February is the observance of National Children’s Dental Health Month, in which Three Rivers Public Health Department(3RPHD) places emphasis on oral health education, early prevention and outreach.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has stated that tooth decay is one of the most common chronic childhood illnesses in the United States. These problems can begin as soon as the baby teeth start to emerge (at about six months). Cavities or caries can cause pain and infection when left untreated. In addition, cavities can worsen and may lead children to problems with eating, speaking, playing and learning.
The good news is that cavities and other known oral diseases are preventable. It is never too soon to promote good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist. This month we continue to encourage dedicated professionals, healthcare providers, and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers and many others. This will help lead children to a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
Three Rivers Health Department(3RPHD) is implementing our Bright Smiles program and introducing the Early Dental Health Starter Kit educational program. The starter kits are part of a state-wide educational campaign with the UNMC College of Dentistry, the Nebraska Community Foundation, and the DHHS Office of Oral Health.
Three Rivers distributes these kits throughout the three counties to organizations that work with expecting mothers and families with toddlers/preschoolers. The kits will be demonstrated to parents and caregivers to show the importance of oral health with children as young as 0-6. The kits come with an instruction card that shows age specific, proper use of each item. Parents and caregivers will have the tools necessary to start their child’s oral health journey now. These kits can be found both in Spanish and English and can be obtained at Three Rivers Public Health Department.
The Bright Smiles program allows officials to go into preschools, daycares, and Head Starts, to help educate children ages 0-5, provide good oral health education and preventative dental services at no cost.
With the help of the public health dental hygienist, 3 Rivers is able to provide preventative dental services that include: oral screenings, oral health education, fluoride varnish applications and referrals for additional care. By the age of 5 about 60% of children will be affected by tooth decay.
The CDC states fluoride varnish can prevent about one-third (33%) of cavities in the primary (baby) teeth. The fluoride varnish prevents new cavities and slows down or stops decay from getting worse. For more information about 3 Rivers program go to: www.threeriverspublichealth.org.
