OXNARD — February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. If you have a baby or toddler, you may have questions about thumb sucking, your child’s first dental visit or how and when to clean your child’s teeth. If so, on February 27th from 9am-2pm, Clinicas invites the Ventura County Community to join them for a dental health fair taking place at Rio Plaza Elementary, located at 600 Simon Way in the city of Oxnard. Clinicas will offer free dental health screenings, oral health information and free tooth brushes. There will be coloring activities, games, balloon art, prizes and more.
During the Dental Health Fair, parents will learn about when children should have their first dental visit, ways to prevent early childhood caries, when to expect changes from primary to permanent teeth, proper brushing and flossing techniques, thumb sucking, dental sealants, choosing the right mouth protector for active children and adolescents, and teaching their children to say no to tobacco. Parents will also learn about the importance of regular dental examinations.
“My main goal is to establish a dental home for all the infants in the County by age one, and reduce the burden of Early Childhood Caries. I believe two is too late for a dental examination for children. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends an oral health risk assessment, including a visual screening, anticipatory guidance, preventative strategies, (such as fluoride varnish), and the establishment of a dental home by age 1.” said Dr. Jaspreet Bal, Dental Director at Clinicas.
For more information on the Dental Health Fair at Clinicas, call (805) 647-6353 or visit their website at www.clinicas.org.