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Oral Health
 The Oral Health Program at the Benton Franklin Health Department provides a variety of
preventive and educational services including: Second Grade Sealant Program in the public
schools; classroom oral health education; oral health inservices for teachers, nurses,
physicians, and others; and fluoride prescription information. Program staff also participate
in the Benton Franklin Community Health Allinace and the Washington Dental Service Foundation's Cavity
Free Kids program. Both groups mission is to provide avenues for oral health care and preventive dental
services to the citizens of Benton and Franklin Counties. Contact:
| Peggy Flint Registered Dental Hygienist Oral Health Program Coordinator: |
Peggy Flint |
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(509) 460-4253
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The Tooth Tutor oral health curriculum is available to be checked out by school teachers.
The Tooth Tutor is a K-5 program that includes overhead materials, classroom activities,
information letters to send to parents, and tooth trivia. To find out more about the Tooth
Tutor Contact:
Commonly asked questions about fluoride:
Sealants
+
Fluodide
=
Maximum Protection Against Cavities |
A: Sealants Protect
The Chewing Surfaces |
B: Fluoride Protects
The Smooth Surfaces |
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- How does fluoride work?
Fluoride works in two ways--Topically (toothpaste, rinses, gels) by strengthing teeth already
present in the mouth making them more decay resistant, and Systemically (in water, drops, tablets)
by being ingested into the body and becoming part of the forming teeth. Fluoride in drinking water
also helps protect adults from cavities on the roots of teeth.
- How long has fluoridated water been around?
Fluoride occurs naturally in ground water so it has been around forever.
However, Grand Rapids, Michigan was the first community in the US/world to
fluoridate their community drinking water. This happened on January 1, 1945 (over 50 years ago)!!
- When should children start taking fluoride supplements?
At the age of six months if they are not receiving fluoride by any other means
(ie: formula, drinking water, etc.) Check with your pediatrician or dentist to find out
if fluoride supplements are right for your child. The American Academy of Pediatric
Dentists reccommends continuing fluoride supplemtnets until the age of 16.
- If my child uses fluoride toothpaste or receives a treatment at the dentist, why use supplements?
Toothpaste and dental treatments are topical and only protect the outter surfaces.
To receive the benefit of fluoride "inside" the tooth as it forms you need systemic
fluoride like that in supplements or fluoridated drinking water.
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Seal Out Decay!!!
Sealants are thin, tooth-colored, plastic material that is applied to the chewing surfaces
of back teeth (molars). Sealants prevent tooth decay (cavitites) by preventing plaque bacteria
from getting in the deep grooves on the chewing surface of molars. The Benton Franklin Health
District has a second-grade sealant program that is conducted in the following elementary schools:
- Basin City
- Connell
- Mesa
- Kahlotus
- and all nine elementary schools in Pasco.
Schools in Kennewick and Richland have sealant programs provided by local Registered Dental Hygienists or local community clinics that coordinate with the Benton Franklin Health District. 
To find out if your child’s school receives services in this manner contact Laurie Ghigleri.(below)
If your child goes to one of the schools listed look for them to bring home a yellow permission
slip and information about sealants. Contact your school nurse or
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Benton Franklin Health District