Dear Parent or Guardian:

To make sure your child's primary teeth (baby teeth) are in good condition,  your child should have oral health assessment (dental check-up) by the time they are FIRST YEAR OLD. 
Remember, your child is not healthy if he or she has poor dental health! 

NEW California law effective immediately (Education Code Section 49452.8) states your child must have a dental check-up by May 31 of his/her first year in school ie. Kindergarden or 1st grade. Click here to see the CA STATE ORAL ASSESSMENT FORM.

    Establish a good dental care visit by 12 months of age according to American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

    Take your child to the dentist at least twice a year.

    Choose healthy foods for the entire family. Fresh foods are usually the healthiest foods.

    Brush teeth at least twice a day with toothpaste that contains fluoride.

    Limit candy and sweet drinks, such as punch or soda. Sweet drinks and candy contain a lot of sugar, which causes cavities and replaces important nutrients in your child’s diet. Sweet drinks and candy also contribute to weight problems, which may lead to other diseases, such as diabetes. The less candy and sweet drinks, the better!

The primary teeth are very important.  They are not just teeth that will fall out.  In addition to being essential for eating and for proper speech development, primary teeth hold space in the mouth for the permanent teeth.  The primary teeth are also important for smiling, which contributes to a child's self-esteem and social development. Tooth decay is an infection that does not heal and can be painful if left without treatment. If cavities are not treated, children can become sick enough to require emergency room treatment, and their adult teeth may be permanently damaged.

Many things influence a child’s progress and success in school, including health. Children must be healthy to learn, and children with cavities are not healthy. Cavities are preventable, but they affect more children than any other chronic disease.

If you have questions about the new oral health assessment, Please feel free to call us at NEWPORT HEALTHY SMILES.