 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Dr.
Tracht
supports
child
safety
on
the
Internet
Please
see
My
Rules
for
Online
Safety
How a Cavity is Made?
Kids,
did
you
know
that
almost
everything
we
eat
can
cause
cavities?
Scientists
used
to
think
that
too
much
sugar
was
the
main
cause
of
cavities.
Now
we
know
much
more!
Plaque is the sticky stuff that builds up on our teeth every day. We can't stop it; we all get plaque. You can't see plaque very well because it is the same color as teeth. Plaque has germs in it called bacteria. When we eat or drink, especially something with lots of sugar, it causes the bacteria to make acid. If acid is on our teeth for a long time it makes a hole in the tooth called a cavity, or dental caries. It takes a long time to get a cavity. Our teeth are the hardest part of our body, even harder than bones. Once a cavity forms, it can't be brushed away with a toothbrush! It must be fixed by a dentist with a special electric handpiece to remove all of the bacteria. The dentist can fill up the hole with a special filling, or restoration. Cavities that are not fixed can grow bigger and cause pain and infection. By visiting the dentist regularly, cavities can be found and fixed before they become a problem!
Every time we eat or drink, especially sweets, it causes acid to form. It takes at least 20 minutes for the acid in our mouth to go away or neutralize. If people snack many times a day, especially on pop, candy, sticky fruit rolls, etc. they have acid on their teeth for much of the day. That's when the cavities begin! Frequent snacking can cause cavities. Some fruit juices, like apple and grape, have natural acid already in them so too much juice can cause cavities, too!
Brushing off the plaque carefully twice a day helps to keep the bacteria away from the teeth. Morning and evening are the best times to brush. If you go to bed without brushing, the bacteria have a party all night long on the food you have eaten all day! So brush those pearly whites!
Flossing
removes
the
plaque
from
in
between
teeth
where
a
toothbrush
can't
reach
There are some foods that help prevent plaque from forming. Peanuts, cashews, chocolate and licorice are some of them. Cheese can even help stop a cavity from growing after it has started! Cheese is a much better snack for you than sugary ones. Fruits that grow in nature, raw vegetables, and popcorn are also good choices.
ATTENTION!! KIDS WITH PERMANENT MOLARS!!
|
Bacteria like to hide in the deep grooves in teeth where a toothbrush can't reach. Ask your dentist to put sealants on your permanent molars! Sealants are like protective shields that prevent plaque and bacteria from getting into the grooves! They're awesome and very easy for your dentist or hygienist to apply. |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Games
|
||||||||||||||
 |
 |
|
|
|
||||||||||
| Bomb Sweeper | Tetris | Magic Cards |
||||||||||||
Related Links:
