MIDDLETOWN – Preschool students at Head Start know the importance of every day dental hygiene. To recognize National Children’s Dental Health Month students from the SUNY Orange Dental Hygiene program visited the Head Start school of Regional Economic Community Action Program (RECAP) in Middletown. The designated month brings together healthcare providers, educators and families to promote the benefits of starting an oral care routine at a young age.
The SUNY students, Nicholas Mahabir, Yvette Harris, Leeanna O’Rourke, and Lesley Parker, facilitated a presentation for parents which included brushing, flossing, fluoride, nutrition, when to visit a dentist, and how to reduce dental fears. The group surveyed parents about practices at home, clarified misconceptions, and encouraged parents to bring effective oral care practices to the homes and communities.
Educators at RECAP Head Start include oral care in the daily curriculum of the preschools which are in Middletown, Scotchtown and Port Jervis. Staff work with students and their families to stress the importance of brushing, flossing, getting regular dental checkups, and limiting snacks and drinks that promote tooth decay.
Cavities are one of the most common chronic health conditions for children in the U.S. According to the CDC 20% of children age 5-11 have at least one untreated decayed tooth.
Children from low income families who are age 5-19 are twice as likely to have cavities compared to children from higher income households.