First Smiles is a statewide initiative to address the "silent epidemic" of Early Childhood Caries affecting children ages 0-5. It is the most prevalent chronic disease of early childhood and a major cause of school absenteeism.
Tooth decay is the single most prevalent disease of childhood.
It can cost $2,000-$5,000 to treat EACH CHILD with severe tooth decay.
Many of these children must be hospitalized for dental treatment.
Untreated tooth decay can cause pain and infection that can lead to problems with nutrition, growth, school readiness, and speech problems.
What can Health Professionals do???
-
Provide an oral health assessment for babies and young children.
-
Provide anticipatory guidance for parents on issues such as weaning, frequency of snacking, self-assessment at home and use of fluoride toothpaste for daily brushing.
-
Evaluate the need for systemic and topical fluoride supplementation and anti-bacterials like xylitol and chlorhexidine.
-
Provide a fluoride varnish treatment when appropriate, as fluoride can prevent and arrest early tooth decay.
Medical team members can refer children to the dentist as needed and dentists can make room in their practices for these referrals.
