This is the time of year to begin good oral hygiene
habits in children and adolescents. Give them a lifelong
practice that will benefit them far after they stop going to
school.
Summer is winding down and thoughts are migrating
toward “back to school”. Most parents are excited, most
kids are not. With the start of school, bad habits that accumulated
in the summer will have to change. Some of these
are bed times, homework guidelines, eating patterns and
hygiene.
One of the most important habits for children and adolescents
that are often overlooked is good oral hygiene. Since
so many illnesses (like diabetes, heart disease, copd and
others) are now being shown to link to oral health, it makes
sense to establish healthy patterns while persons are young.
These efforts will pay off in an individual’s overall health in
years to come.
Some oral health routines for parents to establish in their
children:
1. Avoid sugar sweetened beverages
2. Avoid sugar laden foods
3. Brush teeth twice a day
4. Floss between teeth once a day
Unfortunately, these are hard for both parents and children.
One company offers assistance in the brushing/flossing routine.
A brushless electrical appliance has been developed
that will give encouragement and add a degree of fun to the
never ending hassle over brushing teeth. The unique technology
power washes teeth and replaces tooth brushing and
flossing in one step. It offers a high tech solution to an age
old problem.
Children can benefit from early healthy oral habits that
parents can inspire by modeling and establishing a routine.
As an adult, individuals will more likely continue the
healthy oral hygiene they established as children and will be
less likely to become sick.
Just like education is an investment, excellent oral health
habits are also

Irish flag cookies.

Irish scones recipe.

(Chronicle Books), by Barbara Grunes. This book is a one-stop kitchen companion for parents, kids or anyone who needs a new dessert recipe. Some treats are tried-and-true favorites, while others are re-inventions of familiar tastes. These desserts are bound to sell out fast, so make sure to bake double batches.