ACAP promotes dental health in area schools

by Staff Star Herald
9 years ago
SH ACAPDENTAL 07 16 16995017

Contributed photo
ENCOURAGING HEALTHY SMILES — Anne Chapman, oral health educator with the Aroostook County Action Program, talks with children who attend ACAP’s Early Care and Education Center at the Gouldville School building in Presque Isle. Learning about healthy teeth are, clockwise from Chapman, Lily Reynolds (on her lap), Grace Simard, Addyson Scott, Kailynn Condo, Taven Pelkey, Kohen Joseph and Willow Bugbee.

PRESQUE ISLE — February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and Aroostook County Action Program (ACAP) Oral Health is promoting healthy habits by sharing the American Dental Association’s (ADA) Sugar Wars campaign.

“Each February as we visit our schools and clinics, we try to do something fun and attention-getting,” said Anne Chapman, ACAP oral health educator. “Education and action are key to good oral health care and we hope to drive that point home every time we provide services.”

Through the ADA’s Sugar Wars campaign, ACAP hopes to encourage these concepts:

1. Choose healthy foods for a smile that’s out of this world.

2. Swat those pesky sugars out of your mouth. Brush two minutes, twice a day.

3. Protect your smile with a toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste and floss.

4. Keep smiles sparkling: limit sugary treats, eat healthy and brush two minutes twice a day.

ACAP has been the oral health coordination and outreach program in Aroostook County for 30 years.

“We serve approximately 6,500 children and adults each year,” explained Chapman. “Our varnish and sealant programs, oral health screenings and cleanings have provided access to care that may not otherwise be possible. In addition, because oral health is so critical to overall health, we recognize the benefits of our services go well beyond just caring for teeth and gums.”

ACAP Oral Health serves 10 WIC (Supplemental Nutrition for Women, Infants and Children) clinics and six Early Head Start and Head Start programs throughout Aroostook County. In 26 public schools, ACAP provides sealants to second-graders (and third- and fourth-graders receive rechecks) and fluoride varnish to children in pre-K to grade 5.

 

In addition, ACAP partners with five public schools to provide oral health screening and cleanings for all students grades from pre-K through grade 12.