Free fluoride treatment for Taipei elementary school students is to be provided by the six branches of the Taipei City Hospital, starting on Thursday.
Ma Kui (馬魁), the director of a dental department at the hospital’s Zhongxiao Branch, said tooth decay is the most common oral disease found in children, and an average of about 65 percent of all children have tooth decay, and up to 95 percent in children with mental or physical disabilities have it.
Many children eat too many sweets and if they do not brush their teeth thoroughly, decay can occur, he said, adding that brushing properly and maintaining good oral hygiene are most important in maintaining dental health, but getting a fluoride treatment can also make teeth more resistant to acid.
Fluoride treatment is like putting a bulletproof vest on teeth, because it can also restrain bacterial growth, he said.
There is more than one fluoride treatment method, using fluoride toothpastes or mouth rinses, or applying fluoride varnish, but applying the varnish every six months is the most effective and economic way to prevent against tooth decay, Ma said.
The department said the city hospital’s six branches will provide free fluoride treatment for children between the ages of seven and 12 weekdays through Feb. 8 between the hours of 9am to 12pm and 1:30pm to 4:30pm.
Parents should make appointments in advance, and remember to bring their personal seal, household registration and a children’s toothbrush when they take their children for the fluoride treatment, the department said.
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