Dental Care

Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic diseases in children in the United States. Healthy teeth and gums are important to a child’s overall health.

• Infants should get an oral health assessment by their pediatrician by 6 months of age and see a dentist after the first tooth comes in, usually by age 12 months.
• Fluoride varnish is a topical treatment applied to the teeth. Fluoride helps to prevent tooth decay, slow it down, or stop it from getting worse. 
  • Fluoride varnish can be applied to teeth starting at 6 months of age and can be applied two times per year until age 5.
  • Fluoride varnish application is safe and painless. It is painted on the teeth with a small brush.
• Children need to brush and floss two times per day and get routine dental care every 6 months.
• A healthy diet is important to maintaining dental health. Children should avoid high-sugar foods, as they can cause tooth decay.