Department of Health Services

Good dental health starts with baby teeth! Although baby teeth are replaced by adult teeth, baby teeth are an important part of childhood development. They help your child chew, speak, smile, and hold space for the adult teeth.

​Helping your child develop good oral health habits is one of the most important health lessons you can teach them. Help your child brush twice a day with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, learn to floss, and choose healthy foods. Make dental checkups a part of your healthcare routine, just like visiting the pediatrician.

Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment (KOHA)

California state law requires children to receive a dental checkup before or during their first year in school. This helps ensure children receive the oral health care they need to be healthy and ready for school. For more information and resources please visit the Resources for School Partners and KOHA page.

• Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment 
  

Resources

• Bru​sh, Book, Bed Website​
  
• A Healthy Smile for Your Young Child 
  
• 5 Ways to Prevent Decay​ 
  
• Healthy Habits for Happy Smiles 
  
• Seal Today to Prevent Decay Fotonovela 
  
• Molar Sealant I​nformation Sheet 
  
• Brushing Your Child's Teeth 
  
• Prevent Tooth Decay in Babies and Toddlers ​​ 

​Videos

• Why Do We Brush Our Teeth? 
  
• How to Brush Your Teeth Properly 
  
• Sesame Street: Elmo's Toothy Dance 
  
• Sesame Street: Dentist Grover "Starting Early" 
  
• Sesame Street: Dentist Grover "How Much Toothpaste?" 
  
• Sesame Street: Dentist Grover "Tooth-Healthy Foods" 
  
• Sesame Street: Dentist Grover "Brushy Book, Nighty Night"