The school nurse is teaching a class of 10-year-old children about prevention of dental caries. Which recommendations would be part of the nurse's teaching plan? Select all that apply.

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Dental caries (ie, cavities) form when bacteria (eg, Streptococcus mutans) digest carbohydrates in the mouth, producing acids that break down tooth enamel and cause mineral loss. Oral hygiene and dietary intake are significant factors contributing to the development of caries. Clients should increase intake of cariostatic foods, which have an inhibitory effect on the progression of dental caries (eg, dairy products, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, sugar-free gum containing xylitol) (Options A and C). Cariogenic foods increase the risk for cavities and should be avoided. These include refined, simple sugars; sweet, sticky foods such as dried fruit (eg, raisins) and candy; and sugary beverages (eg, colas and other carbonated beverages, fruit drinks/juices) (Option D). Additional practices to prevent dental caries include: Brushing after mealsFlossing at least twice a dayRinsing the mouth with water after meals or snacks (Option E)Drinking tap water rather than bottled water (most tap water sources add fluoride to promote dental health, whereas most bottled water does not contain fluoride)Finishing meals with a high-protein food Brushing after meals Flossing at least twice a day Rinsing the mouth with water after meals or snacks (Option E) Drinking tap water rather than bottled water (most tap water sources add fluoride to promote dental health, whereas most bottled water does not contain fluoride) Finishing meals with a high-protein food (Option B) Fruit drinks/juices contain high amounts of simple sugars; substituting these for other sugary beverages does not prevent dental caries. Whole fruits are better choices. Educational objective: Risk for dental caries can be reduced by avoiding highly cariogenic foods (eg, refined, simple sugars; sugary beverages; sweet, sticky foods), increasing intake of cariostatic foods (eg, dairy products, whole grains, fruits and vegetables), and maintaining oral hygiene (eg, brushing teeth, rinsing after meals).

The School Nurse Is Teaching a Class of 10-Year-Old Children