Babies cavity-free: oral health education for young children – from birth through age 5 – and their families.

 

Your child’s first dental visit should take place after that first tooth appears, but no later than the first birthday.

Why so early?

As soon as your baby has teeth, he or she can get cavities. Being proactive about your child’s dental health today can help keep his or her smile healthy for life.

Baby teeth, also called primary teeth, are just as important as permanent (adult teeth). Strong healthy primary teeth can help your child chew and speak. They also hold space in the jaws for permanent teeth that are growing under the gums (ADA).

Why should parents care about decay in their baby’s teeth?

Decaying baby teeth can cause pain and prevent children from being able to eat, sleep, speak and learn properly. Tooth decay is easily preventable – there is no rule that a child has to have even one cavity. It is really all about good habits and starting those habits early in life:

What is the Cavity-Free Babies Program?

Cavity Free Babies Program, is a program designed to improve oral health outcomes in expectant mothers, infants, and toddlers.

Components of Cavity Free Babies Program include:

• Information about preventing dental disease in pregnant women and young children
• Assessment of plaque distribution, diet, and fluoride exposure
• Assessment of the patient’s caries risk status
• Fluoride varnish application
• Case presentation and oral care planning
• Diet advice and oral hygiene coaching
• Clinical and home care management
• Monitoring