Healthy teeth are more than a bright smile. Cavities can cause serious and lasting damage to growing children. The good news is that most cavities can be prevented and First 5 can help.

What you can do at home:

• Before your baby has teeth, wipe the gums gently with a clean wet cloth after each feeding. Don’t put your baby to bed at naptime or at night with a bottle or sippy cup, unless the cup has only water in it.
• As soon as your baby's first tooth appears, start brushing the teeth with fluoride toothpaste in the morning and before bedtime. Fluoride is a mineral that protects the teeth.
• Put a small pea-sized dab of toothpaste across a small soft brush. Wipe off excess toothpaste until your child can spit it all out.
• To avoid spreading the germs that can cause cavities, don’t put anything in a child’s mouth if it has been in your mouth. Don’t share spoons, cups, toothbrushes, etc.

What dental and medical providers can do:

• Dentists, doctors, and other health care providers also take care of children’s teeth.
• Take your baby to the dentist by their first birthday.
• Ask your child’s doctor or dentist about putting fluoride varnish on your child’s teeth. This is another great way to protect your child’s teeth from cavities.
• You and your child should visit the dentist on a regular basis as often as your dentist recommends. Parents’ teeth are important too!

What your child eats and how often they eat affect their teeth:

• Soda, sweet drinks, candy and other sweets can cause cavities that hurt your child.
• Snacks like cheese, yogurt, fruit and vegetables are better for your child’s teeth than chips, crackers or cereal.
• Adding an equal amount of water to fruit juice is recommended.
• After your child eats sweets, chips, crackers or juice, you should brush or rinse their teeth with water.

Remember:

• Adults can spread the germs that cause cavities.
• Do not put anything in your child’s mouth if it has been in your mouth.
• Children should see a dentist by their first birthday.
• Brush your teeth and your child’s teeth in the morning and right before bedtime with fluoride toothpaste.
• A child needs an adult’s help in brushing their teeth until they are 8 years old.
• Limit how often your child has juice, sweet drinks and snacks.

If your child has Medi-Cal or Healthy Families, they also have coverage for dental services.

Did you know?

Children are required to have a dental check-up by May 31st of their first year in Kindergarten? Dental evaluations that have happened within the 12 months prior to school entry also meet this requirement.

Why?

Children with cavities are not healthy. Cavities are preventable, but they affect more children than any other chronic disease! Children with cavities eat poorly, stop smiling, and don’t learn properly.

If cavities are not treated, children can develop infections severe enough to require emergency room treatment and their adult teeth may be permanently damaged.

When should you take your child in for his/her first dental visit?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry encourages a trip to the dentist when your child's first tooth erupts, usually between 6 to 12 months of age.

To learn about free and low-cost oral health screenings and treatment through First 5 Ventura County partners, or to get help finding dental health insurance for your familiy, contact your local Neighborhood for Learning.