Mayor Oscar Leeser | El Paso Texas website
Mayor Oscar Leeser | El Paso Texas website
El Paso, Texas— The City of El Paso Department of Public Health (DPH) is celebrating National Children’s Dental Health Month in February by reminding parents that oral health is vital to the overall health of their children.
This years’ theme, “Healthy Habits for Healthy Smiles” is bringing together thousands of dedicated professionals, healthcare providers, and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise that children who have poor oral health often miss more school and receive lower grades than children who don’t.
Untreated cavities can cause pain, infections, and can lead to problems eating, speaking, and learning. More than 1 in 5 children aged 2 to 5 years have at least one cavity in their baby teeth. Children from low-income families are more than twice as likely to have untreated cavities, compared with children from higher-income households. However, cavities are preventable.
DENTAL TIPS
Health officials advise parents that their children can avoid cavities and maintain healthy gums by following the tips below:
- ensure to wipe your baby’s gums after each meal and avoid putting babies
- to bed with a bottle
- brushing their teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
- flossing between their teeth daily
- eating a healthy diet that limits acidic and sugary snacks and beverages
- seeing their dentist regularly – every six months
City of El Paso residents with or without dental insurance are encouraged to schedule an appointment at the Department of Public Health’s Rawlings Dental Clinic at 3301 Pera Ave.
Original source can be found here.
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