Children's Health Quiz:
How sharp are you on important childrens' health issues?

True False

Since primary teeth (often called baby teeth) are important for many reasons (for chewing, speaking, appearance and proper jaw development) they should be cared for. Plus, starting good dental hygeine at an early age helps children continue these good habits throughout their life. However, since an infants gums may be sore as baby teeth appear, it's best to wipe those first teeth daily with a clean, damp cloth. Switch to a small, soft toothbrush and only water as teeth until the age of 2. About that time, a childs ability to spit has developed so fluoride toothpaste can be used.

2. Children younger than age six should use enough toothpaste with fluoride to cover the toothbrush.

True False

Young children should use only a pea sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and they should always spit it out (not swallow it). This is because excess fluoride consumption in young children can cause dental fluorosis -- a condition where their later, permanent teeth are mottled with white spots. Since most toothpastes taste good, the temptation to swallow is great. To make certain children are brushing properly, spitting out, rather than swallowing their toothpaste, and rinsing well, children should be supervised when brushing. For toothbrushing tips and techniques, visit How to Take Care of Your Toothbrush and

While permanent teeth usually start appearing around age 6 or 7, they will continue to come in through the teenage years and perhaps even into early adulthood.

3. A parent or other family member's attitude about using tobacco influences a teenager's tobacco behaviors.

True False

Parental attitude is very important in influencing teenagers' tobacco use.

4. Birth defects are the leading cause of death in children and teenagers.

True False

In the United States, injuries are the leading cause of death.

5. Vaccines protect children against nine potentially serious diseases.

True False

Vaccines protect against 12 potentially serious diseases.

6. Kids should wash their hands vigorously for 20 seconds to remove germs.

True False

Proper hand washing is important for kids and grown-ups.

7. For babies under six months old, sunscreen is the best defense against sunburn.

True False

A baby's best defense against sunburn is staying out of the sun.

8. Children should get at least 20-30 minutes of physical activity on all or most days of the week.

True False

The recommendation is for at least 60 minutes of activity almost every day of the week.

9. By the age of 20, the average woman has acquired almost all of her skeletal bone mass.

True False

That makes it important for young girls and boys to build their bones early in life to help promote higher bone mass as he or she ages. Important steps are to make certain all kids get adequate Vitamin D (primarily through safe sun exposure, supplements and fortified foods), calcium (through a healthy diet), and physical activity.