FLU WARNING:
People should be aware that fewer clinics will be open during the first two days of the Lunar New Year holiday, the Taipei Ministry of Health said.
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By Lee I-chia / Staff reporter
Students in grades two to six in Taipei are entitled to free government-sponsored fluoride dental treatments at Taipei City Hospital’s wards during the winter break, starting today, Taipei City Hospital announced.
Director of the hospital’s dental department Lee Ya-Ling (李雅玲) said that tooth decay is the most common dental disease among children, while children with disabilities or developmental delays may find it difficult to brush their teeth well and the rate of dental cavity between them can be so high. as 95 percent.
As children are more likely to eat sweets during the summer and winter holidays, they are at greater risk of developing tooth decay if they neglect oral health, he said.
Photo: Taipei Times
Four factors play a role in the tooth decay process: tooth sensitivity, bacteria, food and time, Lee said.
Fluoride varnish is like “putting a bulletproof vest on the teeth” in that it helps protect them from acid, inhibits the growth and metabolism of bacteria and helps prevent tooth decay, he said.
Among the many methods of applying fluoride to teeth—such as drinking fluoridated water, taking fluoride salts, using fluoride mouthwash, and brushing with fluoride toothpaste—fluoride varnish has been rated as one of the most effective at preventing tooth decay in elementary school kids, he said.
Tooth decay can be effectively prevented if children get a fluoride varnish every six months, brush their teeth properly and maintain good oral hygiene and eating habits, he said, adding that children should brush their teeth well and finish any cavity treatment before undergo fluoride varnish. .
Government-sponsored dental fluoride treatment is available to children in grades two through six whose household registration is in Taipei at Taipei City Hospital branches from today until Feb. 10, the hospital said.
Treatments are available from 9am. to 11:30 a.m. and from 1:30 p.m. until 4 p.m. from Monday to Friday, he said, adding that parents should bring their child’s National Health Insurance card, household certificate and a toothbrush when taking their child to receive the free treatment. .
In other health-related news, Taipei’s Ministry of Health said yesterday that flu and COVID-19 are expected to continue to circulate during the Lunar New Year holiday, adding that fewer clinics will open in the first two days of the holiday on Wednesday and Thursday next week.
People experiencing flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, headache, muscle aches or pains should take a home COVID-19 test before seeking medical attention and remember to tell the doctor the test result . .
People in high-risk groups for complications from COVID-19 — including the elderly, young children, pregnant women and people with underlying conditions — who test positive for the disease should seek medical help to receive anti-viral COVID-19 drugs, it said. adding that doctors can also prescribe antiviral drugs for the flu as needed.
