About Your Child’s Oral Health

Your child’s oral health plays an important role in his or her overall health and wellness. Just as childhood immunizations affect an individual’s long-term health, dental care and the habits formed during childhood have a lifelong impact. It is important that children establish good dental habits early, creating the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth.

Tips for Good Oral Health


  • Brush with a fluoride toothpaste using a soft bristle brush.
  • Visit your dentist regularly for routine cleanings and examinations.
  • Eat a well-balanced diet including fruits and vegetables, cereals, dairy products and meat.
  • Floss daily to reach between the teeth and under the gum line.

Children’s Oral Health Today

In the United States, 25 percent of children and adolescents – typically those from families with low incomes and from minority groups – experience 80 percent of all dental decay occurring in permanent teeth.

Early childhood tooth decay dramatically increases a child’s risk of future decay. Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease of childhood. Today, nearly 300,000 children in Colorado need restorative care – often because they cannot access or afford dental services, or because of inadequate levels of fluoride in community water supplies.

Resources for More Information

Web Sites

Articles

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