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Water Industry News
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and Dannon Fluoride
Launch Education Initiative for National Children's Dental Health Month
ATLANTA, Jan. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of National Children's Dental
Health Month in February, more than 6,400 members of the American Academy of
Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) will kick off a national campaign in partnership
with Spring!(TM) by Dannon(R) Fluoride to Go(TM) to help focus attention on
the importance of drinking water with fluoride for children.
Today, dental decay is still one of the most common childhood diseases --
five times as common as asthma in 5-17-year-olds.(1) It affects more than one
fifth of American children aged 2-4, half of those aged 6-8 and nearly 60
percent of those aged 15.(2) The awareness campaign recognizes that children
in the United States may not be getting enough fluoride to fight preventable
tooth decay due to the dramatic rise in consumption of bottled waters,(3) and
the fact that 40 percent of children do not have optimal levels of fluoride in
their local water supply.(4)
"Drinking water with fluoride is still the easiest and most effective way
to fight tooth decay," said AAPD president Dr. H. Pitts Hinson. "In fact,
water fluoridation can prevent up to 40 percent of tooth decay,(5) which can
translate into significant financial savings in dental expenses and a lifetime
of maintenance. Spring! by Dannon Fluoridated Spring Water contains our
recommended level of fluoride, making it easy for parents to give their kids
the right amount to beat tooth decay. It also offers those parents living in
low-fluoridated communities an alternative to fluoride supplements."
"Parents who prefer bottled spring water to keep their kids healthy and
hydrated now can choose the convenience of bottled water, confident that they
are also providing essential fluoride," said Deb Roberts, senior brand
manager, Spring! by Dannon. "Our Fluoride to Go bottles are kid-sized and
clearly marked with fluoride levels to help parents ensure their kids are
getting the right amount to keep teeth strong and healthy."
The national awareness campaign will start with the distribution of
educational activity books at pediatric dental offices and clinics nationwide.
Parents and children will receive information about the importance of fluoride
in their fight against cavities. A Spring! by Dannon product coupon will also
be included. Spring! by Dannon Fluoride to Go is an easy and fun way to help
youth drink more water and get the recommended level of fluoride. For further
information about the Spring! by Dannon Fluoride to Go and AAPD fluoride
education campaign and tips on how to prevent tooth decay, visit http://www.aapd.org.
How Much Fluoride?(6)
Parents should consult their dentist regarding fluoride intake. The
following schedule can be used as a discussion tool.
Children Recommended Daily Fluoride Intake
Ages 1-3 0.7 mg/day or the equivalent of 3 servings* of
drinking water with fluoride
Ages 4-8 1 mg/day or 4 servings
Ages 9-13 2 mg/day or 8 servings
Ages 14-18 3 mg/day or 12 servings
* serving size based on one 8.5 fl oz glass of fluoridated water or one
8.5 fl oz bottle of Spring! by Dannon Fluoridated Spring Water with
0.25 mg of fluoride added.
FIVE TIPS TO HELP KIDS TAKE A BITE OUT OF TOOTH DECAY
Dentists across the country will be working together this month to educate
parents and children about better dental care in honor of National Children's
Dental Health Month. Despite recent improvements in dental care in the United
States, dental decay is still one of the most common childhood diseases. It is
five times as common as asthma in 5-17-year-olds.(1) It affects more than one
fifth of American children aged 2-4, half of those aged 6-8 and nearly 60
percent of those aged 15.(2) Dr. H. Pitts Hinson, president of the American
Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), offers these five simple tips to help
you and your kids in the fight against tooth decay.
1. A Good Cleaning. Your child may think they're old enough to brush their
own teeth, but until they reach the age of six, make sure to take
command and brush their teeth for them at least twice a day, using a
pea-sized amount of ADA-approved toothpaste. After age six, continue to
supervise brushing to make sure they reach every tooth and brush
properly. Tooth care starts with the first tooth - wipe your baby's
gums and emerging teeth with a clean gauze pad after each feeding.
2. Visit your Dentist. Visit a pediatric dentist as soon as your baby's
first tooth appears and no later than age one. Book routine visits for
professional cleanings and check ups at least twice a year. Your baby's
first teeth are beautiful and cavity-free, regular visits can help keep
them that way and could save you a lot on dental care.
3. Drink Fluoridated Water. Water fluoridation can prevent up to 40
percent of tooth decay.(5) Drinking water with fluoride is still the
easiest and most effective way to fight tooth decay. If you're among
the 40 percent of families without optimal levels of fluoridation in
your municipal tap water, talk to your dentist about fluoridation
options. If you prefer your kids to drink bottled water, be aware that
not all waters contain optimal fluoride levels and make sure it's
clearly labeled "with fluoride." Spring! by Dannon Fluoride(TM) to
Go(R) Spring Water, which has 0.25 mg of fluoride in every 8.5 fl oz
bottle - the level recommended by the AAPD -- comes in a perfect size
for your little ones. You can't miss it -- it's the one that looks like
a school bus!
4. Don't Forget in Between. A toothbrush can't get into every nook and
cranny so it's important to floss. It's the only way to reach lingering
food particles lurking between your child's teeth.
5. Eat Well. Make sure your child eats a balanced diet, stays hydrated,
and chooses nutritious between-meal snacks. Do not put your child to
bed with a bottle containing anything but water, and encourage use of a
cup as their first birthday approaches.
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