Did you know that by the time you grow up, you’ll have 32
teeth in your mouth? You might not realize it now, but taking care
of your teeth is one of the most important—and healthy—things you
can do for yourself.
Your teeth help you chew foods. They
also help you speak clearly. (Try
singing your favorite song without
using your teeth. It’s harder than
it sounds.) They even help you look
good when you smile. Once your adult
teeth come in, you’ll have them for
life! That’s why it’s so important
to take good care of your teeth now,
so they can stay strong and healthy
for a long time.
Like your bones, your teeth are very
strong. But sugary foods and drinks,
like candy and soda, can make them
soft. Then plaque, a clear film, can
stick to your teeth, and can attract
bacteria and other bad germs. Over
time, the bacteria can break down
the hard outer layer of your tooth,
causing holes called cavities.
Cavities can be painful, and you’ll
have to see a dentist to fix them.
Sometimes, your gums can get
infected, too. This is called
gingivitis; it makes your gums red
and sore.
For kids with
bleeding disorders,
bleeding from the mouth is quite
common. Usually these bleeds are
minor, but can look much scarier
when the blood gets mixed with your
saliva. You might need treatment
when a baby tooth falls out or a new
permanent tooth comes in, or when
you get a cut on your gums or tongue
or inside your cheek. If you notice
any bleeding in your
mouth—especially if it doesn’t seem
to stop, or if it stops but starts
up again—tell your parents or check
with your hemophilia treatment center
right away.
Here are a few ways you can keep
your teeth healthy:
Brush at least twice
a day
Brush in the morning after breakfast
and before bedtime. Brush after
eating snacks or desserts. Try to
brush all of your teeth, even the
ones way in the back. Spend at least
three minutes brushing each time.
Using a timer or playing a recorded
song can help you track time. Always
use a toothbrush with soft bristles.
Swallowing toothpaste might make you
sick, so rinse and spit after
brushing. Your toothbrush can wear
out quickly, so ask your parents for
a new one every three months.
Don’t forget to floss
your teeth
Sometimes flossing can cause your
gums to bleed slightly. Dental floss
is a coated string, or tape, that
helps you clean between your teeth.
It can take out any food or plaque
that may have gotten caught in your
teeth during the day, which your
toothbrush can’t reach.
Make sure you go to
the dentist at least twice a year
The dentist may also take X-rays,
pictures of the inside of your teeth
that show cavities or problems below
the surface that they can’t see.
Dentists can also show you the best
way to brush and floss. If you have
any questions about your teeth or
gums, don’t be afraid to ask.
Dentists know a lot about teeth!
Follow these suggestions and you,
your parents and your dentist will
be all smiles!
Interested in finding out more about
taking care of your teeth and going
to the dentist? Then visit
www.kidshealth.org, which has
tips on teeth just for kids.
Who Knew?
George Washington
did not have teeth
made out of wood,
but out of
hippopotamus teeth.
He also had teeth
made out of ivory,
human teeth and
cow's and sheep's
teeth.
A Chinese dentist
once built a tower
out of 28,000 human
teeth.
Have you ever
wondered how people
cleaned their teeth
before the
toothbrush was
invented? In 1400
A.D., toothbrushes
in China, using wild
boar neck-hairs as
bristles, were
invented. In 5000
B.C., ancient
Egyptians used twig
toothbrushes made by
smashing one end of
a stick. In the
1600s, many people
in Europe "mopped"
their teeth with
rags tied to sticks
and dipped in salt.
In 1780, William
Addis of England
made the first
modern toothbrush
with cow hairs and a
bone handle.
The material provided in Headline
News is for your general information
only. GLHF does not give medical
advice or engage in the practice of
medicine. GLHF under no
circumstances recommends particular
treatment for specific individuals,
and in all cases recommends that you
consult your physician or treatment
center before pursuing any course of
treatment.
