Simple steps for a Healthier Smile

• Daily flossing
• Electric toothbrush with a timer and a small changeable head
• Less processed sugar/less refined sugar
• Less carbohydrates
• Four to eight glasses of fluoridated water each day
• Brushing teeth for 2-3 minutes before bed
• Limited snacking

Healthy and Delicious Snacks*

• Raw fruits
• Raw vegetables
• Pretzels
• Popcorn (not old maids)
• Non-sticky foods
• Milk, cheese, oats (actually have a “cleansing effect and may inhibit tooth decay”)
• Complex carbohydrates (these break down in the stomach, not the mouth)
• Sugar-free gum
• Fresh roasted chestnuts, pistachio nuts
• Fruit with yogurt dip
• Pickles, olives

*Taken from Look Mom…No Cavities! by Gregory F. George, DDS

Unhealthy Snacks*

• Sticky, gummy-type candies (fruit snack types)
• Dried fruits
• Cookies
• Snack cakes
• High-processed, simply carbohydrates (especially in the middle of the day, when brushing is not available)
• Potato chips or sweetened cereals (may get stuck in the pits or in between teeth)
• Simple sugars, such as sucrose, corn syrup
• Regular soda

*Taken from the book Look Mom…No Cavities! by Gregory F. George, DDS

Frequency of Meals and Snacks*

It is not just the types of food we eat; it is also the frequency of eating that is important. If your children are snacking all day on raisins, sweet cereal or other simple carbohydrates, the acid levels in the mouth will be high, and the teeth will be more susceptible to decay for a longer period of time.

When regular eating times are established during the course of the day, tooth enamel destruction does not become a constant process and the body has the resources to protect itself.

Of course, you can’t always deny children snacks and treats. But you can choose to give sweet snacks only after mealtimes, when other refined carbohydrates are consumed and the teeth are likely to be brushed afterwards. In between meals, try offering raw or unprocessed, healthy snacks to minimize acid production.

And remember to use extra caution when brushing and flossing after your children have eaten sticky, retentive foods.

*Taken from the book Look Mom…No Cavities! by Gregory F. George, DDS

Fluoride

• The topical (surface) application to the tooth surfaces is critical for any age.
• This can be accomplished through fluoride rinses that are spit out, toothpastes that are spit out.
• Fluoridated water is critical.
• Most bottled water does not have fluoride.
• Many filtration systems, reverse osmosis remove fluoride