Each February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children’s Dental Health month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. This year’s slogan is: “Brush and clean in between to build a healthy smile.” Healthy Connections recognized this again this February by offering dental sealants to elementary students in Polk County. Oral cancer screenings were also offered to area high school students. This program has been offered each year since 2002.
The program is done with the assistance of the Healthy Connections staff and dental hygienist students from the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith.
Healthy smile tips include:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
- Clean between your teeth daily
- Eat a healthy diet that limits sugary beverages and snacks
- See your dentist regularly for prevention and treatment of oral disease
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.
Visit www.-healthy-connections.org/dental-sealants/ for more information about the program.
And check out www.healthy-connections.org/teeth/ for more information on our dental clinics in Mena and Hot Springs.
