Parents and Families

Protect the Little Smiles You Love-
Ask Your Doctor How!

Cavities in baby teeth are preventable with good oral health care. This begins even BEFORE they get their baby teeth. Your baby should see a dentist before his/her first birthday or as soon as he/she gets the first tooth. If a dentist is not available, your healthcare provider can look at your baby's teeth, do a basic oral health screening and apply fluoride varnish if indicated.  Fluoride varnish is a gel-like coating that is "painted" on the top of each new tooth and helps prevent cavities.

Cavities cause pain and can prevent children from being able to eat, speak, sleep and learn. Children do not lose all their baby teeth until they are about 11 or 12 years old, so start early with good oral health care.

As a parent/caregiver, you have the power to protect your child's baby teeth from cavities with fluoride varnish - ask your doctor how!

For more information, please download the brochures below: 

Keeping Your Baby's Teeth Healthy From The First Tooth:               
    
Spanish               
Somali    
English

Facts about Fluoride Varnish
Fluoride varnish is a gel-like coating that is painted on teeth to help prevent cavities. It is quick and easy to apply, doesn't hurt and doesn't taste bad. Learn more about fluoride varnish in our brochure:
   
Spanish          
Somali

For more information about keeping your child's teeth healthy:

American Academy of Pediatricas - Children's Oral Health Family Resources
Healthy teeth are an important part of children’s overall health. Families can learn how to keep children’s teeth healthy by understanding good oral hygiene, proper tooth development, and how fluoride protects teeth.