Give Kids Something to Smile About

Fidelis Care Offers Tips for Good Oral Health

As National Children's Dental Health Month approaches, this is a good time for parents and children to renew a commitment to healthy dental habits. Fidelis Care offers the following tips to keep teeth healthy and strong as children grow.

Brushing and flossing

Starting with the first tooth, parents can use a soft cloth, or brush, and water for baby teeth.

Fluoride toothpaste can be used after age 2. Parents can brush children's teeth and begin to teach good habits, including flossing, until children can brush and floss on their own.

Brush at least twice a day to remove plaque.

Floss daily. Flossing does what brushing can't. It cleans spaces between teeth that toothbrushes can't reach.

Eating healthy foods

Don't give toddlers juice or sugary liquids in bottles or sippy cups at bedtime. Sugars can stay on the teeth overnight and cause decay.

Children should eat healthy foods with protein, calcium and vitamins A, C and D.

Choose teeth-friendly snacks, such as cheese, raw vegetables, plain yogurt and fruit. Avoid sugary snacks.

Soda can damage teeth. If children do drink soda, choose a sugar-free soda, and use a straw to avoid contact with teeth.

Visiting the dentist

All children should have at least one visit to the dentist every year.

Children can begin checkups at the first tooth, but no later than age 1.

Ask your child's dentist about fluoride varnish or sealant for extra teeth protection.

Children are most likely to be seen regularly by a dentist when they have health insurance. Almost all children up to age 19 in New York State qualify for free or low-cost health insurance through the state-sponsored program Child Health Plus offered by Fidelis Care. Routine, preventive and emergency dental care are covered benefits when seeking care from a qualified, participating dental-service provider.

For more information or to apply for enrollment throughout the year, call 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547), visit fideliscare.org, or meet with a representative at a Fidelis Care Community Office:

Bronx Communit y Of fice: 815 E. T Tremont Ave., Bronx, NY 10460; (718) 8 896-2531

Chinatown Community Office: 1 168 Canal St., Suite 308, New York, N NY 10013; (212) 226-6157

Inwood Community Office: 100-02 P Post Ave., New York, NY 10034; (212) 9 942-3111

Spring Valley Community Office: 1 175-11 Route 59, Spring Valley, NY 1 10977; (845) 356-0194

About Fidelis Care

As the New York State Catholic H Health Plan, Fidelis Care offers qualit ity, affordable coverage for children a and adults of all ages and at all stage es of life, including products availa able through NY State of Health: The O Official Health Plan Marketplace. W With more than 925,000 members in 5 59 counties statewide, Fidelis Care w was founded on the belief that all N New Yorkers should have access to a affordable, quality health insurance. F For more information, call Fidelis C Care at 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-3433 3547) or visit fideliscare.org.

Follow us on Twitter at @fidelisc care and on Facebook at facebook. c com/fideliscare.