Smile SBC and First 5 San Bernardino have partnered for the second year in a row to promote National Children’s Dental Health Month with the “Little Teeth, Big Responsibility” campaign. Many parents underestimate the importance of baby teeth, but paying attention to infant and toddler teeth is a direct indicator of lifelong dental health and overall well-being.
Tooth decay is preventable, but it remains the most common chronic childhood disease. In fact, more than 60% of – or two out of three – kindergarteners are experiencing tooth decay in San Bernardino County, according to a recent survey by the Center for Oral Health and Smile SBC.
To promote the campaign, a pop-up dentist event was held at E. Neal Roberts Elementary School in San Bernardino. Over 60 transitional (TK) and kindergarten students received dental health assessments, encouraged by their teeth-friendly mascot, Potter the Otter.
“The ‘Little Teeth, Big Responsibility’ campaign is very important because oral health habits begin at an early age,” shared First 5 San Bernardino Executive Director Karen Scott. “Visiting a dentist when your baby’s first tooth appears or at their first birthday is the best way to ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles.”
Though baby teeth are temporary, they help kids chew correctly, speak correctly, and form healthy adult teeth. Smile SBC and First 5 San Bernardino are working to share dental health information and resources with County residents.
Bonnie Flippin, program coordinator of San Bernardino County Department of Public Health’s Smile SBC local oral health program, explained that finding a local dentist that accepts your insurance is easy on their “Find a Dentist” page. Information about assistance with enrollment or transportation is also available on the “Find a Dentist” page.
“To further extend the campaign message, we’re excited to partner with the San Bernardino City Unified School District this year,” Flippin adds. “Working together with a registered hygienist and mobile dental practice, the district is bringing oral health assessments and dental services directly to elementary schools across the school district,” Flippin concludes.
Visit SmileSBC.org to find a dentist near you and more information on protecting your baby’s oral health. Additional campaign information, including a partner toolkit, can be found at http://First5SanBernardino.org/OralHealth.