KEYS TO GOOD ORAL HEALTH

KEYS TO GOOD ORAL HEALTH
Brush and floss regularly: Keeping teeth clean is the cornerstone to good oral health.
Seal out decay: Sealants protect the chewing surfaces of children's back teeth.
Eat a well-balanced diet: Teeth, bones and soft tissues of the mouth need a healthful diet; diets high in sugar and starch increase the likelihood of tooth decay.
Fight with fluoride: Fluoride strengthens teeth, preventing decay, and may reverse microscopic cavities. Sources of fluoride include fluoridated public water, fluoride tablets and drops, fluoride treatments and fluoride toothpastes.
Avoid injury: Wearing mouth guards while participating in athletic events shields against injuries to the teeth, head and neck.
Get regular check-ups: Seeing a dentist regularly ensures problems are diagnosed early, when they are most easily and effectively treated.
Source: American Dental Association
THE DENTAL HEALTH OF AMERICA'S CHILDREN
25 percent of children experience 80 percent of dental decay.
More than half of children ages 6 to 8 and two-thirds of all 15 year-olds experience dental decay.
Children from minority groups are most likely to experience untreated dental decay: 72 percent of Native American children ages 6 to 8, 50 percent of Hispanic children and 34 percent of black children experience untreated dental decay compared to 31 percent of all children.
60 percent of adolescents have gum disease.
Children with oral health problems miss almost 52 million hours of school each year.
Only 25 percent of all children 8 years old and younger have private dental insurance.
In 1999, the average cost for one dental sealant was $29.09 compared to $65.09 for one surface filling.
Source: National Center for Education in Maternal and Child Health