North Dakota launches new programme to reduce rates of decay
A new dental health programme has been launched to combat high rates of tooth decay amongst children in North Dakota.
The North Dakota Department of Health has joined forces with Bridging the Dental Gap to launch the new campaign, named Seal! North Dakota. The programme will help to ensure that underprivileged children are given sealants to protect their teeth. Dental sealants help to protect the teeth against decay and cavities and are being offered to children across the world as a means of trying to reduce the cost of dental care in the future; focusing on preventative dental care will help to reduce the number of people requiring complex, expensive dental treatment further down the line.
Dental treatment is becoming increasingly expensive in America and many families are struggling to afford regular dental appointments; as a consequence, many people are missing out and there dental health is suffering. A recent study revealed that 55 percent of 3rd grade students in North Dakota have decay. Marcia Olsen, from Bridging the Dental Gap said that the scheme was important because tooth decay is becoming increasingly common and can contribute to serious medical issues; numerous studies have shown a strong link between poor oral health and medical conditions including heart disease and strokes.
The sealant programme has already kicked off and yesterday 21 students from the second and sixth grades were treated in Bismarck. The programme will benefit children from an underprivileged background from towns across the state.
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