MARIPOSA COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
FREE Dental Health
(DENTAL EXAMS, EDUCATION & FOLLOW-UP)
F O R A N Y M A R I P O S A C O U N T Y C H I L D U N D E R 6 Y E A R S O L D
WHO DO I CALL SO MY CHILD CAN RECEIVE SERVICES?
Mariposa County Health Department
209-966-3689 or 1-800-459-4466
OR VISIT:
Mariposa County Health Department
5085 Bullion Street
Mariposa, CA 95338
Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM (except holidays)
PROGRAM INFORMATION
WHAT IS IT?
A Mariposa County Dental Health Program for children under 6.
⇒ Funded by FIRST 5.
A Mariposa County Dental Health Program for children under 6.
⇒ Funded by FIRST 5.
⇒ Implemented by Mariposa County Health Department.
WHO QUALIFIES?
Any Mariposa County residents who are under 6 years old.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE MARIPOSA COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT DENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM?
⇒ To prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
⇒ To prevent pain in the mouth.
⇒ To save baby teeth which hold space in the jaw for permanent teeth.
⇒ To enable child’s speech to develop properly.
WHERE DO I GO FOR THIS DENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM?
A Dental Hygienist from the Health Department will visit you or make arrangements to set up an initial meeting.
WHAT WILL THE DENTAL HYGIENIST DO?
⇒ Demonstrate proper dental hygiene.
⇒ Provide educational materials.
⇒ Provide a toothbrush, floss, dental timer, toothbrush, and calendar.
⇒ Schedule a dental exam with a local dentist. There is no cost to you for this exam.
WHAT WILL THE DENTIST DO AND WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT?
At no cost the Dentist will:
⇒ Orient children and families to the office.
⇒ Educate as appropriate.
⇒ Screen if and when the child cooperates.
For urgent dental care if needed:
⇒ If neither insurance nor family finances permit, the dentist will bill the Health Department.
WHEN SHOULD YOUR CHILD SEE THE DENTIST?
AGE 0-1 YEAR
As soon as their first tooth comes in or by their first birthday, whichever comes first.
WHY?
Germs causing cavities can be present even before the first tooth comes in. Germs are passed from mothers/caregivers to babies through sharing, kissing, etc.
At the initial visit, ask about the use of the bottle and the sippy cup; brushing, flossing, fluoride and xylitol use and their benefits; and proper diet low in sugar.
AGE 2+ YEARS
A child should see a dentist every six to twelve months, or as recommended by your child ’s dentist.
WHY?
By the time kids are in kindergarten, 50% already have dental problems.
Regular dental visits can help catch early signs of cavities and stop new cavities from forming.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
WHO QUALIFIES?
Any Mariposa County residents who are under 6 years old.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE MARIPOSA COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT DENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM?
⇒ To prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
⇒ To prevent pain in the mouth.
⇒ To save baby teeth which hold space in the jaw for permanent teeth.
⇒ To enable child’s speech to develop properly.
WHERE DO I GO FOR THIS DENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM?
A Dental Hygienist from the Health Department will visit you or make arrangements to set up an initial meeting.
WHAT WILL THE DENTAL HYGIENIST DO?
⇒ Demonstrate proper dental hygiene.
⇒ Provide educational materials.
⇒ Provide a toothbrush, floss, dental timer, toothbrush, and calendar.
⇒ Schedule a dental exam with a local dentist. There is no cost to you for this exam.
WHAT WILL THE DENTIST DO AND WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT?
At no cost the Dentist will:
⇒ Orient children and families to the office.
⇒ Educate as appropriate.
⇒ Screen if and when the child cooperates.
For urgent dental care if needed:
⇒ If neither insurance nor family finances permit, the dentist will bill the Health Department.
WHEN SHOULD YOUR CHILD SEE THE DENTIST?
AGE 0-1 YEAR
As soon as their first tooth comes in or by their first birthday, whichever comes first.
WHY?
Germs causing cavities can be present even before the first tooth comes in. Germs are passed from mothers/caregivers to babies through sharing, kissing, etc.
At the initial visit, ask about the use of the bottle and the sippy cup; brushing, flossing, fluoride and xylitol use and their benefits; and proper diet low in sugar.
AGE 2+ YEARS
A child should see a dentist every six to twelve months, or as recommended by your child ’s dentist.
WHY?
By the time kids are in kindergarten, 50% already have dental problems.
Regular dental visits can help catch early signs of cavities and stop new cavities from forming.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
AGE 0-1
Feed your baby before bedtime. NEVER allow your infant or toddler to FALL ASLEEP with a bottle containing anything other than water.
Gently wipe your baby’s gums with a washcloth until the first tooth arrives—then switch to a soft toothbrush.
AGE 1-2 YEARS
Brush your child’s teeth in the morning and before bed with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste. Look closely for any signs of early cavities (chalky white-brown areas on teeth near gums). Ask your dentist to apply fluoride varnish to your child’s teeth. Your child should now be drinking from a cup, not a bottle.
Give milk or juice only at mealtimes and give water in between.
AGE 2-6 YEARS
Continue brushing your child’s teeth every morning and before bed with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
Children under 7-10 years old can’t do a good job without your help, but let them practice after you have done your part. Limit sugary drinks and foods every day.
AGE 6-12 YEARS
Let children brush their own teeth, but continue to help them to be sure they are doing a good job. Help them floss their teeth before bed. As soon as a permanent tooth comes in, talk to your child’s dentist about dental sealants and fluoride to prevent cavities. Continue to limit sugary drinks and foods every day.
AGE 12 + YEARS
Continue to check that your child brushed at least twice a day. Limit sports drinks and sodas. Avoid energy drinks altogether.
Talk to your child’s dentist about mouth guards for sports.
AT ANY AGE
You, the parent, can help prevent cavities. Ask your dentist to apply fluoride varnish to your child’s teeth. Don’t share toothbrushes.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your dentist is there to help.
HISTORY:
Feed your baby before bedtime. NEVER allow your infant or toddler to FALL ASLEEP with a bottle containing anything other than water.
Gently wipe your baby’s gums with a washcloth until the first tooth arrives—then switch to a soft toothbrush.
AGE 1-2 YEARS
Brush your child’s teeth in the morning and before bed with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste. Look closely for any signs of early cavities (chalky white-brown areas on teeth near gums). Ask your dentist to apply fluoride varnish to your child’s teeth. Your child should now be drinking from a cup, not a bottle.
Give milk or juice only at mealtimes and give water in between.
AGE 2-6 YEARS
Continue brushing your child’s teeth every morning and before bed with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
Children under 7-10 years old can’t do a good job without your help, but let them practice after you have done your part. Limit sugary drinks and foods every day.
AGE 6-12 YEARS
Let children brush their own teeth, but continue to help them to be sure they are doing a good job. Help them floss their teeth before bed. As soon as a permanent tooth comes in, talk to your child’s dentist about dental sealants and fluoride to prevent cavities. Continue to limit sugary drinks and foods every day.
AGE 12 + YEARS
Continue to check that your child brushed at least twice a day. Limit sports drinks and sodas. Avoid energy drinks altogether.
Talk to your child’s dentist about mouth guards for sports.
AT ANY AGE
You, the parent, can help prevent cavities. Ask your dentist to apply fluoride varnish to your child’s teeth. Don’t share toothbrushes.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your dentist is there to help.
HISTORY:
1998 voters passed Proposition 10, adding a 50-cent tax to each pack of cigarettes sold to create First 5 California. First 5 California is dedicated to improving the lives of California’s young children (0-5 years old) and their families through a comprehensive system of education, health services, and childcare.
