Dental program offered to preschoolers

    Polish Your Pearls is a grant-based dental program from Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department that helps supplement regular dental visits to provide optimal protection against cavities for children ages 0-5.
    This program is available to local daycares and preschools to provide oral health screening, dental education and application of fluoride varnish.
     “According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood illness in the United States, and the most preventable of all health problems,” said Sarah Minnick, SWNPHD Program Manager.
    “Tooth decay is five times more common than asthma and 20 times more common than diabetes. In Nebraska 46% of children aged 3-5 already have dental decay,” she said.
    It is now recommended by AAPD that children visit their dentist no later than their first birthday and every six months after that.
    When children learn how to care for their teeth early in life, their families save on costs and prevent future problems, Minnick said.
    The Polish Your Pearls program provides education including proper brushing and flossing.
    All children who participate will receive a free dental screening, toothbrush and toothpaste. A note is also sent home showing the child’s  screening results.
    Those interested in knowing more about the program or wanting to set up a dental clinic should contact Minnick at SWNPHD at 308-345-4223.