Bringing Healthy Smiles to the Mississippi Delta

Programs & Impact

Jun 24

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta Partners with Mobile Dental Teams to Serve Greenwood, Cleveland, and Lexington

At Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta, we believe that great futures start with healthy habits—and that includes taking care of our teeth. Over the past several weeks, Club members in Greenwood, Cleveland, and Lexington received free dental cleanings and oral hygiene education thanks to two incredible mobile dental teams.

Cavities are one of the most common chronic conditions of childhood in the United States, and they don't discriminate by age. According to the CDC, more than 1 in 5 children aged 6 to 11 have at least one untreated cavity in their permanent teeth, while about 1 in 7 adolescents aged 12 to 19 face the same issue. Children from low-income families are more than twice as likely to have untreated cavities as their peers, making access to care a critical need in communities like the Mississippi Delta.

The good news? Cavities are largely preventable with the right habits and regular care. That's why we were so excited to bring dental care directly to our school-aged and teen Club members.

Mobile Dental Visits Across the Delta

Greenwood Club

Club members in Greenwood received care from the MHS Mobile Dental team, who provided check-ups and taught kids the importance of good oral hygiene. Smiles were everywhere as our members learned how to keep their teeth healthy for life.

Cleveland Club

The Cleveland Club welcomed a Mobile Dental Team that went above and beyond. Not only did they roll in with a full "office on wheels" ready to provide top-notch dental cleanings, but they also showed up with bright smiles, breakfast, and drinks for the staff. Our students were incredibly excited and handled their check-ups like champs. Melanie Perry-Robinson, Unit Director of the Cleveland Club, shared: "BGC-Cleveland was very elated to have them as a part of our programming."

Lexington Club

*Hoover Dental Clinic from Biloxi providing dental care at Lexington Boys and Girls Club*

The Hoover Dental Clinic from Biloxi, MS visited the Lexington Unit, providing dental cleanings and oral hygiene services to Club members. Their team also shared valuable information on proper dental care practices, helping to promote healthy habits and overall wellness among our youth. Kawanna Horton, Unit Director of the Lexington Club, expressed gratitude for "their commitment to supporting the health and well-being of our club members."

Tips for Parents of School-Aged Children and Teens

As children grow, their dental needs evolve. Between losing baby teeth, getting braces, and facing new social pressures, keeping up with oral health is critical. Here are evidence-based tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Dental Association (ADA) to protect your school-aged child's smile:

Protect Permanent Teeth with Sealants

Ask about dental sealants—thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars). Sealants prevent 80% of cavities and are especially important for children ages 6 to 12, as their permanent molars come in.
Sealants are quick, painless, and often covered by Medicaid/CHIP. If your child hasn't gotten them yet, ask your dentist at their next visit.

Master Brushing and Flossing

Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste for a full two minutes. By age 6, kids can brush on their own, but parents should still monitor technique periodically to ensure they are reaching the back teeth and along the gum line.
Floss daily—once permanent teeth grow in, they fit tighter together, making flossing non-negotiable. If traditional floss is tricky, try floss picks or water flossers, which are especially popular with teens.
If your child wears braces or aligners: Brush carefully around brackets and wires, use special orthodontic floss threaders, and avoid sticky or hard foods that can break appliances. Clean retainers daily with a gentle, non-alcoholic cleaner.

Gear Up for Sports

Wear a mouthguard during any contact sport (football, basketball, soccer, wrestling) or high-impact activities (skateboarding, biking). A properly fitted mouthguard protects teeth, lips, and jaws from serious injury.
Over-the-counter "boil-and-bite" mouth guards work well, but ask your dentist about custom-fitted options for the best protection and comfort.

Rethink Drinks and Snacks

Limit sports drinks, sodas, and energy drinks. These are highly acidic and loaded with sugar, which erodes enamel and fuels cavity-causing bacteria. Water is the best choice for hydration and helps wash away food particles.
Watch out for constant snacking. Grazing throughout the day keeps acid levels in the mouth high. Encourage structured meal and snack times, and choose tooth-friendly options like cheese, nuts, apples, carrots, and plain yogurt.
Be mindful of sugary or acidic candies. Sour gummies and hard candies are especially tough on enamel.

Keep Up with Regular Dental Checkups

Schedule visits every six months for cleanings and exams. Regular visits catch small problems (like early cavities or gum inflammation) before they become painful or expensive.
Ask about orthodontic evaluations. The ADA recommends that children receive an orthodontic screening by age 7, even if no issues are obvious. Early intervention can guide jaw growth and reduce the need for extractions later.
Monitor wisdom teeth in older teens (ages 16–18). Dentists will track their development with X-rays and advise if removal is necessary to prevent crowding or infection.

Address Teen-Specific Risks Head-On

Talk to your teen about vaping, smoking, and oral piercings. Tobacco and e-cigarettes increase the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer. Tongue and lip piercings can chip teeth, cause infections, and damage gums.
Remind them that their smile is their best accessory. At this age, appearance matters! A bright, healthy smile boosts confidence for school photos, job interviews, and college applications.

A Big Thank You

We are incredibly grateful to the MHS Mobile Dental team, the Hoover Dental Clinic from Biloxi, and all the dental professionals who brought care directly to our Club members. Your commitment to children's health makes a lasting difference in our community.

To our Club families: we encourage you to continue these healthy habits at home. Schedule those dental appointments, stock up on fluoride toothpaste, and make brushing a fun part of your daily routine. Together, we can keep our kids smiling bright—from elementary school all the way through graduation!

For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta, call us at 662-219-0488 or contact your local Club unit.