Marquette, MI – February 7, 2023 – February is Children’s Dental Health Month, and Upper Peninsula Health Plan is getting the word out about the importance of good dental health in kids.
UPHP Clinical Coordinator Adele Price spoke about the month today with Mark & Walt in the Morning.
Price stressed the importance of good dental hygiene and getting kids to have regular dental checkups as soon they are ready.
She said one of the most common chronic diseases in children is cavities, adding children who suffer from poor oral health tend to miss more school and earn lower grades than children with good oral hygiene.
Price explained that untreated cavities can cause pain and infections, which may lead to problems eating and speaking, as well as learning.
One of the reasons is that they tend to miss more school days which can lead to trouble understanding the materials and therefore receive lower grades than children with good oral health.
She said cavities are preventable and parents or caregivers can make sure to choose healthy foods and drinks for their kids,
and get them used to brushing their teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride-based toothpaste.
Price added that getting children used to routine dental cleanings beginning at a young age is important. If your child hasn’t visited a dentist yet, schedule their 2023 appointments now and get them on the calendar for this year.
UPHP Members needing help finding a dentist can contact our Customer Service Department for assistance at 1-800-835-2556.
-mediaBrew Communications
