Skip to main content

For Immediate Release
February 19, 2020
CONTACT
Kate Flavin

316-660-9370

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

(Sedgwick County, Kan.) – February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, which serves as a reminder to prevent dental cavities by practicing good oral health regularly – even before babies get teeth – and continuing to do so throughout adulthood. 

Primary, or "baby," teeth help children speak clearly and chew naturally, as well as aid in forming a path for permanent teeth to follow. Tooth decay is the single most prevalent disease in children. It not only causes pain in the mouth, it can lead to poor overall health and learning problems.  Proper oral health practices include:

  • Clean babies’ gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water.
  • Avoid nursing babies to sleep and put only water in a bedtime bottle.
  • Visit a pediatric dentist by a baby’s first birthday and twice a year every year following.
  • Floss and brush baby teeth twice daily using fluoridated toothpaste and a soft, small toothbrush.
  • Most children may begin flossing and brushing their own teeth, while supervised, when they can tie their shoes.

“It is important to remember that untreated dental disease can lead or contribute to many health issues such as: heart disease, diabetes, or lung infections,” said Adrienne Byrne, Sedgwick County Health Department Director. “Teaching children proper tooth brushing and flossing techniques is extremely important to their overall health.”

The Sedgwick County Health Department (SCHD) Children’s Dental Clinic is operated by one dental assistant and two hygienists who work in concert with school nurses to identify children in need of and eligible for services.

In 2019, the SCHD Children’s Dental Clinic provided preventive and restorative services at no cost to 331 uninsured low-income children. The restorative work was possible through numerous dentists, oral surgeons and other specialists, volunteering their time and services, without which hundreds of children in our community would not receive oral health care.

SCHD staff may provide presentations that focus on the importance of good oral health and demonstrating tooth flossing/brushing techniques. Children who receive this information will also receive an oral health kit.  The oral health kits, donated by the Delta Dental of Kansas Foundation, include a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. 

To schedule a presentation, or for more information about the SCHD Children’s Dental Clinic, please call (316) 660-7317 or visit www.sedgwickcounty.org

 

-end-