We’re getting serious for a minute. Because we represent an amazing OC-based pediatric dental practice, and this month happens to be all about increasing awareness on this issue, we wanted to share this article with you…
With more than half of Orange County area kindergarteners suffering from tooth decay, Drs. Harvey Lee and Laura McCormack of Little Smiles of Orange County 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 month.
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. “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.”
Drs. Lee and McCormack of Little Smiles of Orange County 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 teeth with Dr. Harvey.