Beyond lip service is a statewide effort that's looking out for kids and their smiles. Counties including Marathon, Langlade, Lincoln and Vilas will be some of the first in line to benefit.

The Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services and area health departments are behind the grant program totaling more than $186,000. It will help provide fluoride treatments for kids and teach them how to care for their teeth.

"Children who have fluoride water have lower rates of dental errors or cavities then children who do not," says Julie Willems Van Dijk of the Marathon County Health Department.

The fluoride could be dispersed through community water supply or as a treatment by local dentists and pediatricians. It will be up to county health departments to make those decisions.

Dr. John Krasowski is a family dentist in Wausau. He says it’s important for parents to make sure their kids brush, floss and eat the right foods. Too much sugar is a bad thing. He says dentists have actually coined a phrase known as “Mountain Dew mouth.”

"It seems children tend to have a more sugar diet. The sugar can break down the surface of the tooth," says John Krasowski, D.D.S.

Dr. Krasowski says beyond lip service is a step in the right direction. Counties will have to apply for the money, and it is unclear at this time how much each county will receive.