Oral Health Spotlight
Spotlight

Description

February 2023 Spotlight

February is National Children’s Health Month—a great time to share a message on oral health and its benefits at an early age. 

Starting good oral health habits at a young age and going to the dentist regularly help children get a head start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Healthy teeth and gums are needed for biting, chewing, speaking, and smiling.

Every caregiver can help their child with good oral care by these tips:  

  • Putting a baby to bed without a bottle in their mouth 
  • Wiping your baby's gums gently with a washcloth or a finger toothbrush after each feeding  
  • Taking your baby to the dentist when their first tooth comes in or by their first birthday 
  • Giving babies and children water instead of a sugary beverage 
  • Brushing your child's teeth twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste. Use a tiny amount of toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice, and a pea-sized amount for children over three.   
  • Visiting the dentist regularly  

For updates on Children’s Oral Health Month and to learn about children's oral health, click the links below:

https://www.ada.org/resources/community-initiatives/national-childrens-dental-health-month

https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/publication/toothbrushing-tips-your-child-disability

http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/ohp/Toolkit.htm



 
Public Health has made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translation. However, no computerized translation is perfect and is not intended to replace traditional translation methods. If questions arise concerning the accuracy of the information, please refer to the English edition of the website, which is the official version.
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