Tips to keep preschoolers' teeth healthy  Published On: Aug 21
2012 01:14:24 PM PDT  (NewsUSA) - Preschoolers' smiling teeth do
more than just bring joy to the people who see them.
Preschoolers' teeth also help them chew and speak, and they
create space in the jaw for adult teeth to grow in straight.
Unfortunately, these "baby teeth" are also prone to early
childhood caries or baby bottle tooth decay, also known as
cavities.  How do preschoolers develop cavities? As in adults,
children's mouths are filled with bacteria. Whenever a child
consumes sugar or starch, the bacteria feed on the sugar,
releasing acid as a byproduct. This acid can break down the
outer layer of the tooth, creating cavities.  So, how can
parents ensure that preschoolers' teeth stay healthy? Here are
some tips:  * Keep preschoolers' teeth clean. By the time a
child has reached age 2 to 5, they should be on their way to
caring for their own teeth. By age three, they should have a
full set of baby teeth. Most children at this age will want