Don’t ignore “baby” teeth, they still need care

RBC I Do you have a child under the age of three? If so, have they seen a healthcare provider yearly since their first tooth erupted? Recent research has shown that “baby teeth” are as important as adult teeth. Baby teeth not only help children chew and speak but they also maintain the space in the jaw for the un-erupted permanent teeth. Dental caries (cavities) are the most common chronic childhood disease in America. It is also a childhood disease that is 100 percent preventable. The American Dental Association recommends that all children be seen by a healthcare provider for a checkup as soon as their first tooth erupts or prior to their first birthday. This early examination and preventive care will protect your child’s smile now and in the future. Oral health is an important part of overall health. For more information about the importance of your child’s teeth, please visit www.ada.org and schedule your child’s yearly dental check-up today. Connections 4 Kids Early Childhood Council is pleased to announce the arrival of a new oral health program in Moffat and Rio Blanco Counties. Ashley Moon is the oral health coordinator for this new program. Moonis a graduate of the dental hygiene program at CNCC-Rangely and is working very hard with Connections 4 Kids to reach all children under the age of three and pregnant women in our communities. Together, we can stop the spread of this preventable disease in children throughout our communities.