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Dental Health in the Classroom

Learn about the alarming facts regarding dental health in American children and the impact it has on their education. Discover ways teachers can be proactive in promoting dental hygiene and the importance of community involvement.

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Dental Health in the Classroom

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  1. The Bad!! Dental Health in the Classroom The Good By: Maria , Charles, and Josh

  2. Facts About American Dental Health • A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found 42 percent of kids aged 6 to 19 had had a cavity or filling in their permanent teeth when examined between 1999 and 2002…" Medline Plus, August 25,2005 • "Although dental caries (tooth decay) is largely preventable, it remains the most common chronic disease of children aged 5 to 17 years—5 times more common than asthma (59% versus 11%)." CDC, 2005 • "Poor children have nearly 12 times more restricted-activity days because of dental-related illness than children from higher-income families. Pain and suffering due to untreated tooth decay can lead to problems in eating, speaking, and attending to learning." CDC, 2005 • "An estimated 75% of Americans reportedly have some form of periodontal disease." The American Dental Hygienists' Association - 4/02 • "Dental caries (tooth decay) is the single most chronic childhood disease - 5 times more common than asthma and 7 times more common than hay fever."Oral Health in America: A Report of the Surgeon General" - 4/02 • "Over 108 million children and adults lack dental insurance, which is over 2.5 times the number who lack medical insurance." Oral Health in America: A Report of the Surgeon General, 5/01

  3. Just How Bad is it? • 50% of Americans lack dental insurance. • 77% of those without dental insurance delay regular dental care. • 74% of the noninsured only see a dentist when there’s a perceived problem. • On average, the uninsured go to the dentist only once every three years. • About half of uninsured parents report delaying children’s regular check-ups because of financial burdens. • The Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta report that cavity rates are up 15 percent in children ages 2 to 5 in the last decade. The U.S. Surgeon General’s office notes that an estimated 51 million school hours are lost each year because of children’s dental-related illnesses.

  4. What to Look For • Discoloration in teeth • Deterioration of teeth • Pain while eating

  5. Further Information • http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=6900318 • http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video?id=6870419

  6. What Can We As Teachers Do? • Some Cases of Lack of Dental Care is Considered CHILD ABUSE!!! • Teachers need to be aware of the signs: • Winces of Pain • Lack of Desire to Eat • Sudden lack of verbal involvement in class • Change in Overall Attitude What can we do to be Proactive ?

  7. Steps Teachers Can Take! • Work With Your Community • At a school in North Carolina: • Educators collected: • 1,000 tubes of toothpaste • 1,400 toothbrushes • More than 3,400 other oral hygiene items! Make Dental Hygiene a Part of Health Class Curriculum

  8. EDUCATE THE COMUNITY

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