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Meet Ali. Ali loves baseball.
And this is Ali's grandfather Yusuf.
Every Monday, Yusuf cycles with Ali to his school.
Ali loves the ride since he gets to hear a new story.
Today says Yusuf to Ali, I will tell you a story about teeth.
TEETH, Ali laughs. Why teeth, Grandpa?
Yusuf smiles. Close your eyes for a minute and imagine yourself with no teeth.
Do you like what you see?
No Grandpa, Ali shouts.
Then listen Ali and listen carefully.
You are laughing now but you had no teeth when you were born
But at 8 months, something magical happened. Your FIRST tooth appeared!
You then had another and then another and by the time you were 3 years, you had 20 teeth.
Do you know what these teeth are called, Ali? No Grandpa, says Ali.
These teeth are called Milk teeth.
But why are my teeth falling just like yours, Grandpa?
Yusuf laughed.
Don't worry Ali. These teeth will fall and you will get new ones.
By the time you are 18 you will have 32 permanent teeth. This is 12 more than your milk teeth.
Teeth help you break up your food , so that it is small enough to be swallowed.
But that is not all. Teeth also help you form words so that you can speak properly.
So Ali, since teeth are so important you have to ALWAYS take care of them.
Start by brushing your teeth daily, once in the morning and once at night, before bed.
I always do that Grandpa, Ali confidently says.
Good. But you got to brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes and also floss.
And don't forgot - Brush the front as well as the back of your teeth!
But how do I know when I need to stop brushing, says Ali, sounding concerned.
No problem says Yusuf. Tomorrow listen to your favourite song when you begin brushing.
And promise me to keep brushing till the song ends.
Ali smiles.
Ah, we have almost reached but before you go, I have one last thing, says Yusuf.
It is not just brushing and flossing that will keep your teeth healthy.
You also need to be careful about what you eat and drink.
Remember bacteria love sugar and are just waiting for it to arrive.
So eat a lot of fruits and vegetables and drink water instead of soda.
I will try Grandpa, promises Ali.
Have fun at school Ali and don't forget to smile.
Thank you.