(NAPSA)—Healthy teeth are an important part of your child’s overall well-being, so make sure you are doing all you can to protect their teeth and gums. “According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tooth decay remains the most common chronicdiseasein children, though it is almostentirely preventable,’ said Walter Lucio, DDS, MPH, a dental consultant for Smile, California, Medi-Cal Dental’s campaign to improveoral health among its members. Daily brushing and flossing are For a bright smile and healthy mouth, have yourchildren see a dentist every months. 2. Go to the Dentist: Use your free important to help your child have a or low-cost Medi-Cal dental services “Children should start seeing the dentist when their first tooth appears and every six months thereafter? dentist at thefirst toothorfirst birthday, whichever comesfirst. After theirfirst visit, they will need to go to the dentist routineearly will help their child with a 3. Practice Good Habits Every Day: healthy smile, and so are regular dental andsee a dentist for regular check-ups check-ups. andcleanings. Your baby shouldsee a explains Dr. Lucio. “Parents whoset this every six months. Help yourchild with proper daily oral While free dental exams are pro- hygiene,schedule regular dental checkvided with Medi-Cal—and mostinsur- ups, and limit sugary foods or drinks to ance plans—less than half of children lowertherisk ofinfection, gum disease enrolled in the program have been to and tooth decay. Be a good role model the dentist. with yourhealthyhabits. lifetime of goodoral health” To help, Smile, California aims to 4. Ask for Molar Sealants: Protect increase dental utilization among all your child’s permanent molars from such asteeth cleanings, fluoride treatments and molar sealants as well as restorative servicesto fix problems. to apply molar sealants. It’s quick, pain- 13.5 million members, especially chil- harmful bacteria andcavities by scheddren. This includes preventive services uling a check-up andaskingthe dentist Smile, California offers these five tips to keep your child’s teeth and gumsin less and canlast for years. 5. Seek Care Right Away: If your 1. Doit Rightfrom theStart: Caring child has unexpected dentalproblemsor concerns in between your regularly scheduled visits, call your dental office for help. If your child is in pain, see your dentist heorsheis born. Babyteeth dofall out, butit is important to take good care of oral health information andhelpful tips, great shape. for your baby’s smile begins the moment them until they do. Baby teeth help your child chew andspeak properly. right away orgo to the emergency room. Visit SmileCalifornia.org for more to learn about covered services and to find a dentist.
