Teeth Can Last for a Lifetime!
Begin with Annual Children’s Dental Screenings and Preventative Treatments

National Children’s Dental Health Month is an annual observance that began over 50 years ago and is celebrated every February. This observance is to help increase awareness of children’s dental health care through regular screenings and preventative treatments. The American Association of Pediatric Dentists (www.aapd.org) recommends that children receive an annual screening or exam by a dentist starting when the child’s first tooth appears or by their first birthday.

Preventative treatment can include:

• Annual dental exam and cleaning of the teeth by a dental hygienist
• Topical fluoride treatments (varnish, rinses)
• Dental sealants on molars
• Use of fluoridated water or fluoride supplements in the form of drops or tablets

Families can also prevent dental decay by encouraging regular brushing following meals, daily flossing and eating healthy foods. Adult supervision during brushing is an important part of dental care for children ages 2-6.

The American Dental Association leads the observance of Children’s Dental Health Month and provides materials to state dental societies and local dentists. The Alaska Dental Society organizes and supports local activities such as free screenings for children. For more information on local activities, contact the Alaska Dental Society in Anchorage at (907) 563-3003 or check out their website for information on local screenings and to help find a dentist in Alaska for your family at: www.akdental.org.

For information on children’s dental care, general dentistry issues and training to be a dentist, go to the American Dental Association web site at: www.ada.org

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention fund a Cooperative Agreement for building oral health infrastructure in Alaska. The Alaska Oral Health Program information is located at www.hss.state.ak.us/dph/wcfh/oralhealth  A profile of the oral health status of Alaska children for 2004/2005 can be found at www.hss.state.ak.us/dph/wcfh/Oralhealth/report.htm  Information on CDC programs including water fluoridation and dental resources can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/OralHealth/index.htm 

The State of Alaska supports Cleft Lip and Palate Clinics for children with special needs. Clinic and contact information can be found at: http://www.hss.state.ak.us/dph/wcfh/specialty.htm