FORT WALTON BEACH — With the end of February and National Children’s Dental Health Month, the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County wants families to make sure they are taking the right steps to ensure a healthier, happier smile.
Dental health affects overall health. Beginning to take care of teeth at a young age can help ensure problems do not arise later in life.
“Dental health is important, and parents should make sure children begin proper brushing habits at a young age,” stated Dr. Karen A. Chapman, DOH-Okaloosa director.
“Dental care should begin before the first tooth appears with daily cleanings by wiping the gums with a clean, damp cloth. Daily cleanings with a cloth should continue when first tooth erupts.”
Switch to a small, soft toothbrush when more teeth develop. It is recommended to use toothpaste with fluoride when the child is 2 years old. Use toothpaste with fluoride earlier if the child’s doctor or dentist recommends it. Parents should brush the child’s teeth twice a day until their child has the skill to handle the toothbrush alone. Parents should supervise brushing to make sure the child is doing a thorough job and using a small pea size amount of toothpaste.
To observe National Children’s Dental Health Month, DOH-Okaloosa provided an interactive learning experience for the children at Wesleyan Child Care Center in Crestview.
Staff from the Dental Program educated the children about healthy habits for teeth such as brushing and flossing. They also stressed the importance of having a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, and water.
DOH-Okaloosa Dental Clinic provides care to children from their first tooth to 18 years of age who are insured by Medicaid. Services include exams, x-rays, cleanings, sealants, fluoride treatments, fillings, extractions, emergency care, and more.
For more information, please visit okaloosa.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/clinical-and-nutrition-services/Dental or call 689-5593.
To learn more about National Children’s Dental Health Month, visit www.ada.org/en/public-programs/national-childrens-dental-health-month.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa health department focuses on 'Healthy Teeth, Healthy You'