The Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) has a dental hygiene clinic. If you have dental needs, but no insurance; have a medical card but cannot find a dentist who will accept it; sometimes have bleeding gums when you brush; want to solve these problems but can't afford to go to the dentist, then the HACC dental hygiene clinic may be for you. HACC's Dental Hygiene Clinic provides preventive dental services to the general public. A complete dental exam, a routine cleaning, and thorough home care instructions are available at minimal cost. If needed, x-rays, deep (periodontal) cleaning and sealants are also available. The Clinic accepts all forms of Medical Assistance and all CHIP plans.

The Clinic accepts clients of all ages. Clients are seen by student dental hygienists. Licensed dentists and dental hygienists oversee each client's treatment and evaluate the development of each student dental hygienist's skills. The Dental Hygiene clinic is located at HACC's Harrisburg Campus in a brand new, state-of-the-art facility. Daytime and evening clinic hours are available during the school year. For more information or an appointment, contact the Dental Hygiene Clinic at 780-2441.

Exciting new evidence has shown that chewing sugarless gum flavored with Xylitol can help prevent tooth decay! Xylitol is a healthy alternative to sucrose and it negatively affects the type of bacteria that is responsible for cavities. Studies have shown that children who chew Xylitol gum benefit greatly. The most opportune time to begin chewing Xylitol gum is the year before the first permanent molar erupts, or when the child is approximately 5 years old. It takes only five minutes of chewing to attain the benefits of Xylitol. Older children can also benefit from the effects of chewing Xylitol gum.

Studies on pregnant women who chewed Xylitol gum are additionally exciting. Pregnant women were asked to chew Xylitol gum two to three times per day throughout their pregnancy and until the children were 24 months old. When these children were evaluated at age 5, they were found to have 70% fewer decayed, missing, and filled primary (baby) teeth.

Even the United States Army is including Xylitol in the rations that they give to soldiers. They teach them to use the slogan, "Look for Xylitol First," to remind the troops to look for Xylitol as the first ingredient in all chewing gums and candy to increase oral health. 

The beginning of the school year brings with it a multitude of forms and notices for parents to read and sign. Depending upon a student's grade level, parents/guardians may discover two dental forms in their student's backpack the first week or two of school. Watch for dental report form and fluoride application consent. 

The State of Pennsylvania requires that all students show evidence of receiving a dental examination (3) three times within their school career. Evidence of this exam may be received by having the student see his or her own dentist and returning a private dentist report form signed by the dentist. Dental report forms will be sent home with students at the beginning of the first, third, and seventh grade year. The dental hygienist will screen all students in these grades who do not return a signed form by the dentist. If your child is screened by the dental hygienist and dental problems are noted, a referral form will be sent home detailing the suspected areas of concern.

Students in elementary grades first and third who would like to receive a fluoride varnish treatment will have an opportunity to receive this service at no cost to families.  Clinical studies have shown that fluoride reduces the incidence of tooth decay and is especially valuable to children when their teeth are developing. Parental/caregiver permission is required to be included in this program. 

Questions regarding either of these programs may be directed to Ms. Donna Murray, West Shore School District Dental Hygienist at: 938-9577 x43007.

Students are engaging in sports at an early age with rigor, strength, speed and commitment. Protecting teeth with mouth guards offers many long term benefits. 

Mouth guards help to cushion blows that might otherwise cause broken teeth and injuries to the lips, tongue, face or jaw. . Anyone who participates in a sport that carries a significant risk of injury should wear a mouth guard. This includes a wide range of sports like football, hockey, basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, volleyball, martial arts and cheerleading. Mouth guards are also recommended for recreational activities like skateboarding and roller blading.

Types of mouth guards: the ready-made, or stock mouth guard; the mouth-formed "boil-and-bite" mouth guard; and the custom-made mouth guard made by your dentist. All three mouth guards provide protection, but they vary in comfort and cost. The most effective mouth guard should be flexible, tear-resistant, and comfortable. It should fit properly, be durable and easy to clean, and not restrict speech or breathing or drinking. Your child's dentist can suggest the right mouth guard for him or her.

Since 31 percent of all sporting injuries result in injury to the teeth, mouth or head area, a properly fitting mouth guard is an important piece of athletic gear. Ask the school hygienist about a new West Shore School District program for securing a  sports mouth guard.  

Baby teeth help a child to speak and chew. They also contribute to a child's appearance. Baby teeth help to maintain space for the permanent teeth. If a baby tooth is lost too early, nearby teeth can move into the space. When the permanent tooth is ready to come through, there may not be enough space. In addition, untreated cavities in baby teeth can damage permanent teeth.

A child's oral health status cannot be separated from overall well-being. Pain from untreated tooth decay can result in disrupted sleep patterns and an inability to comfortably eat and drink. Consequently, as children age, they fall behind their peers in weight gain. Untreated dental infection can result in illness. School-aged children often miss school because of dental problems. Those who do attend school with dental problems frequently report pain, fever, swelling and tiredness, and are often inattentive and distracted in the classroom. As noted, healthy baby teeth are important in the overall health and well-being of a child!