Doctors and nurses at the University of Maryland's dental school have had to learn how to treat kids with incredibly poor dental health.

More than 400 dental health professionals have received training in dental care for kids as young as 3 years old and infants. Nurse practitioners who are certified by Medicaid can apply flouride varnish treatments to the young people's teeth.

Dr Norman Tinaoff says he has seen some incredible cases and that this training and treatment are very important. He explains that if dental health problems are "not caught early, this is risky business," and some parents with whom he has spoken tell him "my child's teeth are just melting away ."

The teams are also able to assess the children's risk for dental problems, plus provide screenings under the program entitled Maryland's Mouths Matter: Fluoride Varnish and Oral Health Screening Program for Kids for those who are covered by Medicaid.

The American Dental Association advises that parents teach their children about the importance of good dental health practices by showing them how to brush and floss.