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A smile can last a lifetime if you take care of it. For that reason, it is important for parents to instill good oral health habits in children as soon as possible.

According to the US Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona’s “National Call to Action to Promote Oral Health” report, children miss more than 51 million school hours and adults lose more than 164 million school hours. I work every year due to dental illness or dental visits. The nation’s total bill for dental services was estimated at more than $ 70.1 billion in 2002.

“Oral health disease is making disturbing inroads in communities across the country,” explains Dr. Marsha Butler, Colgate-Palmolive Vice President, Global Oral Health and Professional Relations, explains. “For children ages 5 to 17 here in the United States, tooth decay is more common than asthma, more common than hay fever, and poses a significant threat to the overall health and well-being of our children. ”.

Recently, during the National Children’s Dental Health Month celebration, Colgate and Dr. Carmona unveiled the Seven Steps to a Brilliant Smile from “General Surgery America”, which were developed, with a Colgate-Palmolive grant, to help maintain healthy teeth and strong gums:

1 – Brush your teeth and gums with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, especially after breakfast and before bed.

2 – Visit the dentist regularly.

3 – Floss daily.

4 – Use fluoride rinse for strong, healthy teeth and gums.

5 – Limit the number of times you snack each day, and remember to eat healthily and get plenty of calcium.

6 – Wear a mouthguard when playing sports.

7 – Ask your dental professional about dental sealants.

For more information about oral care ask Unicare Dental Center.

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