Fluoride varnish program to offer free protective coating for Chesterfield baby teeth

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A fluoride varnish program will offer free protective coating to protect Chesterfield County babies' teeth later in September, according to Virginia health officials.

On Friday, Sept. 25, the Virginia Department of Health's (VDH) Chesterfield Health District staff and volunteers will host Bright Smiles for Babies, a fluoride varnish program, which seeks to protect babies aged six months to less than 3 years of age, per a Sept. 18 release from VDH.

“On our most recent community health survey, dental health was one of the top concerns in our community,” Health Educator Yenifer Jerez, who leads this project, said. “We are bringing this Virginia Department of Health program back to meet the needs of people who otherwise can’t afford preventive dental care. Through this program, we hope to educate families on how to maintain good oral care while providing the necessary tools to keep smiles healthy. By encouraging children to develop strong dental habits early, we’re supporting prevention and helping build a strong foundation for good oral health.”

Jerez meets with parents afterward to teach them best practices for dental care, per VDH.

Health officials said the American Dental Association recommends this protective coating to prevent cavities, with a nurse to administer a free protective coating to baby teeth that is said to last up to six months.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 23% of all kids will get cavities before their 5th birthday.

VDH encourages families to bring their insurance card and said they can connect them with a local dentist who accepts Medicaid or gives a sliding scale.

For more information about the program and to register for the event, click here.