February was Dental Health Month!
Dental Health Month is meant to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. Why is this type of celebration—and year-round attention to dental health–important? Despite the fact that it’s almost entirely preventable, tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children.
The good news is there are safe and effective preventive measures that can protect teeth. Good oral hygiene practices such as thorough brushing with a fluoride toothpaste can help keep children from getting cavities. In addition, dental sealants and community water fluoridation are two other strategies that can help prevent tooth decay.
Dr. Hunsicker and the Hunsicker Family Dental staff teamed up with the dental assisting program at Central-Hower High School in Akron to provide over 50 free dental screenings to area children on Give Kids a Smile Day.
The American Dental Association began the Give Kids A Smile program in 2003 as a way for dentists to join with others in the community to provide dental services to underserved children. The program initially began as a one-day event in February, but has since grown to local and national events year-round. Dentists and other team members volunteer their time, and services, to provide screenings, treatments and education to children throughout the United States. Each year, approximately 450,000 children benefit from more than 1500 events, all because of the efforts of 40,000 or more annual volunteers.
