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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Pandemic Shouldn't Curb Kids' Dental-Care Routine

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Wednesday, February 17, 2021   

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - Pediatric dentists are reminding parents with kids schooling from home during the pandemic that it's important to make sure they brush and floss regularly. February is Children's Dental Health Month, and pediatric dentists say oral health is closely tied to a child's overall well-being.

When kids are home all day, said Jessica Robertson, a pediatric dentist in northern Arizona, it's important for parents to set a dental hygiene routine, and make sure their children stick to it.

"With the kids being at home, they're less likely to have a routine," she said. "A lot of them are just getting up, going on to a virtual school, and they kind of forget about that morning brushing. Then, they're caught up in devices and they forget that night-time tooth brushing."

Robertson, an Arizona Dental Association board member, said many dentists temporarily closed in the early weeks of the pandemic, causing many children to miss their regular appointments. She added that when they come back for a checkup, it isn't surprising that they often have more cavities than normal.

Dr. Richard Gesker, chief dental officer for UnitedHealthcare, said tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among children - and it's preventable.

"This is absolutely critical," he said, "because by age five, nearly 50% of all children have at least one cavity."

Gesker also recommended that parents clean babies' teeth with a soft cloth, teach children age two and older to use a soft-bristled brush without swallowing the toothpaste, and show kids how to floss once their back teeth come in.

"Parents should really consider fluoride treatments, which strengthen the tooth enamel and help protect the teeth from decay," he said. "And sealants are plastic-like coatings which are applied to back teeth like nail polish, to prevent decay."

The ADA has recommended that everyone continue to schedule dental checkups, cleanings and routine care. However, the World Health Organization has recommended that people avoid nonemergency care if they're living in a place with uncontrolled community spread of COVID-19.

Disclosure: United Healthcare contributes to our fund for reporting on Health Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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