 Getting
Started Early
You
and Your Child's Health
A lifetime
of good dental health starts at home. Regular brushing and flossing
and visits to the dentist every 6 months are necessary.
Before
a Visit to the Dentist
Call
CCMC either for help in finding a dentist or to tell your dental
care aid the appointment's date and time.
Call
early for an appointment and give plenty of information, such as
existing medical problems. This can make a difference in the treatment
your child will receive.
CCMC
can help schedule an appointment with a dental specialist, but you'll
have to see a general practice dentist first.
Appointment
Day
- Keep
the appointment and arrive on time!
- Late
arrivals may have to reschedule.
- Take
your Medicaid Dental identification card FOR THE CURRENT MONTH
to the appointment.
After
the Visit
- Follow
the dentist's instructions.
- Brush
at least twice a day.
- Floss
at least once a day.
- Return
for follow-up visits.
Here's
How You Can Help
There
are many ways that you - a parent, an auntie, an uncle, a tutu,
a friend - can help the young ones in your care achieve good dental
health. You can start early in their life.
How
early? Preventive dentistry begins with the first tooth, which usually
comes in when the child is between 6 and 12 months old. Take your
child to the dentist when that first tooth appears, and then at
least twice a year after that.
It's
a good habit to start early in the child's life, and it will help
keep their mouth healthy.
Here
are steps you can take for your infant to get him or her off to
a good start in dental health.
Good
Dental Health
A.
Birth to 6 months
- Clean
mouth with gauze after feedings and at bedtime.
- Ask
your pediatrition or dentist about flouride supplements.
- Regulate
feeding habits.
B.
6 to 12 months
- First
tooth should appear, time to see the dentist for an exam.
- Begin
to brush teeth without flouride toothpaste after each feeding
and at bedtime with a small, soft-bristled brush.
- When
the baby begins to walk, be alert to possible dental injuries
due to falls.
- Wean
from breast or bottle by first birthday.
C.
12 to 24 months
- Follow
a schedule of exams and cleanings recommended by the dentist.
- Start
using "pea-sized" amounts of flouridated toothpaste
when the child is able to rinse.
- Most
primary teeth will have appeared and should receive care and attention.
D.
24 months and older
- Brush
effectively twice a day with a flouride toothpaste.
- Floss
once a day.
- Seek
regular dental check-ups at least once every 6 months.
 Why
Dental Care?
A.
Tooth decay is the most common disease of childhood five times
more frequent than asthma. Dr. David Satcher, U.S. Surgeon General
has called tooth decay "America's silent epidemic."
B. Children
with healthy teeth eat better and absorb more nutrients from the
food they eat.
C. Decayed
teeth can contribute to other health problems. Children with healthy
teeth are at lower risk of chronic illness.
D. Children
with healthy teeth do not suffer from the pain and infection of
oral disease.
E. Children
with healthy teeth are more attentive in school and miss fewer
school days due to illness.
F. Children
with healthy teeth develop good self esteem, social skills and
speech skills.
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