National Children's Dental Health Month - Healthy Connections Community Health Network

National Children’s Dental Health Month

Healthy Connections

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Healthy Connections, Inc., kicked off National Children’s Dental Health month this week by offering dental sealants to elementary students in Polk County.

National Children’s Dental Health Month is sponsored each year by the American Dental Association (ADA) to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. This year’s theme is “Brush, Floss, Smile”.

The Healthy Connections dental staff in Mena in cooperation with the students from the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Dental Hygiene program. Each Thursday, these students travel to Mena to assist with applying sealants and fluoride varnish for the students.
Dental sealants are a plastic material that is placed by dental professionals on the chewing surfaces of permanent back teeth to prevent cavities. The sealant provides a physical barrier that prevents cavity-causing bacteria from attacking the surface of the tooth. The thinner, weaker enamel in the deep grooves of the chewing surface of the tooth cause this area to be prone to tooth decay. Left untreated, tooth decay can eventually lead to pain, poor dental and physical health and tooth loss.

Dental sealants on permanent molars reduce the risk of cavities by 80 percent.

This experience is often the child’s first trip to the dentist so the Healthy Connections’ team blocks off a full day of regular patient care and engages help from the entire staff to provide a fun atmosphere where the children are taught the proper techniques in brushing and the benefits of oral health habits. By increasing dental health and hygiene, the child’s overall health outlook is enhanced and improved. Healthy Connections’ dental sealant program reflects our mission and vision to promote health and wellness for our children and families in the Western Arkansas area.

Children that participate in our Dental Sealant Program receive instruction in Oral Hygiene, such as how to brush and floss, and are given a toothbrush and dental floss to take home.

Learn more about our dental services in Mena by visiting www.healthy-connections.org/dental.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_code][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_code][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Recent Posts

Join Healthy Connections for the Polk County Dental Sealant Project on February 22nd
News/Events

Polk County Sealant Project 2025

Join Healthy Connections for the Polk County Dental Sealant Project on February 22nd, providing essential dental care and sealants for 2nd-6th graders
Discover how dental sealants from Healthy Connections provide a safe
Dental

Investing In Healthy Smiles With Sealants

Discover oral health excellence with the Polk County Sealant Project 2024 by Healthy Connections.
Healthy Connections is excited that Dr. Absalom H. Tilley

Absalom H. Tilley Now Available Monday-Thursday

Dr. Absalom H. Tilley is now available Monday-Thursday at the Malvern Pinnacle and Little Rock clinics.