps neutralize acid production and rinse food particles from the mouth.
• Limit between-meal snacks. If kids want a snack, offer a nutritious one.
• If your kids chew gum, make it sugarless. Chewing sugarless gum after eating can increase saliva flow and help wash out food.
• Monitor beverage consumption - Instead of soft drinks all day, children should also choose water and low-fat milk.
• Help your children develop good brushing and flossing habits.
• And of course ... Schedule regular dental visits!

If your child is overdue for their exam and cleaning, please call the StarBrite Dental officetoday at (301) 770-1070 to schedule their appointment. We offer convenient Thursday evening and Saturday appointments if you prefer that they do not miss any school.