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Dental decay is the single most prevalent disease of childhood.  If it remains untreated, dental decay can cause pain, infection, permanent loss of teeth; can lead to problems with nutrition, growth, school readiness, and speech.  As of February 2007, the Riverside County Regional Medical Center (RCRMC) First 5 funded Dental Program has provided early intervention and oral health education to approximately 10,000 children age 5 and under living in Riverside.  Our message is simple and highlights a public health message that dental decay is a preventable bacterial disease that can be transmitted among family members. 

Each February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Since good dental health habits, like most health habits, should start early, we recommend that you keep your child’s teeth healthy by:

Brushing

• Brush teeth every day.  Two or more times is best.
• It is very important that you brush your child’s teeth at night.
• Teeth must be “Ready for Bed”.  After you have brushed for the night, drink only water.

Eating

• Eat healthfully and even have an occasional dessert, but limit between-meal snacking.
• Chew Xylitol gum as a healthy “snack” substitute.
• Sodas, chewy candies, and even healthy fruits such as raisins can cause decay if given frequently during the day or allowed to remain on tooth surfaces for long periods of time so brushing often or limiting these foods to meal-times is the very best thing for your teeth.

Drinking

• Drinking-water should have fluoride to keep teeth strong.
• Sugary liquids such as soda, punch, honey, fruit drinks and juice, should not be put in a bottle.

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Dental Program for Children 0-5 years old

Riverside County Regional Medical Center & funding from