You're listening to WPSU's Health Minute, a collaboration with Penn State's College of Nursing.
February is Children's Dental Health Month.
Oral care begins even before your baby's first tooth emerges. Baby's gums should be cleaned twice daily with a moist, clean cloth to rid the gums of bacteria and sugars. The American Dental Association warns tooth decay can occur when babies are exposed to sugary drinks, put to bed with a bottle, or using shared utensils. Fluoride toothpaste can be used once the child is two years old.
Follow the ADA's recommendations on brushing teeth twice a day and maintaining a healthy diet to prevent cavities.
For more information, visit cdc.gov/oralhealth or ada.org. Join us next week for WPSU's Health Minute. For more episodes, visit wpsu.org/healthminute.
I'm Cheraine Stanford, WPSU.
