Oral health is an important part of overall health

Beginning with the very first tooth, healthy teeth are part of a healthy body. Some people think baby teeth don’t matter because they fall out, but that’s not true. Your child’s baby teeth are important.

Healthy baby teeth:

•   Allow children to chew and eat properly
•   Help children speak clearly
•   Help guide adult teeth into place

Too many young children in Washington suffer from dental decay

•   Dental disease is the most common chronic disease of early childhood
•   Nearly half of low-income preschoolers in Washington have dental decay
•   The rate of dental disease has increased over the last ten years

Oral Health Q&A En Español

Like vaccinations and car seats, preventing dental decay protects a child’s health.

Every child should have their teeth checked by a dentist or physician by their first birthday. Regular check-ups help ensure good oral health.

“Oral health is an important part of overall health, and good oral health starts with baby teeth. If your baby’s mouth isn’t healthy, then your baby is not going to be healthy.” - Dr. Russell Maier, family physician, University of Washington professor, Washington Dental Service Foundation Board Member