Even if your child brushes and flosses twice a day, a routine visit to the dentist helps keep their teeth and gums healthy. Plaque and tarter builds up over time, and the dentist uses special tools to clean teeth and remove this buildup.
Taking care of your child’s oral hygiene* plays a key role in their total health, no matter their age. Let’s dive into how you can keep your child’s smile beaming for years to come.
Routine dental exams
Your child should visit the dentist at their first tooth or first birthday, whichever comes first. Setting up a dental visit every six months for a cleaning ensures that their teeth and gums stay in good shape.
During a normal dental visit, your child gets a dental X-ray, an exam and a dental cleaning. The dentist will clean, polish and floss teeth to remove plaque and tarter buildup. If the dentist finds a cavity, your child will also get a cavity filling to protect from further decay.
Topical fluoride
Kids and teens can keep up stronger teeth throughout their lives by getting regular fluoride treatments. During a fluoride treatment, the dentist applies a fluoride varnish on your child’s teeth. The varnish will sit on their teeth for a few minutes to soak in before rinsing. Fluoride treatments help:
- Strengthen teeth.
- Reverse early tooth decay.
- Prevent cavities.
- Soothe sensitive teeth.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children:
- Get a fluoride treatment at least once every six months.
- Get a fluoride treatment every three months if they’re at high risk for cavities.
- Get a health risk assessment of your child’s mouth at every well-child visit starting at six months of age.
- Use toothpaste with fluoride once they get their first tooth.
When you set your kid’s next dental visit, ask about adding a fluoride treatment.
To learn about dental coverage and find a dentist, visit the Medi-Cal Dental Program’s website today. You can also call them at 1-800-322-6384.
Molar sealants
Like topical fluoride, molar sealants can be added to your child’s checkup for extra defense. It’s a quick and painless way to protect your child’s permanent molars from harmful bacteria and cavities.
Healthy habits
Take care of teeth and gums daily by:
- Brushing teeth twice a day.
- Flossing at least once a day.
- Having fewer sweet foods and drinks.
Ready for a visit to the dentist?
Call your child’s dentist today to plan their next visit.
For any questions about dental coverage, reach out to the Medi-Cal Dental Program. Visit the Medi-Cal Dental Program’s website or call them at 1-800-322-6384.
*Oral hygiene is the health of the teeth, gums, and whole mouth-to-face system.
Many people face poor oral health due to tooth decay and gum disease – both of which are the main causes of tooth loss.