Seven Steps to Keeping Your Teeth Healthy for the Rest of Your Life

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

According to U.S. Surgeon General Richard H. According to Carmona's National Call to Action for Oral Health Promotion report, children miss more than 51 million hours of schooling and adults miss more than 164 million hours of work per year due to dental disease or visits to the dentist. The country's total bill for dental services in 2002 was estimated at over $ 70.1 billion. "

" Oral diseases are alarmingly affecting communities across the country, "explains Dr. Marsha Butler, vice president of Colgate-Palmolive, Global Oral Health and Employment Relations. "Here in the US for children aged 5 to 17, tooth decay is more common than asthma, more common than hay fever, and a significant threat to the overall health and well-being of our children." Recently, during the celebration of National Pediatric Dental Health Month, Colgate and Dr. Carmona unveiled "Seven Steps for an American General Surgeon to a Brighter Smile," Tips developed with the Colgate-Palmolive grant, Stronger, to help maintain healthy teeth and gums:

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

2. See your dentist regularly.

3. Floss your teeth daily.

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

5. Limit the number of times you snack each day and remember to eat healthy and get enough calcium.

6. Wear a mouthguard when playing sports.

7. Ask your dentist about dental sealants.

Colgate has provided free dental checkups, referrals and oral education to more than 50 million children through its Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program. The company is more than half of its public commitment to reach 100 million children with these services by 2010. A bright smile, a bright future gives children the opportunity to take control of their oral health and helps create greater awareness of the importance of maintaining good dental hygiene.