DENTAL HEALTH TIPS
Tooth decay affects more than one-fourth of U.S. children age 2-5 and half of those age 12-15, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Here are some brushing tips:
1. Look for toothpaste that does not contain sodium lauryl sulfate which can cause canker sores in some kids.
2. The teen years are a great time to introduce a tooth tonic or mouthwash into a dental routine.
3. Night guards for teens. Prevent damage caused by clenching and grinding related to stress. Choose one created by your dentist specific to your teen’s bite.
5. Digital imaging — choose digital imaging for your child’s radiographs (x-rays). These diagnostic images use less radiation, won’t degrade over time and are easily sent by e-mail to specialists.
6. Dentistry is a healing experience and should not be traumatic. Take your child with you to your dental appointments from a young age.
— St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Can you help this local mom?
“My oldest daughter is 12 and got a cell phone for her birthday. Most of her peers already had one. She is starting to go places where I like being able to stay in contact with her. She mainly uses the cell phone to text her friends. Since she did start middle school this year, she is making lots of new friends. Is it OK for me to read her texts or is this invading her privacy? I just want to make sure that she’s hanging out with the right kinds of kids, while not betraying her trust. Help!