‘From the First Tooth’ Supports Oral Health Care for Kids in Maine
Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease affecting children in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than 50% of children have had a cavity in their primary, or baby, teeth by age 8. Kids who get cavities in their baby teeth risk having more dental problems as adults.
Most tooth decay is preventable, so protecting a child’s teeth is important. Studies show that poor oral health can have an adverse effect on children’s quality of life, their performance at school and their success later in life.
Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, part of MaineHealth, is working to ensure children have access to quality oral health care, even before a child gets their first tooth. MaineHealth, in partnership with MaineGeneral Health, Northern Light Health and other organizations, is part of From the First Tooth initiative (FTFT), which promotes and supports integrating oral health into primary care for infants, toddlers, children and young people up to age 21 across Maine.
FTFT promotes implementing an evidence-based prevention approach to oral health, encouraging pediatricians and family practice providers during every well-child visit to incorporate 1) oral health risk assessment, 2) fluoride varnish application, 3) parent or caregiver education and 4) referrals to dental services. FTFT offers technical assistance to primary care providers, including virtual training, clinical practice guidelines and videos, and rack cards available in several languages.