BINGHAMTON, NY - The Broome County Health Department, in cooperation with the Broome Community College Dental Hygiene Department announce a special summer initiative to promote dental sealants for children. Funding has been provided to the Broome County Health Department from the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Dental Health, to promote the application of dental sealants for children this summer.

Sealants will be applied at the Broome Community College Dental Hygiene Clinic. 300 openings for appointments are still available for the month of July. Appointments are generally scheduled between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Parents of children between the ages of 6 and 13 who have not received sealants can call 607.778.2812 for an appointment. This program is open to any child, regardless of income level of the family. This service will be provided at no cost to families.

Background
A dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating that is applied as a liquid to the chewing surface of the tooth. This coating adheres to the tooth and hardens to form a protective barrier that seals the pits and fissures of the tooth surface. The sealant is a barrier against decay-causing bacteria. The procedure is safe, simple and painless. No tooth material is removed. Children with newly erupted first or second molar teeth can benefit the most from sealants. First molar teeth generally appear at about 6 or 7 years of age. Second molar teeth usually appear at the age of 12. To work effectively, sealants should be applied as soon as possible after the molars erupt, and before teeth have had a chance to decay.

There are effective ways to prevent tooth decay, such as regular brushing and flossing. Fluorides, either through community water fluoridation or fluoride supplement programs, have been shown to reduce decay significantly. Sealants can provide more protection against tooth decay when used in combination with brushing and flossing, proper diet and fluorides. Sealants are recommended by the American Dental Association, the American Dental Hygienists Association, and the American Public Health Association.