WLBT 3 - Jackson, MS: Jackson students get free dental check-ups

Jackson students get free dental check-ups

By Monica Hernandez - bio | email

JACKSON, MS (WLBT) - There were some tears but mostly, there were smiles Wednesday morning as kids like 10-year-old Kenedy Guidry got a dental check-up for the first time in years.

"I've never gotten my teeth check on before since I was a baby," said Guidry, a 5th grader at Brown Elemetary in Jackson.

But the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures van is changing that. The van, designed to be a mobile dentist's office, travels around the country, giving children free dental exams. It stopped at Smith Elementary Tuesday and Brown Elementary Wednesday.

"They learn at an early age what's happening with their teeth and gums. And this affects their education. Because many of them are in pain. Many of them have abscesses and gum problems," said Holmsetta Green, coordinator of the mobile dental van.

Dentists from the University of Mississippi Medical Center performed the exams. For some kids, it was their first time seeing a dentist. Some said they don't own a toothbrush.

"Right now we're worrying about the flu epidemic everywhere. But in reality, there's a silent epidemic and that's dental tooth decay," said Dr. Neka Eklund, Chair of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at UMC.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, half of all kids ages two to nine suffer from untreated dental decay.

"We've seen many children, I mean many of them, with holes, actual holes in their teeth. The age is about 4 and five years old, and this has been a big concern," said Green.

Kids left the mobile dental van with some healthy advice.

"[The dentist] gave me facts on how I can keep my teeth cleaned at nighttime,  and in the morning, before I go to school," said Demontrius Jimmerson, a 5th grader at Brown Elementary School.

"It's okay, they're not going to hurt you. All they're doing is just checking on your teeth," said Guidry.

The dental van will make a stop at the Family Dollar Store on E. Government Street in Brandon on Friday between 2 and 4 pm. Free exams will be available to any child 12 and under with parental consent.