The Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department’s Smile in Style program is currently providing fluoride treatment and education in select child care facilities in Madison and Cuming counties. . The goal of the project is to help families in need receive preventative dental care and support healthy dental habits in children. The project leader and a dental hygienist provide education about proper brushing and apply a fluoride treatment to children participating in the program. Currently, 120 children have received two applications of fluoride and will receive a third and final application in August. An additional component of the program is to encourage families to establish a dental home and to help ensure children that are in need of additional dental care follow-up with a dentist.
In a community health survey conducted in 2013 by ELVPHD, it was found that at least three in four (72%) of children over age 1 had a dental check-up last year, but one in six (15%) did not. Of those children 1 and older, about half (49.7%) had not received their first dental check by their first birthday. According to the American Dental Association, www.ada.org, it is helpful for the first dental visit to occur within six months of the child getting their first tooth and no later than 12 months of age. Beginning healthy dental habits early is important because poor oral health can affect a child’s ability to speak and eat, distract from learning and playing, and increase absence from school.
Funding for this project is provided by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Oral Health and Dentistry. To learn more about the dental program, please visit Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department’s website at www.elvphd.org or call (402) 529-2233.