Well-child checkups and routine vaccinations are key to ensuring a child’s first years are as healthy as possible. As they celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month in February, pediatric dentists stress that early dental checkups also are an integral part of a child’s overall health plan.

Little Teeth Need Care, Too

Why is early oral care important? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than half of U.S. children have had a cavity in their primary (baby) teeth by age eight. Lower-income children are at even higher risk for cavities.

Cavities are infections that can interfere with eating, speaking, playing and learning, especially in small children who can’t communicate their distress. If untreated, cavities can develop into abscesses, or severe infections that can spread to other parts of the body.

Different Concerns for Teen Teeth

As children move into teen years, routine dental care becomes even more important. Many children with bite abnormalities or other structural problems require orthodontic support, such as braces. Dentists also help young patients by monitoring third molars, often called wisdom teeth, and by providing mouthguards for protection during sports.

Pediatric Prevention

Schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist within six months of the arrival of a child’s first tooth. A U-M pediatrician explains why early dental care is crucial for young children, and how to acclimate them to the dentist’s chair.

In general, your child should have regular dental appointments for cleanings and oral health exams. Normally, two annual checkups are recommended. Your dentist will create an oral health plan based on your child’s needs.

Go with the Fluoride

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that has been shown to help decrease tooth decay by approximately 35 percent. Most water contains some fluoride, but not enough to prevent cavities. With urging from the CDC, nearly 75 percent of U.S. communities have added fluoride to their community drinking water. Many oral products, from toothpastes to rinses, also contain fluoride.

All of U-M’s Dental Plan options provide coverage for two fluoride treatments annually for children younger than 19 who are enrolled in your dental plan. Other pediatric preventive treatments covered with no copay to members include:

• Oral exams twice per calendar year
• Cleanings twice per calendar year
• Emergency treatment to temporarily relieve pain
• Bitewing X-rays once per calendar year and full mouth X-rays once in any five-year period
• Non-surgical services to treat gum disease

National Children’s Dental Health Month

The theme of this year’s National Children’s Dental Health Month is “Water, Nature’s Drink!” The goal is to encourage children to drink less sports drinks, sodas and juices, in favor of water.

You can participate by downloading free children's activity sheets on the American Dental Association website.