FORT WALTON BEACH — February is National Children's Dental Health Month, and 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. Beginning to take care of teeth at a young age can help ensure health concerns do not arise later in life. Dental health is key to overall health.
To observe National Children's Dental Health Month, DOH-Okaloosa provided an interactive lesson to the children at Wesleyan Child Care Center in Crestview, Florida and The Children's Center in Fort Walton Beach. Its dental program staff educated the children about healthy habits for teeth, such as brushing and flossing.
"Dental health is important, and parents should make sure children begin proper brushing habits at a young age," Dr. Karen A. Chapman, DOH-Okaloosa director, stated in a media release. "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."
After the first tooth, switch to a small, soft toothbrush. The American Dental Association recommends using toothpaste with fluoride on children of all ages. Parents are encouraged to brush the child's teeth twice a day until their child has the skill to handle the toothbrush alone. Parents should apply toothpaste the size of a grain of rice for children under 3 years old and a pea for over 3 years old on the brush. Teeth should be brushed twice per day—morning and night. Supervision of brushing is recommended to make sure the child is doing a thorough job.
DOH-Okaloosa Dental Clinic provides care to children who are insured by any Medicaid plan from the first tooth until they turn 19 years old. The services provided by the clinic include: exams, x-rays, cleanings, sealants, fluoride treatments, fillings, extractions, emergency care, and more. DOH-Okaloosa will be accepting new dental clients starting March 15.
For more information about the DOH-Okaloosa Dental Clinic, visit www.HealthyOkaloosa.com or call 689-5593.
DOH-Okaloosa works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa health department stresses children's dental care