Oral Health for School-Age Children
Baby teeth are very important! Yes, baby teeth will someday fall out, however, they help your child say words and eat healthy food to grow and be strong. Pretty soon your child’s adult teeth will start to come in.
You can stop cavities from forming in your child’s mouth. Fluoride varnish, dental sealants and brushing can help stop cavities.
Fluoride varnish is a safe and easy way to treat cavities in children. It is very good in lowering risk of cavities and can be applied once every 6 months or at each dental visit. It is recommended that dentists and primary care provider apply fluoride varnish to children’s primary teeth through age 5.
Dental sealants are a safe and easy way to protect your child’s teeth from cavities. Sealants are a great way to lower the risk of cavities and can be applied by your dentist or primary care provider.
Be sure to use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush to take care of your teeth. A pea-size amount of toothpaste is all you need to keep your teeth clean and cavity-free.
The next time you visit your dentist, ask about fluoride varnish or dental sealants for your child’s teeth. Sealants and fluoride varnish are covered services under Medi-Cal.
Printable Materials & Activities
Seal today to prevent decay!
Watch this video to learn about the importance of molar sealants.
Medi-Cal Dental Benefits
Below are free or low-cost services covered by Medi-Cal for children (5-12):
- Dental exams (every 6 months)
- X-rays
- Teeth cleaning (every 6 months)
- Fluoride varnish (every 6 months)
- Molar sealants
- Fillings
- Root canals
- Tooth removal
- Emergency services
- Outpatient services
- Sedation (if medically necessary)
Additional Resources
