Did you know tooth decay is the most chronic disease of childhood? It’s five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever! 

According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), dental caries (cavities) is a common chronic condition that causes pain and disability across all age groups. If left untreated, it can lead to pain and infection and tooth loss.*

And tooth decay can be more than just a pain in your mouth. The pain can keep you from getting a good night’s sleep, eating properly or even paying attention in school! It’s hard to focus on a tough math problem when your mouth hurts. Tooth decay can also lead to more severe problems such as tooth loss or infection. 

How can you avoid tooth decay and the problems it causes? Follow these tips to help maintain a healthy, pain-free smile:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss between your teeth daily. Decay–causing bacteria hide between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
• Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.
• Limit the amount of soft drinks and other sugary, acidic beverages you drink. Drink water if you are thirsty. It’s better for you and helps prevent decay.
• Visit your dentist every six months for professional cleanings and exams.
• Ask your dentist about dental sealants, a protective plastic coating that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth where decay often starts.
• Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles become frayed.