{"id":12335,"date":"2017-02-20T08:00:23","date_gmt":"2017-02-20T14:00:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.paristn.net\/articles\/?p=12335"},"modified":"2017-02-20T00:53:28","modified_gmt":"2017-02-20T06:53:28","slug":"tennessee-department-of-health-says-choose-tap-water-for-a-sparkling-smile","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.paristn.net\/articles\/2017\/02\/20\/tennessee-department-of-health-says-choose-tap-water-for-a-sparkling-smile\/","title":{"rendered":"Tennessee Department of Health says Choose Tap Water for a Sparkling Smile"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"TennesseeNashville, TN<\/strong> – Most people know brushing and flossing teeth and regular visits to a dentist are important for maintaining dental health. But did you know simply drinking tap water can help you keep a sparkling smile?<\/p>\n

February is National Children\u2019s Dental Health Month, and the Tennessee Department of Health is reminding parents and caregivers of the importance of teaching children good health habits that can help keep both them and their teeth healthy.<\/p>\n

\"February<\/a>

February is Children\u2019s Dental Health Month<\/p><\/div>\n

“Babies are born without tooth decay, and we want both baby and adult teeth to be cavity-free as they grow so they can have strong teeth for life,\u201d said TDH Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur teeth are meant to last a lifetime, and a healthy smile is important to a child\u2019s self-esteem and success in school and career. With proper care including a balanced diet, brushing, flossing, limiting sweets, fluoridated water, dental screenings, cleanings and sealants, parents can help children build the foundation for healthy and strong teeth that can last for 100 years,\u201c stated Dreyzehner.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s theme for Children\u2019s Dental Health Month is \u201cChoose Tap Water for a Sparkling Smile.\u201d Not only is water a better choice for dental and overall health than drinks with added sugar such as soda and sweetened juices, tap water with fluoride can protect teeth by preventing cavities.<\/p>\n

\u201cOral diseases are among the most prevalent health problems in Tennessee and affect a significant number of children and adolescents in every county of our state,\u201d said TDH Oral Health Services Director Veran Fairrow, DDS. \u201cTDH supports and promotes community water fluoridation as an important measure to protect health by preventing the problem of tooth decay.\u201d<\/p>\n

Community water fluoridation has been cited by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as one of the top ten greatest public health achievements of the 20th century for reducing the amount of tooth decay people experience.<\/p>\n

Good attitudes and habits established at an early age are critical in maintaining good oral health and overall health throughout a person\u2019s life.<\/p>\n

The American Dental Association recommends these habits for both children and adults to help keep teeth healthy:<\/strong><\/p>\n