On Sept. 25, Chesterfield Health District staff and volunteers will host Bright Smiles for Babies, a fluoride varnish program to protect babies ages 6 months to less than 3 years old.
The American Dental Association recommends this protective coating to prevent cavities. A nurse will administer a protective coating to baby teeth that will last up to six months at no cost. Bring your insurance card if applicable. We’ll connect you with a local dentist who accepts Medicaid or offers a sliding scale.
Health Educator Yenifer Jerez is taking the lead on this project and meets with parents afterward to teach them best practices for dental care.
“On our most recent community health survey, dental health was one of the top concerns in our community,” Jerez said. “We are bringing this Virginia Department of Health program back to meet the needs of people who otherwise can’t afford preventive dental care. Through this program, we hope to educate families on how to maintain good oral care while providing the necessary tools to keep smiles healthy. By encouraging children to develop strong dental habits early, we’re supporting prevention and helping build a strong foundation for good oral health.”
Twenty-three percent of all kids will get cavities before their fifth birthday, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Register today by visiting ChesterfieldVA.health, click on events, and fill out the form.