Early childhood is the most rapid period of brain and body growth. A child’s best chance for a healthy, productive future is to ensure that they receive all the care and resources they need for optimal development, which includes both medical care and oral health care.
Improving Arkansas Children’s Oral Health: Healthy Mouths Make for a Healthy Start
The research presented here demonstrates that young children in Arkansas who face significant barriers to receiving routine preventive dental care are at increased risk of fair or poor oral health, and consequently, costly medical services, including hospitalizations. Ensuring that children and families get connected to an oral health home in infancy and toddlerhood is essential to improving the health of Arkansas children.
