Welcome, Providers!

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. This is a great time to raise awareness about the benefits of good oral health for children.

Good dental habits have lifelong benefits. They can help prevent cavities and improve overall health outcomes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that cavities are one of the most common diseases during childhood and can be harmful to children’s overall health.

Here are some helpful guidelines:

For Babies:

• Start as soon as possible. Before teeth even appear, a baby’s mouth should be cleaned twice a day – after first feeding and before bed. Wipe the gums with a clean washcloth to remove harmful germs and sugar. Don’t put a baby to bed with a bottle of milk. Milk or juices can stay on teeth and cause severe decay.
• Brush teeth regularly once teeth come in. Teeth should be brushed twice a day with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and water. Ask your dentist about using fluoride-based toothpaste and receiving a fluoride application on a baby’s teeth.
• Go to the dentist by the baby’s first birthday. The dentist will look for any potential problems.

For Children:

• Brush twice a day. Encourage children to brush their teeth at least twice a day – in the morning and right before bed – using fluoride toothpaste.
• Brush the teeth and gums properly. Encourage children to take their time brushing teeth and gums.
• Floss. Children should floss once a day.
• Consider using mouthwash. Mouthwash can help reduce acid in the mouth, clean hard-to-brush areas, and strengthen teeth. Talk to your dentist about mouthwash choices for children.
• Visit the dentist regularly. Children should see a dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and checkups. The dentist can help remove plaque, look for cavities, and look for potential oral health issues.

For Caregivers:

• Practice good brushing habits. Brush your teeth with children to show them good dental habits.
• Avoid sugary foods and drinks. Set a good example for children by following a healthy diet. Eat “teeth-friendly” foods with protein, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and D. Good choices include cheese, raw vegetables, plain yogurt, and fruit. Avoid sugary drinks and snacks, especially at night. Sugar can stay on the teeth overnight and cause decay.

To support Children's Dental Health Month, Fidelis Care participates in numerous events throughout February. Fidelis Care partners with providers to host “Smiles That Shine” events that promote the importance of dental care. In addition, we will attend Give Kids a Smile events in Long Island and Buffalo. Check for events near you by clicking here.

During February, Fidelis Care also is partnering with Solvere Health to offer mobile dental clinics to help promote dental services in more remote locations. The clinics offer convenient, quality dental services, including cleanings, x-rays, extractions, fillings, and more.

Utica Mobile Dental Clinic:

WHEN: Monday, February 12, and Tuesday, February 13, from 8:30 AM – 5 PM
WHERE: 209 Elizabeth Street, Utica, NY 13501 (near the Fidelis Care Utica Community Office with patient access from 203 Bleecker Street)
* Walk-ins are accepted, or you can make an appointment. Call 1-877-248-6684 to make an appointment. A Fidelis Care ID and personal ID are required at the time of care.

Oneida Mobile Dental Clinic:

WHEN: Wednesday, February 14, and Thursday, February 15, from 8:30 AM – 5 PM
WHERE: The Gorman Foundation Community Center, 1081 Northside Shopping Center, Oneida, NY 13421
* Walk-ins are accepted, or you can make an appointment. Call 1-877-248-6684 to make an appointment. A Fidelis Care ID and personal ID are required at the time of care.

Hudson Falls Mobile Dental Clinic:

WHEN: Friday, February 16, and Saturday, February 17, from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
WHERE: St. Anne Institute, 421 Lower Main St, Hudson Falls, NY 12839
*Please call 1-877-248-6684 to schedule an appointment. A Fidelis Care ID and personal ID are required at the time of care.

To find additional dental events near you, visit fideliscare.org/events.

For more information and resources about children’s dental health, click here.

Sources

https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/childrens-oral-health/index.html#:~:text=Untreated%20cavities%20can%20cause%20pain,than%20children%20who%20don't

https://www.ada.org/resources/community-initiatives/national-childrens-dental-health-month

https://www.fideliscare.org/Blog/Childrens-Dental-Health

https://www.fideliscare.org/Blog?id=646