The dental services are provided by a cadre of KCCDHN staff including Stacy Eastman, DDS, 5 local pediatric dentists, Daniel Launspach, DDS; Daniel Purdy DMD; Edward Dove, DDS PC; Robert Bang DDS; and Kurt W. Sturz, DMD MS; 4 Dental Hygienists in Alternative Practice; and 25 second-year dental hygiene students from Taft College Dental Hygiene Program.
The dental hygiene students provide the preventive services at a school site, under the direction of Stacy Eastman DDS. Their services include oral health education, an oral screening, a plaque index, a prophylaxis, application of fluoride, and sealants, if age appropriate. Children who are identified as needing further treatment are then given the opportunity to be treated by one of the local subcontracted pediatric dentists, Dr. Launspach DDS, Dr. Purdy DDS, Dr. Dove DDS or Dr. Bang DDS in their respective offices. There are no fees for any of the dental services provided.
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month!
According to the Academic Pediatric Association, because of the high prevalence of early childhood caries (as reported by the 2000 Surgeon General’s Report), “its impact on young children’s quality of life and potential for increasing their risk of caries in the permanent dentition, early childhood caries is arguably one of the most serious and costly health conditions among young children.” The month of February has been designated to bring awareness of this major health concern to the public, including educators, caretakers, and parents.
Although many people may not have access to care, many others simply do not realize the importance of oral health care or of baby teeth. (To find out about the importance of baby teeth, link to Baby Teeth are Important) As former U. S. Surgeon General stated, “You’re not healthy without good oral health.” As dental decay is caused from a bacterial infection, the increased bacterial count resulting from an unhealthy mouth can negatively impact overall health in children, and contributes as risk factors for children who are immunocompromised, or who suffer from asthma, or diabetes.
When children have dental pain, they are many times unable to sleep well, eat well, or focus in school. Their self-esteem may suffer if they have missing or decayed front teeth. Missing teeth can also contribute to difficulties in speaking. Additionally, dental decay in primary teeth can also “grow” or spread and affect the permanent teeth, as well as continue to undermine overall health. In other words, an unhealthy mouth can compromise a child’s ability to thrive.Read More
Tips on Getting Your Kids Motivated to Brush and Floss
One of the best ways to get your child to brush is to start them early when the first tooth erupts. By establishing a routine, the routine hopefully becomes a habit, like combing your hair. Before their first tooth erupts, wipe their mouth with a wet washcloth after feedings and begin brushing as the first tooth erupts. Teething rings are available with a row of soft bristles at one end for baby’s play, associating tooth brushing with fun. For babies and toddlers who cannot yet spit, use toothpaste without fluoride that tastes good to them, such as bubblegum or fruit flavor. (Most children do not like mint flavor because it tastes “hot” to them). Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles that is an appropriate size for their age and size of mouth for comfort and effectiveness. Some toothbrush companies market a line of brushes with stages or ages marked on the brush, although this is a generalized guide as every child grows and develops at different rates.
If your child did not start brushing at a young age, and is now reluctant to start, begin by educating your child about the importance of good oral hygiene. Explain how “sugar bugs” (plaque and bacteria) can cause cavities (holes in your teeth) to form from poor dietary choices (too much sugar!) and poor brushing habits that can really hurt. Teach your child how brushing helps our breath to stay fresh, so our friends will like talking to us (we don’t want puppy dog breath!), how brushing keeps our teeth white, and our smiles looking like a movie star’s! Young children might like looking at a tooth brush timer (colorful 2-minute timer) while they brush to motivate them to brush long enough (at least two minutes) twice a day. Other ways to keep them brushing for two minutes might include...
