First 5 Commissions throughout Southern California are tackling the health care needs of low-income children one tooth at a time, according to a recent study.
The First 5 Southern California Alliance for Learning and Results study found that funds disbursed by local First 5 commissions over the last several years have made quality oral health care more readily available to nearly a quarter of a million children.
Tooth decay is considered one of the most preventable childhood illnesses. In the early 2000s, however, data from the California Health Interview Survey showed that a third of Southern California children, ages 1 to 5, didn’t have access to dental insurance. The survey also found that the same number of children had never visited a dentist.
If left untreated, tooth decay can contribute to a wide range of problems, including poor nutrition, sub-normal growth, and unnecessary pain. Health officials have also found that tooth decay can interfere with a child’s education. It’s estimated to cause children to miss more than 51 million hours of school per year, according to statistics from a First 5 press release.
“Tooth decay—dental care problems in general—is one of the most significant untreated diseases for children throughout the state of California,” said Pat Wheatley, executive director of First 5 of Santa Barbara County.
First 5 of Santa Barbara County has been funding a children’s oral health initiative for almost eight years. The organization offers medical and dental screenings and treatments mainly through partnerships with local preschools.
“Dental decay is preventable and it all begins with the child’s diet and regular screenings,” Wheatley said.
First 5 recommends that children start seeing a dentist regularly from the time they turn 1 year old.
When it comes to diet and dental care, Wheatley said it’s important for young children to steer clear of sugary foods and drinks.
“There is no reason for a child under the age of 5 to be drinking soda pop,” she said, adding that juice also has highly concentrated sugar.
“And don’t ever put a child to bed with a bottle with anything in it besides water,” she said.
For more information about dental care and programs offered by First 5 of Santa Barbara County, call 739-8740 or visit first5santabarbaracounty.org. m
School Scene is compiled by Staff Writer Amy Asman. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, e-mail, or mail.
This article appears in Mar 5-12, 2009.