Free dental cleanings in Scranton for children
EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — March is Oral Health Month and area kids learned the importance of keeping their teeth healthy at a free dental cleaning event in Lackawanna County.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than half of young children aged six to eight have experienced at least one cavity in a baby tooth and children from low-income families are twice as likely to have cavities.
That’s why the Fortis Institute in Scranton participated in a national event that provides free dental cleanings for kids while also educating them about proper dental care.
Nine-year-old Abigail Whitman of Archbald is getting her teeth cleaned for free by a dental hygiene student at the Fortis Institute in Scranton.
The school hosted the event, ‘Give Kids A Smile’, a program launched by American Dental Association in 2003.
“It was amazing. All the people here are very nice. I recommend you go here,” said Whiteman.
“What did they say about your teeth?” asked 28/22 Paola Giangiacomo.
“They were good,” answered Whiteman.
Nine-year-old Ryan Veater of Scranton also got his teeth cleaned. He says the process was quick and painless
“I don’t floss that much, so they told me I should floss every day,” says Veater.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cavities are the most common chronic disease of childhood in the U.S. Cavities are preventable with good oral health.
“So we want to make sure we are brushing in the morning, brushing at night, flossing in between teeth, and were eating good food, fruits, and vegetables and limiting carbs, breads any type of candy you can think of,” explained Brittany Fegley senior at Fortis Institute.
In addition to cleanings, kids who attended this event also had X-rays, screening exams, and fluoride varnish applications. They were even taught how sugar can eat away at the tooth’s enamel.
“If you lose enamel teeth start to form pits and that’s when cavity starts to come,” added Fegley.
Not only did this event raise awareness about the importance of brushing your teeth, but it also aims to educate. Each goody bag the child gets to take home includes tips for healthy teeth.
The tips Abigail and Ryan give are
“Don’t eat late at night because you already brushed your teeth and you’ll have to brush them again,” says Whiteman.
“Brushing them twice a day and flossing,” says Veater.
For patients who needed more involved work done on their teeth, they were given referrals to area dentists and oral surgeons.
If your kids need an incentive to brush twice a day and floss daily, you can make it fun by getting toothpaste that turns colors or buying flossers with animals attached.
Kids should start visiting the dentist by the time their first teeth come in to spot any problems early.
Fortis Institute in Scranton’s availability is Monday, March 11 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. followed by Tuesday, March 12 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Wednesday, March 13 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Adults pay only $20 and Kids’ cleanings are free. Call to make an appointment at 570-955-4015.
For more information on how you can get your kids’ teeth cleaned at no charge visit the Fortis Insitute website.
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