February is National Children’s Dental Health Month
ZANESVILLE – National Children’s Dental Health Month is meant to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. According to the American Dental Association (ADA) tooth decay is the number one chronic illness in children, affecting 42% of children aged 2 to 11 in the United States, making it five times more common than childhood asthma.
The good news is there are safe and effective preventative measures that can protect teeth. Oral hygiene practices such as thorough brushing with a fluoride toothpaste can help keep children from getting cavities. Once your child has a tooth, it is recommended that they receive fluoride varnish treatments to help prevent tooth decay. Brushing, flossing, and fluoride varnish go a long way to protecting a child’s teeth but sealants can form an extra barrier between cavity-causing bacteria and teeth. School aged children without sealants have almost three times more cavities than children with sealants. According to the Centers for Disease Control and ADA’s Center for Evidence-Based Dentistry, sealants have been shown to reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80% in molars.
To combat childhood tooth decay in the region, Muskingum Valley Health Centers (MVHC) offers comprehensive primary dental service at its Coshocton, Malta, and Zanesville locations. These services are offered on a sliding fee scale based on income and all forms of dental insurance are accepted. Call (888) 454-5157 for more information.
Category: People & Places
