OGDENSBURG — Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center’s pediatricians, Dr. Kome Oseghale, and Rita Crowley, PNP, and family medicine providers Nakita Goliber, FNP and Alana Stevenson, FNP began the practice of applying fluoride varnish to the teeth of some of their youngest patients in 2021.

Working with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and St. Lawrence County Public Health, Claxton-Hepburn has been able to provide and expand this service to our youngest patients in Ogdensburg, Canton and Waddington.

Dr. Oseghale, who started the project, named 123 Smile, to implement into her practice after attending an AAP conference where pediatric oral health was discussed.

“The evident need for better oral health in our pediatric population is high, especially in our younger, Medicaid population,” Oseghale said. “Dental caries is the most prevalent chronic disease among children. Almost half of all children will experience tooth decay by the time they reach kindergarten.” She continued, “That is not acceptable, and I have chosen to address this disparity within my practice through the 123 Smile program.”

Through Dr. Oseghale’s enthusiasm for the project she was able to recruit other Claxton-Hepburn providers to begin offering the fluoride varnish to their youngest patients. In fact, more of Claxton-Hepburn’s pediatric providers will be jumping on board in 2022 applying fluoride varnish to young children in their practices.

Children as young as 12-18 months can get cavities. Fluoride varnish is a protective coating that is painted on teeth and helps prevent new cavities and helps stop cavities that have already started.

Rita Crowley, PNP stated, “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.” Crowley continued, “The application is quick and easy and does not have a bad taste. Most importantly, there is no pain.” Fluoride varnish is a preventive care service, per the United States Preventive Task Force (2014). This means that all public and private health insurance plans should cover fluoride varnish.

It may surprise many to find that according to the 2021 County Health Rankings, there is 1 dentist to 2,510 patients within St. Lawrence County, and some do not take Medicaid. Looking at data from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) Oral Health Indicators for St. Lawrence County shows that 67.2% of third-grade children have dental caries, and another 39.5% have untreated dental caries. Studies have shown that applying fluoride varnish decreases caries by 30-35%.

The NYSDOH, along with the AAP and the American Dental Association, recommend that by incorporating oral health screenings, caries risk assessments, parental guidance, and fluoride varnish applications into well-baby visits as a routine standard of care, child health providers, like pediatric providers at Claxton-Hepburn, will be helping their youngest patients to achieve optimal oral health and prevent or minimize the health consequences of tooth decay.

For more information about the 123 Smile program, visit us on Facebook or on the web at www.claxtonhepburn.org/123smile to learn about the many ways we keep you and your family North Country Strong.