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With proper care, you can have healthy teeth throughout your life. Public Health's Oral Health Program provides services and information to help you keep a healthy smile and lower your risk of dental disease.
Medicaid and Low-cost care providers
View a list of Medicaid and low-cost care providers who offer low fees or reduced fees based on income, or accept medical coupons. This list does not imply approval nor does omission imply disapproval. For more information call (360) 397-8020 or e-mail melody.scheer@clark.wa.gov.
Preventing tooth decay
There are a number of low-cost ways you can help prevent tooth decay.
Talk to your dentist about using sealants on your child’s teeth
Dental sealants are thin plastic-like materials painted on chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to "seal out" germs and food that cause decay and destroy teeth. Sealants are effective, safe, easy to apply, long-lasting and cost effective.
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| Deep grooves in a molar trapping food. Most cavities occur in these narrow pits and grooves of newly erupted teeth. |
Sealant protecting tooth from decay. |
Follow the Center for Disease Control’s fluoride recommendations
Fluoride is a natural mineral that is a safe and effective way to prevent tooth decay. CDC's fluoride recommendations>
Use Xylitol 3 to 5 times a day
Xylitol is a natural sweetener found in fruits, vegetables and other plants and trees. It is used as a sweetener in gums and mints. Using Xylitol 3 to 5 times per day helps prevent tooth decay and can prevent or delay the passing of germs to your baby that can cause tooth decay.
Oral health care under the new health care legislation
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