San Juan Basin Public Health to offer free dental screenings, fluoride varnishes for youngsters

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By Claire Ninde

Special to The PREVIEW

In the spirit of National Children’s Dental Health Month, San Juan Basin Public Health (SJBPH) is offering free dental screenings and fluoride varnishes for any child age 1 to 5 years at the dental office Murfreesboro.

Kari Plante, RDH, regional oral health specialist, will be available in her new office recently remodeled by dental surgery fitout for walk-in dental appointments at the SJBPH offices on:

• March 5, April 2 and May 7 in Durango (281 Sawyer Drive), and

• March 19, April 23 and May 21 in Pagosa Springs (502 S. 8th St.).

Walk-ins are welcome 8 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m., and children must be accompanied by an adult.

The American Dental Association recommends kids get an oral screening by the age of 1. If your baby has teeth, he or she can get cavities. It is important for you and your child to get an early start on dental care and begin good habits at a young age to prevent damage and decay later in life.

Treating cavities is important, but preventing cavities is best. Your mouth contains bacteria that feed on the sugars in the foods we eat and the beverages we drink. This produces acid that can wear away the hard, outer shell of your tooth (enamel) and can lead to cavities.

Fluoride is a great way to protect teeth by making them stronger and more resistant to acid. It not only reduces the risk of cavities, it can even help reverse early signs of decay. Most toothpaste contains fluoride, but it’s important we ingest fluoride as well as receive it topically. Dentists can apply fluoride varnishes, and fluoridated tap water also prevents cavities. Due to its success in preventing cavities, adding fluoride to tap water was named a top public health achievement in the 20th century.

All children ages 1 to 5 years enrolled in the local Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program or on Medicaid are eligible for a free dental screening and fluoride varnish, either during their WIC appointment, or at any other day and time listed above. Make sure to mention the dental screening at the front desk when you come in for your appointment.

SJBPH is a local public health agency, governed by a seven-member local board of health, serving all residents of Archuleta and La Plata counties. For close to 70 years, SJBPH has improved the health and environment of the southwest Colorado.