DO:

• Brush for two minutes twice a day with a small amount of fluoride toothpaste.

• Apply Neutracare with a brush after brushing before bedtime. Our office can supply this prescription at a discounted price.

• Minimize dried fruit such as raisens. Eat fresh fruits instead.

• Eat sweet snacks quickly. Snacking, nibbling and sipping will result in sugar and acid on the teeth for a longer, more destructive time frame.

• Use fluoride supplements for children up to age 9 to strengthen teeth against decay.

• Drink diet pop if you must drink pop at all. If you have an occasional sugar soda, drink it quickly rather than sipping it over a long period of time.

• Start your children's tooth care early. Bring them to see the dentist starting at age one.

DON'T:

• Smoke. Smoking is the leading cause of gum disease. If you are a smoker, try to cut down, or better yet, quit.

• Don't put your baby to bed at nap or bedtime with bottles that contain juice or milk. Water is okay. No honey or sugar on pacifiers.

• No long lasting or frequently used candies or gum with sugar. This includes TicTacs, hard candies, cough drops, Altoids, etc.

• No snacks less than one hour before bedtime.

• No sugar or honey in your coffee or tea. Use sugar substitutes instead.