Panama City, Fla.— February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. The Florida Department of Health in Bay County (DOH-Bay) offers services to Medicaid eligible patients one to 20 years of age at our Children’s Dentistry Clinic. Even during COVID-19 it is important that children receive routine medical care and exams, including dental care. In fact, some studies say dental care is the number one unmet health need among children amid the pandemic. 

“There is evidence that many people are delaying dental care during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Sandon S. Speedling, MHS, CPM, CPH, Administrator/Health Officer. “According to one study, 23-percent of Florida 3^rd graders currently have untreated tooth decay.”

To help better serve our community, DOH-Bay brings dental services to where children are. Our Miles of Smiles mobile dental bus now has an updated look. The new bright colors will put smiles on the faces of the children as they enter to allow us to help preserve their smile.

Whether your child is a client of DOH-Bay or another provider, we want to make sure that their teeth last a lifetime. A healthy smile is important to a child’s overall health and their self-esteem. Teach your children to avoid cavities using the following advice:

•  Brushing their teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
• Cleaning between their teeth daily
• Eating a healthy diet that limits sugary beverage and snacks
• Seeing their dentist regularly for prevention and treatment of oral disease

For more information on your child’s dental health, please call DOH-Bay’s Children’s Dentistry Clinic at 850-481-4709. You may also visit us online at Bay.FloridaHealth.gov or follow us on Twitter @FLHealthEmerald.

About the Florida Department of Health

The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov .