Oral Health
Happy & Healthy Smiles Oral Health Program
Our mission here at SIPH is “Every day, in every way, empowering & improving health!” The goal of SIPH’s Oral Health Program is to prevent oral health conditions ( tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, etc.) in southeast Idaho through education, school-based programs, and community events. Our dental hygienist develops, coordinates, and provides services designed to prevent dental disease and promotes overall health.
Tooth decay (cavities) is one of the most common chronic conditions experienced by children in the United States. When a decayed tooth is left untreated, it can lead to extreme pain and infection which can then lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing and learning. It has also been found that children who have poor oral health conditions tend to miss more school and receive lower grades than children who do not.
- Brush 2 times a day for 2 minutes with a fluoride toothpaste
- Clean between teeth daily
- Avoid sugary foods including soda and juices, and drink plenty of water
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet with limited snacks
- Visit your dentist on a regular basis
- Ask your child’s dentist to apply dental sealants when appropriate
Good oral health is an important part of overall health. For more healthy teeth tips, visit: MouthHealthy - Oral Health - American Dental Association
Happy and Healthy Smiles
- Oral Health Education/Presentations: These programs are offered to schools, daycare centers, Head Start facilities, community health fairs, and church, professional, and civic groups. Programs are tailored to grade level and ability, and provided at request and dependent on availability. Educational materials involve:
- Oral Health and how cavities form, and how to prevent cavities
- Overall health and how it is linked to oral health
- Optimal oral hygiene techniques
- Importance of fluoride
- Fluoride Varnish Clinic: Quarterly clinics provide dental screenings, fluoride varnish application, oral health education, and dental referrals if needed.
- To view current fluoride varnish schedule, click here.
- To schedule an appointment, call April Sluder at 208-478-6314.
- School-based Dental Sealant Project: This program provides dental screenings, prophylaxis(cleaning), sealants, and fluoride varnish to students in rural populations who are less likely than other students to receive oral health care from dentists in private practice. Programs are conducted in school settings with oral health professionals using portable equipment. Permission slips are required for children to participate.
- For more information or to see what schools are participating in this project, call April Sluder, RDH-EA at 208-478-6314.
- Dental sealant Information: Dental Sealants Prevent Cavities - Vital Signs - CDC
- Long-term Care Facility Screenings: This program offers educational in-services to residents and health care providers, and provides dental and oral cancer screenings. Available to facilities that contract for these services with the health department.
- Contact April Sluder, RDH-EA at 208-478-6314, if interested in these services.
- For information on Aging and dental health (Geriatrics) (ada.org)
