Siletz
Community
“Cha-may weeya”
Medicine Talk
Health
Clinic
Tooth Talk
by Linda Kreutzer, RDH
Breastfeeding Is Natural...
Fluoride Helps Strengthen Teeth
But It’s Not Always Easy
1
1 &
Birth Latch after delivery
First 12-24 hours
It’s ok for babies to nuzzle, lick, and not latch well at first
Babies and moms are often sleeping, latching can be hard
Hang in there, it will happen - Breastfeed as often as possible,
snuggling helps - If you’re worried, ask for help
Next 24-36 hours (2-3 days)
Breastfeed every 2 hours, around the clock
Feedings usually take at least
Nap with the baby
Don’t worry, the baby won’t eat this often forever
After the first check-up at 2-3 days
Breastfeed every 2-3 hours
Nap with the baby as much as you can
Remember, the first 3-6 weeks are the most challenging
It will get better
By 3-6 weeks
The feedings will be less often and not take as long
Your baby will be a breastfeeding wiz kid soon
By 6-12 weeks
The feedings will be even less often and take even less time
Way to go, Mom!
Avoid bottles, water, formula, and facifiers
in the first 4-6 weeks - Call if you have questions
problems - 541 -444-1030 or 1 -800-922-1399
■
k
Everyone has heard about fluoride.
It’s in toothpaste and mouth rinses. In
some lucky communities (including
Newport), fluoride is
added to the water
supply. It’s
interesting
to note that
fluoride is
not added to
the water in
Toledo, Siletz, or
Lincoln City. Only families living in
tribal housing on the hill have the added
benefit of fluoridated water.
Why is fluoride so important to
teeth? Because it’s the only mineral that
actually strengthens teeth. It helps the
enamel of our teeth become strong and
resistant to decay. Children need it
when they’re forming teeth.Teen-agers
and adults need fluoride to keep from
getting new cavities.
Fluoride can be absorbed into teeth
in one of two ways:
K
Internally - This is the best method.
Fluoride is calcified into devel
oping teeth during formation,
making them super-strong for life.
This calcification occurs when a
pregnant mother drinks fluoridated
water or a child grows up drinking
fluoridated water. If fluoride is not
present in the water, your child’s
•
dentist can prescribe daily fluoride
tablets. Developing teeth become as
strong as they can be if fluoride is
taken internally.
Surface absorption (topically) -
Fluoride can be absorbed into the
surface of enamel of baby or adult
teeth. That is why using toothpaste
with fluoride is so important.
Children, teen-agers and adults
need fluoride daily to help keep teeth
strong and fight decay. As adults get
older, the gums may get pushed down
or “receded.” Gum recession is a
common occurrence, exposing the
actual root of the tooth.
This root then begins to
show and is weaker than
the upper enamel
portion of the
tooth. Often,
these weaker root areas around the
gums get cavities. If toothpaste with
fluoride is used during daily brushing,
root decay can be reduced by as much
as 50 percent. Mouth rinses containing
fluoride are a great way to give teeth
added protection against decay. A good
brand is ACT, found at Wal-Mart and
Fred Meyer.
Remember, fluoride isn’t just for
kids. Everyone needs it!
Moms and Babies Breastfeeding Circle
2nd Tuesday of each
month, 6-7:30 p.m.
Housing Department
Conference Room
Mother's milk is hope for our
childrens' tomorrows
A mom who breastfeeds does
what no one else can do for her
baby's future
You’re invited to
come eat, visit, and
learn about the many
benefits of
breastfeeding.
Sponsored by Siletz Tribal Diabetes Grant
June 2003 □
Siletz News
□
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