[ back ]
Tooth fairy makes day-time visit
 |
| Paige Stover, a.k.a. The Tooth Fairy, hands out free tooth brushes and toothpaste to students in Janice Riggle’s kindergarten class at London Elementary. Stover is a student at Otterbein College who hopes to go to dental school. She visited all of the kindergarten and first-grade classrooms at London Elementary on Feb. 5. According to Kathy Husek, the Madison County-London City Health District public health dental hygienist and oral health educator, the district recently received a $4,562 grant from the Delta Dental Foundation for in-classroom and community education that will benefit nearly 4,000 children ages pre-K through high school, as well as offer qualified financial assistance for families of children with dental needs. |
In honor of National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM) in February, dental professionals throughout the United States sponsor special health activities and promotions to focus attention on the importance of dental health for children.
Today, dental decay is still one of the most common childhood diseases, five times as common as asthma in 5- to 17-year-olds according to the American Dental Association. It affects more than one-fifth of American children ages 2-4, half of those ages 6-9 and nearly 60 percent of those age 15, as stated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2000) through the CDC.
“Madison County children run nearly right along those similar statistics as demonstrated in the annual oral health screenings held for the past five years in the county schools,” says Kathy Husek, public health dental hygienist and oral health educator for the Madison County-London City Health District.
“There is concern for any dental decay experience in baby teeth or permanent teeth, but grave concern for children who have untreated dental decay.”
Last year’s school oral health screenings in the county identified 14 percent of the children screened demonstrate untreated dental decay. Some populations exhibit a higher percentage that may be attributed to lower income or in areas where access to care is limited, but this childhood disease touches all socioeconomic groups across the board.
“The good news is that this disease is treatable and preventable,” says Husek, “by seeing a dentist and practicing healthy habits on a daily basis.”
Most important is establishing a dental care home for children at a very young age. By one year, it is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a child receives a dental exam and continues to see a dentist on the recommended interval as suggested by the dental professional. The exam follows a child’s dental development while establishing a patient’s relationship with the dentist to promote confidence with dental procedures.
Additionally, families who hold good oral hygiene habits protect themselves from dental decay and gum disease.
“The simple but effective means of removing bacterial plaque by brushing and flossing daily and eating a variety of nutritious foods can prevent up to 95 percent of dental decay,” Husek says. “I enjoy sharing health tips with children and their parents to reduce the acid attacks that occur on the tooth enamel after eating or drinking sugary or starchy items. The simple practice of drinking water with fluoride is the easiest and most effective way to fight dental decay. Nearly all public water systems in the county have optimal levels of fluoride, yet due to the rise in consumption of bottled waters children may not be getting enough fluoride to fight preventable dental decay.”
The classroom education offered to all county elementary and middle schools covers dental disease prevention, oral hygiene practices, dental injury prevention, appropriate diet, consumerism and professional dental care practices. These programs are tailored to the grade level with focus on different dental topics.
“Children are fascinated with their physical development, losing baby teeth and getting their new ones. I consider myself successful if a child prides themselves in maintaining clean, shiny teeth and healthy gums so they can be their best with a healthy smile to share everyday at school. A happy child makes a good student.”
For further information about dental health education and promotion or assistance with dental care, contact the Madison County-London City Health District at 740-852-3800, ext 224.
[ back ]
