Education Advocate Update

Submitted by Misty Van Nostrand, Topeka Center

There are currently over 800 children in state custody who would have no one to represent their interests in the special education process if it weren’t for the many kind volunteer advocates. As we begin planning Education Advocate trainings to be held across the state, we will concentrate on the areas that have the greatest need.  Some counties in Kansas do not have any trained advocates and there are counties with high foster care student populations where advocates are always in demand.  If you are willing to share a little of your time to assist a child on his or her educational journey, please contact Kari or Misty (785-233-4777 or edadvocate@familiestogetherinc.org) and ask to be placed on the mailing list to receive notification of these trainings. The youth of Kansas THANK YOU!

Decay is an infection which can cause serious pain and illness if left untreated.  Children whose primary “baby” teeth become decayed lose the ability to develop healthy eating habits.  Children with decayed teeth often are in pain, and so cannot concentrate, participate in play, or enjoy socializing with their classmates. When decayed teeth are pulled and not replaced, children lose the ability to form words properly and suffer ridicule from other children.  Older children and adults with permanent teeth can risk losing their teeth to severe decay, or spending significant money and time at the dentist’s office having decayed teeth repaired.  Teens and adults report feeling embarrassed by visible decayed or missing teeth and bad breath that accompanies active tooth decay.

You, your family and children in your care can have healthy teeth.  Here are evidence-based steps to fight tooth decay and remain cavity free:

• Drink fluoridated water when available – either tap water or bottled fluoridated water

• Brush to remove plaque – the sticky film on your teeth -- and food particles morning and just before bed with fluoridated toothpaste, using children’s fluoridated toothpaste for young children

• After brushing, spit out the excess toothpaste but don’t rinse with water; Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends leaving fluoridated toothpaste on your teeth at least 30 minutes after brush to get the best effect

• Floss between teeth each day to remove plaque and food particles from places where toothbrushes can’t reach

• Use mouthwash supplemented with fluoride

• Substitute fresh fruits, vegetables, and water as snacks for chips, candy, cookies, and sugar-laden juices and soft drinks

• Establish a dental home and visit the dental office for regular professional prevention  treatments – fluoride applications, prophylaxis (thorough cleaning by a dental hygienist), x-rays, and professional examination

• Ask the dentist if you and any of your family members are candidates for dental sealants, which are thin plastic coverings applied to molars

• Protect children from injury around the mouth and teeth with helmets and mouth guards

“Look, Ma!  No Cavities.”

Submitted by Marcia Manter

Imagine your child coming home from a dental examination with a report card declaring no cavities.  In the 1950’s scientists discovered that fluoride, a natural mineral found in rocks and soil, can help prevent tooth decay by hardening tooth enamel.  It was added to public water supplies that needed extra fluoride to be effective, dentists began applying periodic fluoride treatments, and toothpaste manufacturers advertised that their products included fluoride. Government agencies and the general public were confident that fluoride would put an end to tooth decay.  It does help cut down on tooth decay, but fluoride alone doesn’t stop decay. Today an estimated 51 million school hours per year are lost because of dental-related illness.  In Kansas, more than 25% of the children will have decay by the age of five, and almost 80% of adolescents will have had tooth decay by the age of 17.  Oral health disease in children is five times more prevalent than asthma.

Why is it important that children and adults have cavity-free teeth?