MARQUETTE — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is celebrating National Children’s Dental Health Month by announcing a $320,000 grant from the Delta Dental Foundation (DDF) to sustain and expand SEAL! Michigan. DDF has provided more than $3 million to support SEAL! Michigan and community water fluoridation since 2010.

“Good oral health starts early and prevention makes a lifelong difference,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “This grant allows us to reach more students with screenings and sealants that can prevent cavities, reduce pain and missed school days, and support children’s health and success both in and out of the classroom.”

Said Holli Seabury, EdD, executive director of the DDF: “Preventive care should be the backbone of our oral health delivery system. Sealants can help prevent tooth decay and reduce the need for more complicated, costly treatment later in life.”

This year, two additional local health departments — District Health Department No. 2 and the Mid-Michigan District Health Department — will join the SEAL! Michigan program, increasing the number of children receiving oral health screenings and sealant placement.

Oral health is an integral part of overall health, especially for children. Healthy teeth can help children eat nutritious foods, speak and smile, which in turn boosts confidence and self-esteem. Preventing pain from tooth decay can also help sustain focus on schoolwork.

During the last school year, SEAL! Michigan provided oral health screenings to 10,700 Michigan children, noting that almost one-third needed early dental care and 35% had untreated cavities. In total, SEAL! Michigan teams applied more than 41,000 sealants.

Dental sealants coat the dips and grooves on the surface of teeth, preventing bacteria and food from getting caught and causing cavities. SEAL! Michigan offers sealants, dental screenings, fluoride applications and oral health education to elementary and middle school students — all during the school day.