Free dental services for Merrill 2nd and 6th graders

Lincoln County Health Department along with community sponsors will again be providing dental sealants to Merrill Area Public Schools this school year. The program has already started at some elementary schools and sixth graders are scheduled for this coming February. Last year 104 students in Lincoln County took advantage of this program.

What are dental sealants? Sealants are thin plastic coatings that are applied to pits and fissures (grooves) on the chewing surfaces of molars to prevent tooth decay by creating a physical barrier against bacterial plague and food. First permanent molars erupt at age 6 and second permanent molars erupt about age 12. Applying sealants after the teeth erupt helps prevent decay. About 90% of tooth decay in children's teeth occurs on the surfaces with pits and fissures. If all children and adolescents received appropriate amounts of fluoride and had dental sealants applied to susceptible tooth surfaces, most tooth decay in these age groups could be prevented. The primary benefit of fluoride is that it safeguards the smooth surfaces of the teeth, where sealants protect the pits and fissures.

The sealant program can be a cost saving for families. In 2010, the average cost of applying a dental sealant was $36, compared with the cost of filling on cavity, at $125. Increase public awareness will help parents make informed decisions about having dental sealants applied to their children's teeth.

The treatment children will receive in this program is not meant to be an alternative to regular dental care. It is still strongly recommended families seek out a dental home (family dentist) for routine dental care including any follow up care which may be recommended after you child has completed this school- based oral health program.

This program is sponsored by Lincoln County Health Department, Merrill Area Public Schools, Tomahawk Public Schools, the Children's Health Alliance of Wisconsin, Ministry Good Samaritan Health Foundation, Ministry Sacred Heart Hospital, and community volunteers. If you would like more information on the Lincoln County Healthy Smiles program, please contact Shelley Hersil for more information at 715-539-1360 or shersil@co.lincoln.wi.us.