OGDENSBURG — Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center’s pediatrician, Dr. Kome Oseghale, began earlier this year the practice of applying fluoride varnish to the teeth of some of her youngest patients.

Year to date, Dr. Oseghale reported she has applied 100 fluoride varnished on her patients’ teeth. Working with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and St. Lawrence County Public Health, Dr. Oseghale has successfully been able to apply the fluoride varnish to nearly 40 children in the past six weeks.

Dr. Oseghale chose this project she named 123 Smile to implement into her practice after attending an AAP conference where pediatric oral health was discussed.

Fluoride varnish is a protective coating that is painted on teeth and helps prevent new cavities and helps stop cavities that have already started. The varnish can be used on babies from the time they have their first tooth, and it is recommended that the varnish be painted on the teeth 3-4 times a year, said a press release from Claxton-Hepburn.

Studies have shown that applying fluoride varnish decreases cavities by 30-35%, the press release said.

For more information about the 123 Smile program, contact Dr. Oseghale’s office at 315-713-6770.