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Smile! It's oral health month!

Oral health begins before children start teething. Parents should establish positive dental habits early to ensure their children’s teeth are healthy. Paying attention to a child’s oral health early can prevent problems down the road such as chronic pain, impaired chewing and speech development and reduced concentration and self-confidence.

A landmark study by the Dental Health Foundation found dental disease to be the number one children’s health problem in the state, although it is almost entirely preventable. First 5 California and County Commissions are working to combat this problem by increasing oral health awareness among families, emphasizing its importance during a child’s first five years.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month and First 5 San Diego County offers parents the following tips to establish a lifetime of healthy teeth.

• Spot – Looking for tooth decay. Check a baby’s teeth and gums for tooth decay every day, looking for white, brown or black spots on the teeth. If there are any spots, a dentist should be seen right away. Also, check gums for swelling, bleeding and pimples. Babies should see a dentist starting at age 1.

• Prevent – Early prevention is best. Remember to wipe or brush a child’s teeth daily with a clean washcloth, especially after eating. When children are about 2 years old, help them brush using small circular motions. Give children water rather than juice when they are thirsty. After 6 months of age, one small serving of juice daily is plenty. Once a baby is eating solid foods, limit the number of sweet and sticky foods he or she eats. Instead, offer healthy foods and snacks like fruits, vegetables and cheeses.

• Smile – Healthy teeth for happy smiles. Help children brush their teeth at least twice a day and floss every day. Take them to the dentist at least once a year.

Remember: children’s teeth and gums are important – even their baby teeth. A child’s first set of teeth is crucial for chewing, speaking and speech development, jaw development and self-esteem and are placeholders for permanent teeth. Smart oral health practices are just one step in preparing a child to begin school on the right track.

To find a local oral health provider, call Kim Thomas with the Community Clinics Health Network at (619) 542-4300, ext. 347. For additional oral health tips and information about First 5 San Diego County’s programs and services, visit http://www.first5san

diego.org.

 

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