February perfect time to focus on dental health of our children

Published 10:59 am Thursday, February 15, 2018

The American Dental Association’s slogan for this year’s National Children’s Dental Health Month campaign is, “Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth for a healthy smile.” 

It’s important to help your child develop good brushing and flossing habits.  The A.D.A. recommends children brush every morning and night for two minutes, as well as floss once a day.  Because tooth decay remains the most common chronic disease in children.

Plaque control, along with a sensible diet and dental sealants, is essential to maintaining a child’s dental health.  Sealants form a protective barrier that helps prevent bacteria from causing tooth decay.  Ask your child’s dentist about sealants at their next dental visit.

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The Jessamine County Health Department’s Dental Hygiene Program can provide a dental assessment, age-appropriate dental cleaning, oral hygiene instruction, sealants and fluoride varnish applications to students in preschool through eighth grade. 

These preventive interventions are an effort to reduce many risk factors and increase oral health and wellness through early detection and education. 

If your child does not have a dental home, please contact the family resource center at your child’s school for a dental consent form for your child to receive preventive dental services at no cost to parents.

A healthy smile is so important to a child’s self-esteem.  With proper home care, a balanced diet and regular dental examinations, they can keep their teeth for a lifetime.

For more information contact the Jessamine County Health Department at 885-4149 ext. 1028.

Christi Daugherty is a Public Health Registered Dental Hygienist with the Jessamine County Health Department.