Children should have all of their twenty primary teeth by age five or six. Primary teeth are lost as permanent teeth come in, a process that continues for six to eight years. Although there may be differences in tooth development and appearances among children, notable variations may be signs of oral health issues. Therefore, it is important for children to receive oral health screening, assessment, and care from the time that their first tooth comes in throughout the development of their teeth (and through adolescence).
Seitz Elementary is helping to make this process easier by offering dental screenings at their building. These dental screenings are offered through the Konza Prairie Community Health Center of Junction City.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides A Pediatric Guide to Children’s Oral Health Flip Chart, which includes information about the development of teeth, as well as early childhood issues. Oral health problems in children account for over 51 million hours of absences per year from school. Tooth decay is the most widespread and chronic infection in children; it is more common than asthma and hay fever. Children should have a dental screening once a year to prevent these dental issues.
For more information on the Seitz Dental Screening program taking place on January 26, 2018, contact Seitz Elementary School.