Department of Health Program Aims at Children's Teeth

Pilot program in Sheridan, Johnson, Sweetwater, Sublette, Fremont, Hot Springs, Albany and Carbon counties.

A new Wyoming Department of Health pilot program is aiming to improve dental health among preschool children in eight Wyoming counties. The most common chronic disease of early childhood is dental caries (tooth decay), according to State Dentist Dr. Grant Christensen. "Tooth decay among preschoolers is sometimes overlooked as a public health problem," Christensen said. "But far too many young Wyoming children are not getting the dental care they should, with significant health consequences."

With funding appropriated last year by the Wyoming legislature, the new program has established community oral health coordinators in eight pilot counties. Each coordinator is an experienced dental hygienist who will conduct oral health screenings, education, and dental disease prevention programs. The coordinators will also work with local dental offices to secure treatment for local preschool-aged children.

Early childhood dental caries, also known as "bottle-mouth tooth decay" or "baby bottle tooth decay" is caused by prolonged exposure of the primary teeth to liquids containing sugar, including fruit juices and milk, usually through the use of a baby bottle or sippy cup. Even breast milk, if left on the teeth, can cause tooth decay.

Cavities in the primary teeth, often called "baby teeth," cause pain, difficulty in chewing, sleeping and speech and in the worst cases, can result in severe infections that can be life-threatening if untreated. Treatment involves restoration or extraction of infected teeth. "Unfortunately, many children with extensive dental infections must be treated in a hospital under a general anesthetic because of their age and extent of the disease," Christensen said. Christensen estimated more than 800 Wyoming children required this type of outpatient or inpatient dental surgery last year.

"Prevention and early detection and treatment are critical, and that's what we are hoping to expand in Wyoming for some of our youngest residents with this program," Christensen said. The selected counties for the pilot program are Sheridan, Johnson, Sweetwater, Sublette, Fremont, Hot Springs, Albany and Carbon. For more information, contact the Wyoming Department of Health Dental Program.

Contact a local dentist to learn more about how to maintain your oral heath!