National public education campaign to protect children's teeth

Brushing, flossing and staying away from sugary treats are the standard steps most parents take to prevent cavities in their children's teeth. It's good advice - but it's not all they need to know to keep their children's teeth healthy.

In addition to sugar, parents also need to be aware of the acids found in foods and drinks in their child's daily diets - many of which may be healthy foods. Those acids can cause a dental condition called acid wear, which puts teeth at risk for irreversible damage.

"Children's teeth start off at a disadvantage because their enamel is thinner to begin with, making their teeth more susceptible to acid wear," says Dr. Jane Gillanders. "There are some simple tricks parents can do to help protect their kids' teeth."

The Canadian Dental Association and GlaxoSmithKline are supporting this national public education campaign which hopes to educate parents on the condition of acid wear and how to best protect children's teeth.

On October 7th, talk to a paediatric dentist who will explain the dental do's and don'ts of spotting, preventing and protecting children's teeth from acid wear.

Find out: --------- Acid wear pop quiz: Take the test and see how acidic your children's diet is Myth busters: Learn which healthy snacks may be doing harm to your child's teeth Toothy tips: The top tips to protecting your children's pearly whites Spotting the signs: Learn what happens to the appearance of young teeth as acid wear starts to develop Who: Dr. Geoff Grant, Vancouver-based paediatric dentist Dr. Jane Gillanders, Toronto-based paediatric dentist Dr. Marie-Josée Pilon, Montreal-based paediatric dentist What: Launch of national Be Acid Aware education campaign When: October 7, 2009