KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Dental health experts in Knox County said they are seeing a big increase in the number of children with tooth decay.
To address this, the Knox County Health Department's School-Based Dental Program and the Knox County Schools Welcome Center are partnering to offer free dental services during the summer.
"It is just astronomical what we are seeing, especially within this past year," Megan Jacks, a registered dental hygienist working with this program, said. "And when we say urgent care, this is not just simple fillings. These are huge areas that either are broken teeth, fistulas or infections, pain. These babies, when you talk to them, they will say it does not hurt. You know it hurts. They cannot learn with a broken tooth. They cannot play with a broken tooth. You cannot eat at lunch with a broken tooth."
This program allows people ages 4 to 21 to receive dental services. Those include screenings, sealants, and fluoride varnishes.
Jacks mentioned education is also a big part of it.
"Not only are we doing education on the child, but we are also giving the education to the parent saying, you know, do's and don'ts, what you can do, because it is generational," Jacks explained. "Parents sometimes do not realize that dental is such an important thing. They do not realize that, if you are under age 8, that you still need to brush your kids teeth because they do not have the dexterity down."
Jacks told 10News that dental decay is the most common disease in children. A lot of times it is the main reason kids miss school. She added they see children with infections regularly.
"And those infections can turn out deadly," Jacks pointed out.
However, some good news for parents: they are 100% preventable in most cases.
So, parents, here are two things experts want you to keep in mind so your kids' teeth can stay as healthy as possible:
1. Prioritize nutrition. Be smart when it comes to sugars and make sure your kids are drinking tons of water. Fresh fruits, veggies, and cheese make great snacks.
2. Preventive care is key. Make sure your child is going to the dentist every six months.
"It is going to make the child more accepting of going to the dentist because fear, let's just be honest, a lot of parents are terrified of the dentist and that kind of stems into the child's fear," Jacks commented. "So when you have happy visits and realize that you are ahead of the game and keeping things clean and keeping things healthy, you do not really have to worry about that fear component."
During the school year, Jacks offers free services to children in Knox County schools. She said it is a way for parents to save time. According to her, the need she and her partners see in local schools is huge.
If you want to take advantage of the free dental services offered through the program, you need to make an appointment.
They have appointments available throughout June from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The number to call to secure your space is 865-215-5131. They have translators available on-site in case English isn't your first language.