OHS also conducts and monitors school-based fluoride supplementation programs. OHS continues to provide sealants in schools across the state having the highest proportion of children on federally subsidized lunch programs. The goal is to reach 15,000 high-risk children annually. Currently, programs are being conducted in all seven rural health regions and three of the six metropolitan health regions. During this reporting period, approximately 7,000 children had 35,000 permanent teeth sealed through this program.
Periodontal disease is a leading cause of bleeding, infection, pain, and tooth loss among adults.
Emerging research indicates that there is an association between periodontitis and other diseases. It may also be associated with systemic diseases including coronary heart disease, stroke, and osteoporosis. Therefore, periodontal disease prevention, as well as effective treatment procedures, must be utilized to control this disease. Maintaining a healthy oral environment is the most effective means of preventing and controlling periodontal disease. Therefore, schoolchildren at highest risk for oral diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, participate in daily toothbrushing programs.