Smiles That Shine: Promoting Kids’ Oral Health in South Carolina

Did you know that 47 percent of kids in South Carolina have decayed teeth*? This alarming statistic highlights a critical issue that affects children's learning, causes pain and affects their social interactions and self-esteem. At BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, we believe that a healthy smile is very important for a child's overall health. That's why the BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation has partnered with Reach Out and Read (ROR)* to improve children's oral health across the state.

The Importance of Oral Health

Cavities can affect a child's well-being. They can cause pain, make kids miss school and even make it hard to eat.

Nationally, about 1 in 5 children aged 5 to 11 years have at least one untreated decayed tooth. One in 7 adolescents aged 12 to 19 years have at least one untreated decayed tooth. Kids from low-income families are twice as likely to have untreated tooth decay compared to kids from higher-income families*. In South Carolina, low-income children are also more likely to have cavities.

Our Partnership With Reach Out and Read

Since 2020, the Foundation has been working with ROR to help solve these problems. ROR is a program that combines reading and health. By giving age-appropriate books during well-child visits, ROR not only promotes reading but also teaches families about oral health.

Innovative Approaches to Oral Health

During a 12-month period, ROR providers gave out 4,600 books about oral health to families. These books helped providers talk about healthy habits such as brushing and flossing. ROR providers also applied fluoride varnishes to 15,000 children. This varnish helps prevent cavities. Dental sealants and varnishes can prevent up to 80 percent of cavities for two years.

Making a Lasting Impact

The Foundation's efforts have also included making 2,500 referrals to connect children with dental homes, ensuring they get continuous and comprehensive dental care. This is important for preventing dental diseases and promoting good oral health from an early age. The Foundation has also supported various programs, including:

• School-based oral health programs. These programs bring dental care directly to schools, making it easier for children to receive the care they need without missing class.
• Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), and dental clinics. These centers provide essential dental services to low-income families, ensuring that children have access to preventive and restorative dental care.
• Healthy Learners in partnership with CareSouth Carolina Dental in Bishopville and Lee County. This initiative focuses on providing dental care to children in underserved areas, helping to reduce the barriers to accessing dental services.
• Oconee County community dental clinic. This clinic recently added preventative oral health services and education for underserved children ages 13-18. Prior to this project, there were no dental services for this population in this area.

At the Foundation, we understand that good oral health is a vital part of every child's overall development, which is particularly challenging for the economically vulnerable. By supporting programs that integrate and offer oral health services, including dental care, we are helping to create healthier futures for our children.

Erika Kirby, executive director, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation

Tips for Maintaining Good Oral Health

To maintain good oral health, it's important to:

• Brush and floss daily.
• Eat a diet low in sugar.
• Visit the dentist regularly.
• Use dental sealants and varnishes. These can prevent up to 80 percent of cavities for two years.
• Start oral health care early. Oral health beginning before age 1 helps prevent lifelong dental and overall health issues. Healthy baby teeth and mouths are important.

At BlueCross, we are committed to reducing barriers to care and ensuring that every child can grow up healthy and strong. Together, we can make a difference, one smile at a time.

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