National Children’s Dental Health Month
Monday February 10, 2020
The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency invites you to celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM). NCDHM brings an increase of awareness of the importance of regular dental check-ups and a healthy oral hygiene routine.
Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic conditions of childhood. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 5 children aged five to eleven years have at least one untreated decayed tooth. “Children with untreated tooth decay may develop pain and infections that could lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing and learning,” says Kali Nichols, Director of Personal Health and Disease Prevention. “But the good news is: tooth decay is preventable!”
Here are a few ways to keep your child’s smile bright and healthy:
For babies:
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Wipe gums twice a day with a soft, clean cloth in the morning after the first feeding and right before bed to wipe away bacteria and sugars that can cause cavities.
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When teeth come in, start brushing twice a day with a soft, small-bristled toothbrush and water.
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Visit the dentist by your baby’s first birthday to spot signs of problems early.
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Talk to your dentist or doctor about putting fluoride varnish on your child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears.
For children:
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Brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
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Drink tap water that contains fluoride.
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Ask your child’s dentist to apply dental sealants when appropriate.
Good dental health is important for pregnant women, too!
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See a dentist (it’s safe!) before you deliver
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Brush twice a day
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Floss daily
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If you have nausea, rinse your mouth with 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water after you get sick. This helps with stomach acid and keeps your tooth enamel safe.
Routine dental services may be covered if your child is enrolled in a Medicaid plan such as Healthy Kids, Healthy Kids Dental, or MIChild. My Community Dental Centers (MCDC), onbehalf of the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency, focuses on providing dental services to Medicaid enrollees, low-income, and uninsured residents throughout the tricounty area. MCDC has offices in Coldwater, Hillsdale, Sturgis, and Three Rivers. For more information on MCDC services or to schedule an appointment, please call 1-877-313-6232. For more information regarding Medicaid enrollment visit www.bhsj.org or call your local office.