Health Department offers Summer Dental Program for Children
(BINGHAMTON - NY) The Broome County Health Department is offering a special summer dental program where children between the ages of 4 and 16 can have their teeth cleaned, dental sealants applied and fluoride treatments done.
Poor oral health in children has been linked to poor performance in school, poor social relations, and less success later in life. Research also shows that there is an association between poor oral health and other chronic conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease that can occur later in life if infections related to tooth decay are not prevented.
At present, only about 50 percent of school aged children visit a dentist once a year. Routine teeth cleaning, fluoride treatments and dental sealants are preventive measures to help avoid future tooth decay.
Fluoride is a mineral that is used to prevent tooth decay on the smooth surfaces of teeth. It works by strengthening tooth enamel so that it can resist decay-causing bacteria.
A dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating that is applied as a liquid to the chewing surface of permanent back teeth (molars). The coating adheres to the tooth and dries to form a protective barrier that seals the pits and fissures of the tooth surface. The sealant is a barrier against decay-causing bacteria. The procedure is safe, simple and painless. No tooth material is removed.
“This is a great opportunity for the children of parents without dental coverage and those with partial coverage to take advantage of. No out-of-pocket costs are associated with the program,” said Claudia Edwards, Public Health Director for the Broome County Health Department.
The program will take place weekdays at the Broome County Health Department, 225 Front Street, Binghamton, New York, 13905, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., July through August.
Parents can schedule an appointment for their children by calling 607.778.2805. Appointments are on a first come first serve basis.
Posted: 6/29/2011 2:17 pm
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