It’s February National Children’s Dental Health Month, an annual celebration in which healthcare professionals promote the benefits of good oral health for children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cavities are one of the most common chronic diseases during childhood and can be harmful to the general health of children.
Educating parents and children about the importance of good dental habits can help prevent tooth decay and improve overall health outcomes.
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“Promoting good oral hygiene is the best way to ensure children’s dental health. Regular dental checkups, along with brushing and flossing, prevent plaque, cavities and tooth decay,” said Dr. Vincent Marchello, Chief Medical Officer of Fidelis Care. “It is important for parents and guardians to take an active role in their children’s oral hygiene.”
If left untreated, cavities can lead to infections that can affect eating, speaking, playing and learning. Children who have poor oral health often they miss more school and get lower grades from other children. Regular visits to the dentist ensure that any dental problems can be addressed early during the exam. Control also usually includes cleaning and fluoride treatment if necessary.
“Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay and is very important for children. In-office fluoride treatments are recommended once your child’s baby teeth have erupted, which is about six months,” added Annette Maggi, DMD, FAAPD, assistant clinical professor at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. “Children should receive regular fluoride treatments. And very importantly, fluoride is safe and highly effective in preventing tooth decay.”
The University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine is among the many excellent dental providers that treat Fidelis Care members. Fidelis Care partners with UB Dental on several outreach initiatives, including their mobile dental clinic, which is committed to improving the health and well-being of Western New York’s most underserved communities.
At home, parents and guardians can follow the following tips for good oral hygiene:
For babies:
- Start oral hygiene as soon as possible. Before teeth even appear, baby’s mouth should be cleaned twice a day – after the first feed and before bed – by wiping the gums with a clean cloth to remove bacteria and sugar.
- Avoid putting a baby to bed with a bottle of milk. Milk or juices can pool around the teeth and cause severe tooth decay.
- Brush regularly. Once the teeth are in, a baby’s teeth should be brushed twice a day with a small soft-bristled toothbrush and water. Talk to a dentist or pediatrician about using fluoride toothpaste and getting a fluoride application on a baby’s teeth.
- Go to the dentist. By the baby’s first birthday, they should visit a dentist to identify any problems.
For children:
- Brush twice a day. Encourage children to brush their teeth at least twice a day – in the morning and right before bed – using fluoride toothpaste.
- Brush properly and don’t forget your tongue. Bad brushing can be just as bad as not brushing at all. Children should take their time and make gentle, circular motions as well as gently brush their tongues.
- Don’t forget to floss. Flossing once a day is a great way to tone the gums and reduce plaque.
- Consider using mouthwash. Mouthwash can help reduce acid in the mouth, clean hard-to-brush areas and strengthen teeth. A dentist can provide specific recommendations for mouthwashes for children.
- Visit the dentist regularly. Children should visit the dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and examinations. The dentist can help remove plaque and look for cavities and identify potential oral health problems.
For Caregivers:
- Model good brushing habits. Brush your teeth with your children to encourage proper brushing technique and habits.
- Avoid sugary foods and drinks. Set a good example for children that emphasizes the importance of good eating habits.
About Fidelis Care
Fidelis Care is a mission-driven health plan offering quality, affordable coverage for children and adults of all ages and at all stages of life. With more than 2.5 million members statewide, Fidelis Care believes that all New Yorkers should have access to affordable, quality health insurance. Follow us on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/fidelis-careon Twitter at @fideliscareInstagram at @fideliscareand on Facebook at facebook.com/fideliscare.
For more information, call Fidelis Care at 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) or visit fideliscare.org.
