Pediatric Dental Health Crucial to Long-Term Success

February is National Pediatric Dental Health Awareness Month, and Irvine-based pediatric dental practice urges parents to understand the importance of their children's dental health

With more than half of Orange County area kindergarteners suffering from tooth decay, our team of doctors at Smile Wide are raising awareness and educating both children and their parents about the benefits of oral health as part of National Pediatric Dental Health Awareness Month this February.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, tooth decay is five times more common among children than asthma, and four times more common than early childhood obesity. Research also indicates that good oral health is critical to a child’s long-term success and overall confidence. Poor oral health can affect a child’s speech, their nutrition, growth, social development and can contribute to more life-threatening conditions down the road such as heart disease.

“Tooth decay is nearly 100 percent preventable, if children and their parents are aware of the steps to take to prevent it,” said Dr. Harvey Lee, Chief of Pediatric Dentistry.  “We want to help families in our area become more aware and know that early preventive steps can save them from a variety of future dental and health conditions.”

Our doctors will be visiting preschools and daycares throughout Irvine during the month of February to help raise awareness in our community, and remind parents that children should visit a pediatric dentist prior to their first birthday.  Their interactive school visits include a brief child-friendly video, as well as an amusing and educational demonstration on how to properly care for their teeth.

Smile Wide strives to deliver the best standard of care in the industry.  Rest assured, we always do what’s best for our patients.  You can trust that we will take care of you and your family.

If you are a member of the media and would like to request more information about pediatric dentistry, these school visits with Smile Wide, or an interview with Dr. Harvey Lee, please call 844.SMILE.74 or visit us at SmileWideDental.com.