Shelby County celebrates "Dental Health Week"

3.6.09 - February was “National Children’s Dental Health Month,” and the Success By 6 volunteers in Shelby and Oldham Counties were very busy spreading the word about the importance of dental health in young children.  February 16-20 was “Dental Health Week” at the Shelby County Library.  Children’s Librarian Sherry Bogard coordinated several activities for parents and children throughout the week to reinforce the message that taking care of kids’ teeth early on truly impacts their ability to learn in school as they grow older.  Mrs. Bogard planned story hours to read books to the children about healthy teeth.  Local dentists donated toothbrushes for all the children, and Metro United Way teamed up with the Louisville Water Company’s Smile Kentucky! program to create 100 goodie bags for the children filled with important dental health information, brushing timers, and other activities.

Other activities that took place throughout the month included a health fair at Baptist Hospital Northeast on February 12 and Smile Kentucky Day at UofL’s School of Dentistry.  Dozens of Oldham County students received free dental care by volunteer dentists that day.  In addition, Metro United Way’s Oldham County Smiles Task Force started preparing “infant go-home” packets for new mothers as they leave the hospital.  These packets are filled with important dental health information related to their new babies, as well as other useful items for first-time moms.  Last, but not least, Oldham County Preschool and the Oldham County Health Department teamed up to provide fluoride varnish treatments to 52 3- and 4-year-olds during the month of February.