Healthy Smiles, Healthy Babies: Grant Gives Future Moms in Need Dental Care
By: Kim Behrens
Updated: February 4, 2013
BLOOMINGTON- A message to all expectant mothers, doctors say poor oral health can cause premature delivery.
That's why the McLean County Health Department is taking action to prevent the problem.
Staff just received a nearly $12,000 grant to provide dental cleanings to pregnant women who can't afford them.
They say hormonal changes can lead to sore, puffy gums, especially if women aren't brushing and flossing each day.
Morning sickness also wears away tooth enamel.
Family Case Manager Laura Beavers says bacteria can cause early deliveries, which puts children at risk for developmental delays.
"We know that the hormones are occurring, we know they're at an increased risk for nausea and vomiting, and if we can give them the tools to combat that, hopefully that can improve the life of their baby," said Beavers.
The grant money comes from the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation's Women to Women Fund.
The health department hopes to assist nearly 1,000 expectant mothers.
Healthy Smiles, Healthy Babies Drive:
To stretch dollars further, the Women to Women Fund is collecting dental supplies for future moms.
Throughout the month of February the drive is accepting toothbrushes, fluoride mouthwash, and toothpaste donations.
It hopes to collect 1,000 sets of supplies.
Flanagan State Bank, OSF Saint Joseph Medical Center, and both the Bloomington-Normal Schnucks stores will have drop off sites.
It's also accepting monetary donations.
Checks can be made out to "Healthy Smiles" in the memo line to the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation:
2401 E. Washington, Suite 300B
Bloomington, IL 61704
That's why the McLean County Health Department is taking action to prevent the problem.
Staff just received a nearly $12,000 grant to provide dental cleanings to pregnant women who can't afford them.
They say hormonal changes can lead to sore, puffy gums, especially if women aren't brushing and flossing each day.
Morning sickness also wears away tooth enamel.
Family Case Manager Laura Beavers says bacteria can cause early deliveries, which puts children at risk for developmental delays.
"We know that the hormones are occurring, we know they're at an increased risk for nausea and vomiting, and if we can give them the tools to combat that, hopefully that can improve the life of their baby," said Beavers.
The grant money comes from the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation's Women to Women Fund.
The health department hopes to assist nearly 1,000 expectant mothers.
Healthy Smiles, Healthy Babies Drive:
To stretch dollars further, the Women to Women Fund is collecting dental supplies for future moms.
Throughout the month of February the drive is accepting toothbrushes, fluoride mouthwash, and toothpaste donations.
It hopes to collect 1,000 sets of supplies.
Flanagan State Bank, OSF Saint Joseph Medical Center, and both the Bloomington-Normal Schnucks stores will have drop off sites.
It's also accepting monetary donations.
Checks can be made out to "Healthy Smiles" in the memo line to the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation:
2401 E. Washington, Suite 300B
Bloomington, IL 61704
