The majority of Oregonians – young or old, male or female, rich or poor – suffer from oral disease. Left untreated, oral disease causes pain, lowers productivity and increases our risks for other diseases.

A healthy mouth is an important part of overall health, and good oral health starts with your child’s baby teeth. If baby teeth are kept cavity-free, then a child’s adult teeth are more likely to be cavity-free. Having healthy baby teeth:

 

• Allows your child to chew and eat properly
• Helps your child to speak more clearly
• Guides adult teeth into place
• Helps to shape your baby's face
• Keeps future dental costs to a minimum

Healthy baby teeth require a child to have good oral hygiene. Good oral health includes regular visits to the dentist, twice daily brushing, daily flossing, fluoridation, a healthy diet, avoiding tobacco, and protecting the mouth from injury. Good oral health contributes to good overall health.

For more specific tips to maintain good oral hygiene for your child, please visit Oral Health Care for Infants and Children.