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 HOW
TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR TEETH
When you get
your picture taken, everyone says, "Say cheese! Smile!"
So you do - you open your mouth and show your teeth .When you see
the picture, you see a happy person looking back at you. The healthier
those teeth are, the happier you look. Why is that? It's because
your teeth are important in many ways. If you take care of them,
they'll help take care of you. Strong, healthy teeth help you chew
the right foods to help you grow. They help you speak clearly. And
yes, they help you look your best. Why Healthy Teeth Are Important
How does taking care of your teeth help with all those things? Taking
care of your teeth helps prevent plaque (say: plak),
which is a clear film that sticks to your teeth. The film itself
may not sound so bad, but it's very sticky, and it acts like a magnet
for bacteria (say: bak-teer-ee-uh) and sugar. Just
like ants at a picnic, the bacteria go crazy breaking the sugar
down into acids. These acids eat away at the tooth enamel, and this
can cause cavities. Plaque also causes gingivitis (say: jin-ji-vie-tis),
which is gum disease (this can make your gums red and sore). Your
gums are those soft pink tissues in your mouth that hold your teeth
in place. Before long, the cavities and gums can become very sore,
eating may be more difficult, and you might not feel like smiling
so much.
Before Toothpaste
Was Invented
We're lucky that we know so much now about taking care of our
teeth. Long ago, people's teeth would hurt and rot. To get rid of
a toothache, they had their teeth pulled out.
- ground-up
chalk or charcoal
- lemon juice
- ashes (you know, the stuff that's left over after a fire)
- tobacco and honey mixed together
Yuck!
Today there are many toothpaste choices. Look for one with fluoride,
which makes your teeth strong and fights cavities . You don't need
a lot of toothpaste, though; just squeeze out a bit the size of
a pea. It's not a good idea to swallow the toothpaste, either, so
be sure to rinse and spit.
It was only about 100 years ago that someone finally created a minty
cream to clean teeth. Not long after that, the toothpaste tube was
invented, so people could squeeze the paste right onto the toothbrush!
How You Can
Keep Your Teeth Healthy
Brush at least twice a day, after breakfast and before bed. If you
can, brush after lunch or after sweet snacks. Brushing properly
breaks down plaque. Be sure to brush not just the front of your
teeth, but the sides and back of them, too. Brush away from your
gums. This helps to keep your gums healthy, too.
And take your
time. Spend at least 3 minutes each time you brush. If you have
trouble keeping track of the time, use an egg timer or play a recording
of a song you like to help pass the time.
Be sure that
your toothbrush has soft bristles (the package the brush comes in
will tell you if they're soft) and that you get a new toothbrush
every 3 months.
Floss your teeth,
too. It feels weird the first few times you do it, but pretty soon
you'll be a pro. Slip the dental floss in between each tooth and
up along the gum line. The floss gets rid of the food that's hidden
where your toothbrush can't get it.
It's also important
to visit the dentist twice a year. Besides checking for signs of
cavities or gum disease, the dentist will help keep your teeth extra
clean, and he or she can help you learn the best way to brush and
floss.
It's not just
brushing and flossing that keep your teeth healthy - you need to
be careful about what you eat and drink. Remember, the plaque on
your teeth is just waiting for that sugar to arrive. Eat lots of
fruits and vegetables and drink milk instead of soda. And don't
forget to smile!
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