The Oral Health Initiative provides dental checkups and treatment for young children and pregnant women. A healthy mouth, including teeth and gums, is essential to the overall health of infants, children and adults.

Dental disease can have serious and expensive consequences for children if left untreated. These include pain, infections, the inability to eat and tooth loss. Children with dental disease may also have trouble sleeping, talking and concentrating, and may even miss school.

Good dental health is important for pregnant women, too, as the bacteria from the mothers tooth decay can affect the health of her unborn child.

First 5 San Diego Oral Health programs include:

• Dental checkups and treatment to young children
• Dental checkups and treatment to pregnant women
• Oral Health education to parents, other caregivers, and dental/medical providers

To access dental services supported by First 5 in San Diego County call 1-888-5 FIRST 5 (1-888-534-7785)