FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 3, 2005

HEALTH DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY PREVENTIVE

DENTAL CARE DURING NATIONAL CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month and the Westchester County Department of Health wants all parents to be aware that tooth decay is currently the single most common chronic childhood disease.

“Many parents do not realize that serious tooth decay can develop by a child’s first birthday and how important it is to care for their child’s baby (primary) teeth” stated Dr. Joshua Lipsman, Commissioner of Health for Westchester County. “Besides acting as natural space maintainers for the permanent teeth, primary teeth are critical for proper chewing, speaking and appearance” he added.

Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is an infectious disease that can start as soon as an infant’s teeth erupt. A major contributing factor to ECC is prolonged tooth exposure to milk, formula, fruit juice or sweetened liquids from a bottle used as a pacifier or comforter at bedtime or during naps. These substances are used by bacteria in the mouth to produce acid that attacks the tooth enamel in the decay process. “It is not only what children drink, but how often and for how long their teeth are exposed to decay causing acids,” said Dr. Richard Gruffi, Director of Preventive Dental Services for the Westchester County Department of Health. “For example, if you offer a bottle containing a sugary liquid as a pacifier, many times a day, or for an extended time at night, the teeth experience more acid attacks and have a greater chance of decaying,” he warned.

Parents can help to prevent tooth decay by not using a bottle as a pacifier or as a sleep aid unless it contains plain water. Pacifiers should not be cleaned by mouth or dipped in sweet liquids. Children should be taught to drink from a cup as they approach their first birthday. Parents should wipe their baby’s gums with a clean gauze pad after each feeding. Brushing with plain water should begin as soon as the baby’s first tooth appears.

A child’s first oral exam should occur during infancy, within six months of the eruption of the first primary tooth, but no later than age 12 months. As a child gets older, topics of discussion with the family dentist should include proper

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brushing with a fluoridated toothpaste, flossing, healthy diet and snacks, sealant application and protective mouth guards.

The Westchester County Department of Health is ready to assist parents who are unable to obtain dental care for their children by offering facilitated enrollment services and referrals to the New York State Health Department Child Health Plus Insurance Plans. Residents can call 813-5000 for more information on this program.

Pediatric dental care is widely available through private dental practices throughout Westchester County. For residents who are uninsured or underinsured, low-cost pediatric dental services are available at the neighborhood health centers listed below.

Mt. Vernon Neighborhood Health Center Yonkers Community Health Center

107 West 4^th Street 30 South Broadway

Mt. Vernon, NY 10550 Yonkers, NY 10701

(914) 699-7200 (914) 968-4898

Greenburgh Neighborhood Health Center Rye Open Door

330 Tarrytown Rd. 90 South Ridge St.

Greenburgh, NY 10607 Port Chester, NY 10573

(914) 989-7600 (914) 937-8899

Ossining Open Door Hudson River Community Health

165 Main St. 1037 Main St.

Ossining, NY 10562 Peekskill, NY 10566

(914) 941-4412 (914) 739-8105

Please remember that with your help, a child’s smile can last a lifetime.

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