This Issue:

Table of Contents

Cover Story

Cover Story - Spanish Version

Mini-Lesson

Comprehension Quiz

Teacher's Guide and Worksheets

Cavities Get A Brush-Off

Need a new reason to smile? Here's one: scientists from the National Institute of Dental Research report that more kids than ever before have permanent teeth without any cavities.

In an early-1970s study, researchers found that only one-quarter of kids ages 6 to 17 had cavity-free teeth. Now they have discovered that more than half of all kids in that age group, studied from 1988 through 1991, had no cavities.

But don't celebrate the good news with a candy bar. The scientists believe kids today are more likely to be cavity-free because they have better brushing and eating habits.

Next: The N.B.A. Takes A Stand