Pearly Whites

Dental Care for Your ChildNebraska Department of Health and Human Services

Pearly Whites

Monday, September 21, 2009

Your Baby’s Dental Health

Teething isn’t fun for baby - or Mom & Dad





Children typically develop 10 teeth on the top & bottom of their gums



Are baby teeth really important?



Poor dental care for your child can cause:Learning disabilitiesUnnecessary pain & illnessCostly emergency dental care



You could spend THOUSANDS in emergency medical expenses for dental care alone if you don’t take proactive measures


Protect your child’s dental health and save money for college




Expectant mothers should take care of their own dental health to promote healthy teeth in their babies


Infant to 18 monthsTalk to your babyMake your baby laughMake brushing with a washcloth a regular part of your child’s day


Infant to 18 months

Bottles at bedtime are a no-no because they can cause germs


18 Months to 3 Years

Introduce your child to a toothbrush



Brush, brush, brush your teeth



Brush them everyday.



We put toothpaste on our brush



To help stop tooth decay!



Use toothpaste made for childrenMake brushing a fun game


Trouble Brushing?


3 to 4 Years

Supervised brushing


3 to 4 Years

Brush teeth, tongue and gumsBrush areas your child misses


Kindergarten & Up

Replace toothbrushes after children get sick



Visit the dentist when your child’s first tooth appears


How to Choose a Dentist



Be flexible on appointment times




Your Child’s Dental Health

Ask a dentist to meet your child before the appointment


Don’t Have Insurance?

Ask about payment plansFind out if your child qualifies for Nebraska Medicaid at http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/med/medindex.htm



Preventive Care Is Key to a Healthy

Mouth



Cavities are painful, cause illness & look unattractive



Avoid soda & sweets



Fill sippy cups with waterDrink milk & juice during meals ONLY





Keep dental supplies handy at home and in your diaper bag to keep up the routine



To find a dentist:Ask parents for recommendationsSearch for dentists who can accommodate your child’s needs



Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/dentalAmerican Academy of Pediatrics http://www.PatientEd.aap.org

For more information:


http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/dental

http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/dental

Happy Brushing!


Health & Medicine

Pearly Whites