Childhood oral health is a problem in Oregon. A 2012 survey found that about half of children age six to nine have at least one cavity. A partnership in Lane County is trying to tackle the issue one toothbrush at a time. KLCC’s Deonna Anderson reports.
United Way of Lane County and Burley, a company that builds recreational transport gear, assembled 16,000 dental kits, which they plan to distribute to elementary students. In case you didn’t know, February is Children’s Dental Health Month.
United Way of Lane County’s Julie DiBase says each kit includes a toothbrush, fluorinated toothpaste, floss, a timer and a “how to brush” flyer.
“That also contains information for parents on low-cost dental clinics and other social service resources available to them in Lane County,” she adds.
The dental kit distribution is part of a larger effort to improve childhood oral health in the county. To reduce stigma, DiBase says they’ll give a kit to every K through third grade student. And teachers in school districts within Lane County are developing lesson plans about good oral hygiene.