Seven Steps For Keeping Teeth Healthy For A Lifetime

A smile can last a lifetime, if you take care of it. For this reason, it is important for parents to instill good health in children as soon as possible. According to Richard H. Carmona's report "National Call to Action to Promote Oral Health", children lose more than 51 million hours of school and adults lose more than 164 million hours of work each year because of dental disease or dentist visit. The total national cost of dental services was estimated at more than $70.1 billion in 2002.

"The mouth disease is annoying in different cities in the country," said Dr. Marsha Butler, Colgate-Palmolive vice president, oral health and global health and professional relations. "For children ages 5 to 17 here in the United States, toothache is more common than asthma, more common than hay fever, and it poses a greater risk to the health and well-being of our children."

Recently, in celebration of National Children's Dental Health Month, Colgate and Dr. Carmona revealed "The US Surgeon General's Seven Steps to a Brighter Smile," recommendations developed, with a grant from Colgate-Palmolive, to help strengthen teeth and gums. and health:

1. Brush your teeth and gums with fluoridated toothpaste at least twice a day, especially after breakfast and before bed. 2. Visit the dentist regularly.
2. Floss every day.
3. Use fluoride mouthwash for strong, healthy teeth and gums.
4. Limit the number of times you eat snacks per day and remember to eat healthy and get plenty of calcium.
5. Wear a mouth guard when playing sports.
6. Ask your dentist about dental implants.

Through the Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program, Colgate has provided free dental screenings, treatment consultations and oral health education to more than 50 million children. This company is more than halfway to the

public commitment to reach 100 million children in these services by 2010. Bright Smiles, Bright Futures empowers children to take control of their oral health and helps raise awareness of the importance of maintaining good dental hygiene.