The Tooth Hurts
Tooth decay in baby teeth is on the rise.
Too much sugar -- in the form of processed snacks, juice
and the like -- is to blame, say experts. It's the same phenom that's
making our kids chubbier than ever before.
So what? They're falling out anyway, right?
Here's the thing: After your first birthday, fat and toothless is no way to go through life. Also, there's the threat of untreated decay spreading from tooth to tooth. We're talking fillings, extractions and a lifelong fear of the dentist (which happens anyway, but usually not until later).
Not to mention really bad breath.
Anyway, there's some good news. The same study found that older kids have fewer cavities. Experts credit the growing use of dental sealants, a protective plastic coating applied to teeth. Properly applied sealants can reduce cavities by 60% or more. Sorry kids, you still have to brush your teeth. Why? Because I said so.
Tooth Decay Is on the Rise for Kids [AP]
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