Keeping the Magic in Family's Smiles!

• Women do not get cavities just because they are pregnant.During pregnancy it is important to take care of your teeth. When pregnant, every woman should eat healthy foods that are low in sugar, brush with fluoride toothpaste, floss, and visit the dentist regularly.
• Bleeding gums are not caused by brushing. They are caused by gum disease. Protect against gum disease by brushing with a soft-bristle toothbrush, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly to help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
• Never share you toothbrush with another person. Sharing toothbrushes can spread the germs that cause cavities. It is important to replace toothbrushes when the bristles become frayed or after sickness.
• Start early keeping gums and teeth clean. Wipe infants' gums daily with a damp, soft washcloth; as teeth erupt, adult supervision of brushing is needed up to age 7 - brush with a small, soft toothbrush.
• Avoid baby bottle tooth decay. Offer only formula, milk or water in bottle; avoid putting baby down with a bottle; wean from bottle to cup by 1 year of age.
• Start fluoride use early. Check with your dentist or doctor to make sure child is getting adequate fluoride. Fluoride in various forms (drop, tablet, rinse, paste) can help protect teeth from decay.
• Make regular dental visits a habit.Start early - as soon as first teeth erupt! These early visits allow the dentist to follow tooth eruption patterns and catch potential problems early.
• Offer nutritious, age-appropriate snacks. Children love snacks and they are important to total nutrition each day; make sure snacks are low in sugar and do not pose a choking hazard.
• Seal out tooth decay. Sealants placed on chewing surfaces of permanent teeth after eruption offer great protection against decay; remember, generally the first permanent teeth erupt behind the primary molars (approximately age 6)

Programs Available

• School Dental Health Education: Programs available to all grades in school districts that contract for services with the health department. Programs are tailored to grade level and ability.
• Community Dental Health Education: Dental health education presented to school and community health fairs, church, professional, and civic groups.
• Fluoride Varnish Clinic: Monthly clinics provide dental screenings, fluoride varnish applications and education to children of all ages and parents. Varnish Clinics
• School-Based Dental Sealant Project: Program provides dental sealants to students in rural populations who are less likely than other students to receive oral health care from dentists in private practice. Programs are conducted in school settings with oral health professionals using portable equipment.
• Long-term Care Facility Screenings: This program offers educational in-services to residents and health care providers, and provides dental and oral cancer screenings. Available to facilities that contract for these services with the health department.