Supermom talks to Dr. Jennifer Salzer about having good healthy teeth.

I was given the chance to ask another busy mom Dr. Jennifer Salzer, who happens to be the mother of four children too, some questions about good brushing habits!  Here ya go!

1.  Kids can be stubborn when it comes to brushing their teeth or allowing you to help them brush their teeth and at times it gets aggravating.  Do you have any advice to a parent that has to struggle to brush those pearly whites?

My favorite trick to use with my children is the “counting game.” It helps to let them know exactly how long brushing will take, and I’ll say “we’re just going to brush your teeth to the count of twenty,” of course then I have control over how slowly we count!

2.  How can a child's diet effect their teeth?  For example we are an organic family and we eat a lot of fresh fruit and veggies compared to a diet of fast food and junk food.  Is it true that you are what you eat and how does that pertain to your teeth?

It's great that you and your family eat a lot of fresh fruit and veggies as they will help clean the teeth of the gummy residue left behind on some types of holiday candy and food.It is true that healthy foods are better for your teeth. The mouth is a very close reflection of the whole body, and the health of one influences and affects the health of the other. Be careful with fruits, as fructose can be damaging to enamel similar to other forms of sugar. Just be sure to brush as always. In addition, acidic fruits such as lemons can erode the enamel if eaten in great excess. Firm foods such as raw veggies are great for developing jaws, helping the palate and lower jaw form properly. They also help remove debris from other foods.

3.  We cannot always brush right after a meal so what would you suggest we do to keep our teeth healthy?

If you and your children can’t brush your teeth immediately after eating, be sure to rinse your mouths thoroughly with water to help prevent tooth decay. If you choose bottled water, check the label for fluoride content. According to the American Dental Association, fluoridated water can help reduce the risk of cavities for children.

About Jennifer Salzer: Dr. Salzer is a graduate of Duke University and New York University College of Dentistry, where she received her post-graduate certificate in Orthodontics. She is the recipient of numerous awards in the dental profession, and has been a national lecturer for Invisalign and a spokesperson for Crest products and a member of the Pro Health Advisory Board. She recently invented Bracedlets, a popular accessory line made from orthodontic braces.

In addition to all of her work in the dentistry field, Dr. Salzer is the mother of four children all under 10 years old - Mason, Jesse, Beau, and Vivi.