Home » Health » Services » Directory » Oral Health LB » Dental Care


Oral health is an important part of overall wellbeing and it starts even before you’re born.

The American Dental Association recommends brushing for at least two minutes twice each day, flossing to reach the areas of the tooth that brushing misses, and seeing a dentist for a check-up and cleaning twice each year. When daily brushing and flossing is ignored, bacteria in the mouth causes tooth decay, gum disease, and worse. The Mayo Clinic has attributed cardiovascular disease, endocarditis, pneumonia and other respiratory diseases to poor oral health.

The recommended guidelines for oral health care by age:
  • Wipe babies’ gums after eating until they have teeth.
  • Once teeth begin to show, use a soft-bristle brush with plain water two times a day.
  • First tooth, first birthday, first dental visit! Visit a dentist when baby turns one to find problems early.
  • When teeth touch each other, floss is needed once a day.
  • To prevent enamel damage called dental fluorosis, start using fluoride toothpaste at age 2, according to the CDC.
  • Children age 2 to 3 should use toothpaste the size of a grain of rice.
  • Children over age 3 should use no more than a pea-sized amount until age 6, when the swallowing reflex has developed enough to prevent swallowing.
  • At age four, children need regular dental exams every six months.
  • At about age six, it’s time for sealants on molars. Learn more about sealants here.
When pregnant women skip dental hygiene, it can lead to premature birth and low birth weight.

What every obstetrician needs to know about pregnant women’s oral health needs:
Watch this important presentation on expectant mothers’ dental care needs with Emily Dodds, DMD: The Hows and Whys of Talking to Your Patients about Oral Health

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) offers additional information about the importance of oral health here: The Basics of Oral Health

Watch these videos for helpful tips:
Healthy Tips for Tiny Teeth (babies to 2 years old): English
Healthy Tips for Tiny Teeth: English | Spanish
Healthy Children are Ready to Learn: English | Spanish

Did you know Long Beach has an Oral Health Educator?
Maria James is instrumental in bringing oral health education to pre-schools and elementary schools throughout Long Beach to emphasize the importance of establishing good oral health habits at an early age. She works with strategic partners and other health initiatives in the city to make sure everyone is taking care of their teeth.

Here she is in action demonstrating how to brush and floss with Dolly the Dinosaur: Brush, floss, smile!

Why Fluoride is Important
Fluoride is a safe and effective treatment against tooth decay. According to the CDC, U.S. communities that have fluoride in their water, like Long Beach, experience 25% fewer cavities than those who do not drink fluoridated water.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring element in our environment and when adding it to water, or using it when we brush, fluoride strengthens teeth so bacteria won’t cause decay.

There are myths and confusion around using fluoride. If you have questions, listen to local Long Beach dentist Emily Dodds, DMD, on this podcast episode: Let's Talk Flouride

You can see all the communities in California that have fluoridated water by visiting Fluoridation by Public Water Systems: Is My Water Supply Fluoridated?

Oral health programs throughout the state of California are funded by Proposition 56. 

       

paynowbutton

Facilities

Main Health Facilities Center

2525 Grand Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90815
Phone: (562) 570-4000

Multi-Service Center for the Homeless »

1301 West 12th Street
Long Beach, CA 90813
Phone: (562) 570-4500 
Fax: (562) 570-8234

Ronald R. Arias Health Equity Center - Center for Family and Youth »

6335 Myrtle Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90805
Phone: (562) 570-3300
Fax: (562) 570-3306

Other Facilities »

 
twitterfacebookInstagram