Logan County Department of Public Health providing fluoride varnish treatment for children ages 1-3

[February 21, 2015]  LINCOLN - Oral disease is the most common disease among children in the United States. Nationally, it affects three out of every five children and is more common than asthma. Low-income children experience a greater number of cavities than children from middle and upper-income families.

Fortunately, fluoride varnish is effective in preventing childhood tooth decay in both baby and permanent teeth. It is a protective coating that is painted on teeth that over time releases fluoride, strengthening teeth and preventing decay. Fluoride varnish is applied quickly and easily and dries immediately making it safe to use on babies from the time their first teeth appear. The fluoride varnish application, along with brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and drinking fluoridated water where available, is an important and effective method in reducing and preventing cavities.

Oral health is an integral component of a child's overall health and well-being. Without effective interventions, dental caries in young children can result in the loss of tooth structure and early tooth loss, inadequate tooth function, chronic pain, infection, medical complications, hospitalizations, impaired speech development, poor nutrition and resultant failure to thrive or impaired growth, inability to concentrate in school and missed school days.

The Health Department is offering the fluoride varnish to all children ages 1-3 who do not have a dentist. If the child is on Medicaid, the service is free of charge. If the child has private insurance, there will be a $26 charge for the service. The department is open Monday thru Friday 7:30-4:30. The appointment lasts around 15 minutes. Call for your time slot today 217-735-2317.

[Don Cavi, Public Health Administrator]