Oral Health

Oral Health Resources

for Pregnant and Parenting Women and Their Families

Oral Health is an important part of your overall health and well-being. It requires more than brushing, and can effect your life, your pregnancy, and the lives of your children and loved ones for their entire life.

Adults should have screenings cleanings every six months, and children should see a dentist as soon as their first tooth comes in or their 1st Birthday.

Did you know it is possible to spread germs and cavities by common activities like kissing, sharing a spoon, or cleaning a baby’s bottle nipple by putting it in your mouth? All of these topics and more are discussed in the, “MICHC Oral Health Toolkit” with resources for parents and professionals working with families.  A healthy mouth has healthy gums and teeth and a wider smile.

Did you know it is possible to spread germs and cavities by common activities like kissing, sharing a spoon, or cleaning a baby’s bottle nipple by putting it in your mouth? All of these topics and more are discussed in the, “MICHC Oral Health Toolkit” with resources for medical, dental, and community professionals working with pregnant and parenting women and children.  A healthy mouth has healthy gums and teeth and a wider smile.

Find a dentist near you.

Click here to search for dentists in your area, by the Benefit Plan(s) in which they participate: CHIP Managed Care; Medicaid Fee For Service; and Medicaid Managed Care.  Simply follow the link; click “Find a Dentist in New York”; and enter your search criteria.

The MICHC Oral Health Toolkit

The MICHC Oral Health Toolkit was created for medical, dental, and community professionals working with pregnant and parenting women and children to address the importance of Oral Health Care screening and treatment for pregnant and parenting women, parents, and for young children.

Oral Health Goals During Pregnancy and Early Childhood

  1. Have a regular dental visit during pregnancy.
  2. Floss daily and brush with fluoride toothpaste.
  3. Eat a balanced and healthy diet.
  4. Drink and cook with tap water with fluoride.
  5. Breastfeed your baby and let your baby sleep without a bottle.
  6. Avoid sweet drinks in bottles and clean baby’s gums and teeth after feedings.
  7. Take baby to his/her first dental visit before age 1.

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