Humboldt County Dental Advisory Group Invites Residents to Smile Humboldt Mini Dental Fair on Saturday

This is a press release from the Humboldt County Department of Health & Human Services:

Eva Adams and Emily Hill of Growing Smiles Dentistry apply a fluoride varnish to a young attendee’s teeth during last year’s Dental Fair.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and the Humboldt County Dental Advisory Group is inviting residents to celebrate with a fun event and free dental supplies.

As part of a national awareness campaign started by the American Dental Association, the local group has joined forces with community partners, and will be hosting the Smile Humboldt Mini Dental Fair during the St. Joseph Health Fair on Saturday, Feb. 3, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Bayshore Mall in Eureka.

Attendees of all ages can have an oral health assessment done by a local volunteer dentist or registered dental hygienist, receive fluoride varnish and free oral health supplies, play games and meet the tooth fairy. Older children can view the special “Mouthful Hall of Horrors,” an interactive pictorial display of oral hygiene.

“Through these efforts we are bringing more awareness and support to make sure children and their families have access to oral health education, care and supplies, regardless of economic status,” said Laura McEwen, Humboldt County Department of Health & Human Services oral health program services coordinator, adding that tooth decay is the most common disease found in children, but is easily preventable.    

Tooth Fairy Catherine DeSantis, from Public Health, passes out free dental supplies.

The goal for Children’s Dental Health Month is to increase awareness about the importance of regular access to a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss as well as access to important preventive measures like fluoride varnish, dental sealants, fluoridated water and a visit to the dentist twice a year.

“Our children are our top priority and it’s important that we keep our focus on them, especially as our lifestyles become more and more fast-paced,” said Humboldt County Fourth District Supervisor Virginia Bass. “Good oral hygiene is a gift that lasts a lifetime, and I’m happy to support efforts to increase these practices in our community.”

For more information, visit smilehumboldt.org or call Public Health at 707-268-2172.