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The Prudential HealthCare DMO(R) Offers Tips on Teaching Kids Proper Dental Care in Observance of National Children's Dental Health Month |
SourcePrudential HealthCare ForumsHealth, Safety, Nutrition and KidsRelated ArticlesFebruary is National Children's Dental Health Month; New Study Reveals Parental Blunders With Kids' Brushing RoutineChildren Without Cavities: A Growing Trend Number Of Children Without Cavities Doubles In Two Decades Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay Information and news releases furnished by the members of PR Newswire, who are responsible for their fact and content. |
ROSELAND, N.J., Feb. 17, 1997 -- In observance of National Children's Dental Health Month this February, the Prudential HealthCare's managed dental plan, the Dental Maintenance Organization (DMO(R)), offers important tips on teaching kids proper dental care. "The most important tip for maintaining good oral health is to schedule regular dental visits for check-ups and professional cleanings. Parents should always stress the importance of these visits so that when their children are grown-ups, they will continue to practice good oral health," said Dr. Marv Zatz, DDS, vice president, Prudential Healthcare Dental Relations. "One of the advantages of being part of a dental managed care plan, like the DMO, is that these visits are typically covered at 100%." Preventing Cavities and Tooth DecayCavities are common during the teen years, which is why parents need to educate their kids about proper dental care. Teens snack on sugary and starchy foods and don't brush as often as they should. Braces or teeth that are crooked can also make cleaning teeth difficult, increasing their risk for tooth decay. However, practicing these simple tips may help prevent cavities and dental problems:
Protecting Teeth with FluorideYour kids can strengthen their teeth and protect them from decay with fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and even repairs certain microscopic cavities. There are two ways to receive fluoride protection
Signs of Gum DiseaseGum disease is usually caused by plaque that produces toxins which irritate gum tissue. During puberty, gums can become more sensitive to these toxins because of hormonal changes. If your kids notice any of the following signs of gum disease, take them to the dentist:
Watch What Your Kids EatTeens are known for eating sweet snacks, fast foods and meals on-the-run. But these eating habits are the culprits of tooth decay and dental problems. Make sure your kids choose their foods wisely. When possible, foods like sugary snacks and sweet sticky foods should be eaten at meal times when other foods help neutralize their damaging effects. When your kids do snack, encourage them to eat foods that are good for their teeth like nuts, popcorn, cheese, raw vegetables, plain yogurt, and sugarless gum or candy. And remind them to brush, or at least rinse, after every meal. The Prudential HealthCare DMO(R) serves nearly 2.3 million members. DMO is a service mark of The Prudential Insurance Company of America, registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark office. Important Note: These tips have been developed for your information only and should not take the place of medical advice or consultation with a personal physician. It represents information compiled from a variety of medical and clinical resources. Prudential HealthCare is a brand name for all of the managed health care and employee benefit products marketed by The Prudential Insurance Company of America and its subsidiaries, and for the business unit that administers them. Prudential Healthcare is a service mark of The Prudential Insurance Company of America. CONTACT: Julie Mandell of Prudential HealthCare, 201-802-4884 |
