Although tooth decay is largely preventable, it remains the most common chronic disease among children. Pediatric Dental Initiative (PDI) was formed in 2001 to address the oral health-care needs of children in underserved populations in Northern California. “Many low-income children and families have limited access to a dental home and are missing out on key oral health preventive services,” says Jen Stasch, executive director. “Also, many have few resources and little understanding of the importance of good oral health, daily dental hygiene and proper nutrition for healthy teeth and gums.”
Untreated cavities cause pain and infections and affect the ability to eat and communicate, deeply impacting a child’s health and well-being. “Each year PDI provides dental treatment to over 1,500 pediatric and special-needs patients who are suffering from severe tooth decay,” says Stasch. Surgeries are performed under general anesthesia and may include fillings, extractions and crowns. PDI also provides oral health education to 1,200 parents and connects with more than 2,000 families through community outreach, which includes distributing resources such as dental hygiene kits and food bags.
PDI takes a patient and family-centered approach. When a child comes in for surgery, PDI works in partnership with the parents to improve their family’s oral health with treatment, education and resources. “We meet every patient and family where they are in their journey for better oral health through collaboration, and showing compassion and understanding for all circumstances,” says Stasch.
PDI’s 2020-2021 Annual Report shares one such story. A young boy needed 16 of his 20 “baby” teeth extracted to prevent serious infection and protect the development of his permanent teeth. His mother explained that he had limited access to healthy food, drinks and dental hygiene supplies while living in an immigration detention facility apart from her. PDI’s surgery team ensured that he would have a healthy and pain-free mouth full of permanent teeth.
PDI is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and relies on the generosity of donors to provide their services. You can support PDI by donating at pdisurgerycenter.org. If you’re interested in volunteering on PDI’s board of directors, contact Jen Stasch, jen@pdisurgerycenter.org.
[Photos courtesy of PDII]
Healthy Habits
Guide and help your children with their oral hygiene routine.
- Brush and floss twice a day.
- Brush your tongue thoroughly.
- Rinse with mouthwash.
- Eat balanced and nutritious meals.
- Visit the dentist twice a year.
Source: Pediatric Dental Initiative
Caring for Your Baby’s Teeth
It’s important to take care of your baby’s teeth while breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. Putting your baby to bed with a bottle can cause rapid, severe cavities on their front teeth. How can you care for your baby’s teeth?
A few days after birth, begin wiping your baby’s gums with a clean washcloth every day.
As soon as their first tooth emerges, brush your baby’s teeth twice a day for two minutes.
Source: Pediatric Dental Initiative
