Oral Health Information

Diet and Tooth Decay

A sticky film called plaque is always forming on teeth. When food and drinks - even milk - mix with plaque, it makes an acid that attacks and makes the tooth weak.

Lots of snacks increase the risk of tooth decay. Snacks increase the number of harmful acid attacks on teeth. If you child needs a snack, pick healthy foods.

Give your child meals from the 5 major food groups: fruits; vegetables; bread; cereals and other grains; meat, fish, poultry; and milk, yogurt, cheese and dairy foods.

Keep that Smile Clean

Brush twice a day and floss to keep teeth healthy. Use a child-sized toothbrush. Let your child pick a toothbrush that they like to make it fun to brush their teeth.

Children ages 2 through 6 should use a small dab of toothpaste. Watch your child brush until good habits are learned. Talk to your dentist if you have questions.

Fluoride: The Cavity Fighter

Fluoride makes teeth strong and protects teeth from decay. Fluoride is found in most toothpaste. It is found in public water. Talk to your dentist about the right level of fluoride for your child.

Dental Visits

Regular visits to the dentist can help stop dental problems. A dental visit can find decay when it is small. X-rays are taken to find hidden decay in the teeth. See the list of dentists in your Health Choice Provider Directory for a dentist in your area or call the Member Services Department at 1-800-322-8670 to find out how to get care.

Sealants

Your dentist may want to put a sealant on your child's teeth. A sealant is a plastic material that the dentist puts on top of the back teeth. It helps protect teeth from tooth decay. Sealants are easy to do and take only a few minutes for each tooth. They usually last several years before they need to be done again.

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