What makes good teeth?

Nutrition for strong teeth. The crowns (the parts that show) of a baby's first teeth are formed in the gums before birth. A few of the permanent (adult) teeth also begin forming before birth and others begin within a few months after. Growing teeth need proper nutrition, including plenty of calcium and phosphorus, vitamin D and vitamin C. Good sources of calcium and phosphorus include vegetables, cereals, calcium-supplemented juices and milk (although nondairy diets may have some benefits). Sources of vitamin D include fortified milk, vitamin drops and sunshine. If you are breast-feeding, it's wise to take a vitamin D supplement (200 units a day) just to be on the safe side. Sources of vitamin C include most fruits, especially citrus; vitamin drops; raw tomatoes; cabbage and breast milk. Other vitamins are also heplful, including vitamin A (in yellow, orange and red fruits) and some of the B vitamins (in grains).

Fluoride. One mineral known to be especiaaly valuable in forming strong, decay-resistant teeth is fluoride. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral; we all have some in our teeth and bones. A small amount in the diet of the mother while she is pregnant and in the child's diet greatly reduces the risk of later tooth decay. When the enamel of a tooth is formed with fluoride, it resists the action of acid much better. In addition, fluoride in the mouth discourages the activity of the bacteria that cause tooth decay.
In regions with high levels of natural fluoride in the water, tooth decay is rare. Childrencan also get fluoride in the form of tablets or drops. It also helps to put fluoride directly onto the teeth, in the form of toothpastes, mouth rinses or special preparations that dentists use.

Fluoride in the water. For decades, fluoride has been added in very small, safe a mounts to the water of many communities as a public health measure. If you're not sure whether your water has enough fluoride, you can call the information umber on your bill and ask. Adequate fluoridations is 0.7 to 1.0 ppm (parts per million). If your water is low on fluoride, your family mostly drinks bottled water or you use a home purification system that takes out all the fluoride and other mineralws, it makes sense for you and your child to use a fluoride supplement (drops or pills).

Fluoride for babies. If you're breast-feeding and drinking fluoridated water, you don't need to give your baby extra fluoride. If your water is not fluoridated, consider giving your baby an infant vitamin with fluoride. Baby formulas contain little fluoride, but if you mix the formula with fluoride water, your child will get plenty of fluoride. If not, consider adding fluoride drops.

Enough, but not too much. Your child's doctor or nurse practitioner and dentist can help make sure your child gets the right amount of fluoride. If there is no fluoride in your water supply, your doctor or nurse practitioner may prescribe the appropriate daily dose for your infant, which will vary depending on your community and your child's age and weight. Too much fluoride can cause unattractive white and brown specks on the teeth, so it's importantto give the correct amount. Your child may also receive periodical topical applications of special fluoride solutions in the dentist's office. Fluoridated toothpastes are also beneficial for their surface effect on the enamel. But becareful: children who eat toothpaste, as most young children will, are at risk of getting too much fluoride. So use very small amounts (pea size) and keep the toothpaste away from very young children so that it doesn't become a convenient bathroom snack.