Say Cheese! Taking good care of your teeth

CEBU, Philippines - Kids! Didn’t you ever notice when you get your picture taken, everyone says, “Smile, Say cheese!” And so you smile and show your teeth. 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 take care of you, as well. The month of February is observed as the National Dental Health Month. This is to give due importance to taking good care of the teeth.

Strong, healthy teeth help you chew the food properly, so that you will grow. They help you speak clearly. And yes, they help you look your best. It is just so sad that teeth are the most neglected part of the body, especially among kids. But thank goodness, part of the lessons now being taught in school are the proper ways to take good care of your teeth.

Why Healthy Teeth Are Important

Isn’t it pleasant to speak with someone, say a classmate or a friend, who has a complete, clean set of teeth and a pleasant breath, as well? So, how does taking care of your teeth make you have a clean and complete set of teeth? Taking care of your teeth helps prevent plaque that causes bacteria to stick to your teeth.

After you eat, the bacteria breaks down to acids that eat away tooth enamel, causing a hole called cavity. A cavity develops when a tooth decays or breaks down. A cavity can grow bigger and deeper over time. The acids can continue to make their way through the enamel, and the inside parts of your tooth can begin to decay. 

If you’ve ever had a toothache or heard an adult complain about one, it may have been because there was a cavity that reached all the way inside a tooth, where the nerve endings are. Plaque also causes gingivitis. It is a gum disease that can make your gums red, swollen, and sore. Your gums are those soft pink tissues in your mouth that hold your teeth in place.

How to Keep Your Teeth Healthy

Kids, here are some ways to keep your Teeth Healthy:

•Brush at least twice a day — after breakfast and before bedtime. If you can, brush after lunch or after sweet snacks. Brushing properly breaks down plaque.

•Brush all of your teeth, not just the front ones. The dentist can help show you the best way to brush to get your teeth clean without damaging your gums.

•Take your time while brushing. Spend at least 2 or 3 minutes each time you brush. If you have trouble keeping track of the time, use a timer.

•Be sure your toothbrush has soft bristles. Ask your mom or your dad to help you get a new toothbrush every 3 months. 

•Learn how to floss your teeth. It is a very important way to keep them healthy. It feels unusual the first few times you do it, but pretty soon it will just be like a walk in the park. The floss gets rid of food that’s hidden where your toothbrush can’t reach, no matter how well you brush.

•You can also brush your tongue to help keep your breath fresh!

When you brush, you don’t need a lot of toothpaste: 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 after brushing. 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 can help you learn the best way to brush and floss.

It’s not just brushing and flossing that keep your teeth healthy — you also 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 water instead of soft drinks. And most importantly, don’t forget to smile!