Child Health

Halifax County Health Department
19 North Dobbs Street
Halifax, North Carolina, 27839
Voice:  (252) 583-5021
Fax: (252) 583-2975

Hours of operation:
Monday – Friday  8:30am – 5:00pm

 



Child Health

Dental Varnishing

Halifax County Health Department also provides dental varnishing for child health clients.

What is fluoride varnish? Fluoride varnish is a temporary protective coating that is painted on teeth to help prevent new cavities and to help stop cavities that have already started.

Why do we recommend putting fluoride varnish on children's teeth? Tooth decay is one of the most common preventable diseases seen in children. Children as young as 12 ‑ 18 months can get cavities. Cavities in baby teeth can cause pain and even prevent children from being able to eat, speak, sleep and learn properly. Children do not lose all their baby teeth until they are about 11 or 12 years old.

Is fluoride varnish safe? Yes, fluoride varnish can be used on babies from the time they have their first teeth. Only a very small amount of fluoride varnish is used. This method of providing fluoride to teeth has been used in Europe for more than 25 years.

How is it put on the teeth? The varnish is painted on the teeth during a regular child health check-up visit at Halifax County Health Department. It is quick and easy to apply and does not have a bad taste. There is no pain, but your child may cry just because babies and children don't like having things put in their mouths especially by people they don't know! Your child's teeth will be yellow after the fluoride varnish is painted on, but the yellow color will come off when you brush your child's teeth tomorrow.

How long does the fluoride last? The fluoride coating will work best if it is painted on the teeth 3 ‑ 4 times a year.

Baby Teeth are Important! They:

  • Let your child chew food.
  • Aid in speech development
  • Guide the permanent teeth into place.
  • Help with jaw and facial formation.
  • Add to your baby's good health.

Health Check

A statewide, Medicaid reimbursed service designed to improve access to preventive health services for children who are Medicaid eligible. Children who qualify for Health Check can receive free care from birth to age 21. Health Check Coordinators monitor the health status of Medicaid-eligible children in Halifax County and promote the importance of regular preventive care; and, educates parents about when, how, and were to get needed services; such as hearing and vision checks; dental screening and services; comprehensive health check-ups; immunizations; and needed diagnostic and treatment services for their children.

Immunizations

Immunizations required by the State of North Carolina are free and available Monday-Friday between 8:30am and 4:00pm

No appointment is necessary for immunizations only.

For more information, please contact our office at (252) 583-5021


Disclaimer: Halifax County tries to maintain current information on this site but is not responsible for any material not located in the HalifaxNC.com domain. We do provide links to organizations outside the County's domain. The provision of a link to external organizations or sources of information does not constitute endorsement of that organization by Halifax County. Links may be provided or removed at any time, with or without cause or warning.

All Rights Reserved © Halifax County, NC.

Last Modified: 09/20/2006 11:36:06 AM