January 31, 2006

NSU, BCC Team Up To Help “Give Kids A Smile” This Saturday

WHO              
Nova Southeastern University’s College of Dental Medicine students and faculty will team up with local volunteer dentists, the Broward County Dental Association, and students from the Dental Assisting/Hygienist program at Broward Community College to provide local children with screenings and preventative dental cafre.

WHAT
75 children, identified through Broward County Public Schools, will receive exams and screenings, x-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants and some restorative work. Oral hygiene instruction will also be provided to families.

WHY
Give Kids A Smile is a national initiative by the American Dental Association to focus attention on the epidemic of untreated oral disease among disadvantaged children. In 2006, nearly 40,000 dental professionals and volunteers will provide free educational, preventive and restorative dental services to children from low income families at 2,000 locations across the country. 

WHEN & WHERE
Saturday, February 4 from 9 a.m. – Noon
NSU’s College of Dental Medicine, Davie, Fla.
Corner of University Drive and SW 30th Street

PHOTO OPS

• Children receiving dental care at NSU’s 100-seat clinic 
• Appearance by Burnie, Miami Heat Mascot
  

Stats from the American Dental Association

• 23 million children in the United States do not have dental insurance.
• Medicaid is the health coverage for about one-fourth of all children in the United States.
• For every child in this country without health insurance there are 2.6 without dental insurance.
• Nearly half of tooth decay in children ages 2-9 is untreated.  

Tips For Cavity Prevention

       Babies, Toddlers, Pre-Schoolers

• After each feeding, clean the baby's gums with a clean wet gauze pad or washcloth.
• When teeth start to appear, brush them with a child's size toothbrush and plain water. Look for toothbrushes that carry the ADA Seal of Acceptance. They have been evaluated by the ADA for safety and effectiveness.
• Begin flossing when at least two teeth begin to touch.
• Start dental visits by the child's first birthday. Make visits regularly. If you think your child has dental problems, take the child to the dentist as soon as possible.
• Brush teeth of children over age two with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and make sure to floss daily. Look for toothpastes that carry the ADA Seal of Acceptance. They have been evaluated by the ADA for safety and effectiveness.
• Children should be supervised while brushing to keep them from swallowing the toothpaste.

       School-Age Children and Adolescents

• Until they are six or seven years old, continue to brush your children’s teeth twice a day with a child’s size toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Continue to assist with flossing as needed. Look for dental products that carry the ADA Seal of Acceptance. They have been evaluated by the ADA for safety and effectiveness.
• By age six or seven, children should be able to brush their own teeth twice a day but often require supervision until about age 10 or 11, to make sure they are doing a thorough job. Since each child is different, your dentist can help you determine whether your child is brushing and flossing properly.
• Visit the dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.
• Ask the dentist about dental sealants, a protective plastic coating that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay often starts.