February is National Children’s Dental Health Month and Dr. Peter Merai and the staff at Comprehensive Dental Care of Oxon Hill ask all parents to encourage their kids to practice good oral and dental health!
Why Is Oral Health So Important for School-Aged Children?
- Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease.
- Kids miss 51 million hours of school every year due to oral health problems (many of which are preventable).
- Children with dental problems have trouble smiling, speaking, sleeping and learning at school.
- Students who are absent miss critical instruction time, especially those in early grades where skills such as reading are a focus.
- Kids who have experienced recent oral health pain are 4 times more likely to have a lower GPA in high school than those who haven’t.
While tooth decay is the most common childhood disease — 5 more times than asthma — it is almost entirely preventable. For every dollar spent on prevention in oral care, you can save $8-50 on restorative and emergency dental procedures.
Dr. Merai and the American Dental Association remind parents about teaching the importance of good oral hygiene habits not only in February, but all year long. Your children’s visit to our dentist office in Oxon Hill, Maryland is more than just about checking for cavities, although that is part of our preventive dental care routine. If you or your child is overdue for an exam and cleaning, please call our Oxon Hill dental office today at 301-567-9844. Easter break is right around the corner, and is a great time to bring your kids in for an exam and cleaning!