|
Sodium Fluoride
Mouth rinse (Swish):
The Fluoride
Mouth rinse Program is a simple procedure of "swishing" one or
two teaspoons of fluoride in the mouth for one minute once a week. This free preventive dental program has been helping reduce cavities by 35% for the past 20 years for those participating in the
public schools.
During the 1998-1999 school year, there were 39,737 students in grades
kindergarten through 5th grade that participated weekly in the program.
Volunteers are needed for this worthwhile program. If you can spare an hour or two once a week, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at an
elementary school of your choice.
Dental Sealants:
Sealants are thin, plastic coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of the
back teeth. They are painted on as a liquid and quickly harden to form a shield over the tooth.
Dental sealants are offered to second grade children in participating
elementary schools. The objective of the program is to prevent cavities in new permanent molars which come in between the ages of 5 and 7.
During the 1998-1999 school year, 835 second grade students had their
molars sealed. The program has expanded from the western community to 9 elementary schools in eastern Palm Beach County for the 1999 – 2000 school year.
Dental Health Education Sessions:
Dental Health Education is provided for both teachers and students in the Palm Beach County School District by the Dental Health Educator.
The staff of the Dental Program actively participates in health fairs
providing education and resource information to hundreds of residents throughout the county.
|
