Per the notice below, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) is highlighting National Children's Dental Health Month.

New York State Department of Health Recognizes National Children’s Dental Health Month

Oral Health is Critical to Overall Health

Recent Legislation Signed by Governor Hochul Expands Access to Pediatric Fluoride Treatments

The New York State Department of Health recognizes February as National Children's Dental Health Month with a reminder to parents and guardians of the importance of regular dental checkups and preventative care.

"We are a state of 600 million teeth and good oral health and hygiene is critical to protecting them at an early age," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said.  "Practicing healthy habits, including routine brushing twice daily and flossing, can prevent or reduce tooth decay in infants and children and positively affect one's overall health."

Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed legislation to improve dental health for New York's children by allowing greater access to fluoride treatments for pediatric dental patients.  This legislation allows registered dental assistants and licensed practical nurses to apply topical fluoride varnish to teeth, greatly expanding the number of licensed professionals in the state who are authorized to provide this treatment.  Fluoride protects teeth from cavities and helps heal early decay.  Regular visits to a dental provider and daily use of fluoride in toothpaste and at the optimal level in public drinking water supplies is the best way to protect against dental decay.  When fluoride is added to community drinking water, it provides an effective, inexpensive and safe way of reducing dental decay.  It is one of the few forms of prevention that every person in the community benefits from.  When there is not optimum fluoride in the water, fluoride drops, fluoride tablets, or a fluoride rinse may be given to your child.  Be sure to talk to your dentist or pediatrician about fluoride supplements.  A child's first set of teeth is as important as their permanent teeth.  These teeth help a child eat and speak.  They hold space for the permanent teeth.  Tooth decay in baby teeth can lead to:

• Problems with sleeping, chewing, and talking
• Infection and illness
• Difficulty learning

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD)  recommends that infants see the dentist for their first dental exam within 6 months of getting his/her first tooth or by their first birthday.  After the initial dental visit, regular visits, based on the child's oral health needs, are recommended.  Additional information and recommendations for daily hygiene habits for specific age groups can be found on the Department's Oral Health for Infants and Children web page.  It is important for pregnant people to get their teeth cleaned, examined and have any needed dental work done before their baby is born as good oral health for the pregnant person can mean good oral health for their babies.  Preliminary studies show that there may be an association between periodontal disease - a chronic infection of the gums - and premature birth and low-birth weight.  Improving oral health during pregnancy can also help prevent early cavities in their child.  Dental decay is an infectious transmissible disease.  Mothers can pass on decay-causing germs to their babies.  Visit the Department's Oral Health for Infants and Children web page here.