Pediatric Dentistry

Brush your teeth regularly to reduce plaque buildup. Brushing should last 2 to 3 minutes each time to make sure you're reaching all teeth surfaces. The American Dental Association recommends a new brush every 3 to 4-months.

Eat a variety of foods, but eat fewer foods containing sugars and starches between meals, according to the federal government's Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The guidelines say that the more often you eat foods with sugars and starches and the longer these foods stay in your mouth before you brush your teeth, the greater the risk for tooth decay. Consider sugarless candy and gums made with certain sugar alcohols because they may not promote tooth decay.

Dentistry More Gentle
with Painless 'Drillings' & Matching Fillings for your Cavities

by Paula Kurtzweil

describes where cavities usually form

Reprinted with permission from FDA Consumer