FREE Dental Health Day for Children
How much do you know about your child’s dental health? In North Carolina, 37% of children entering kindergarten have already been affected by tooth decay, also known as Early Childhood Caries. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, ECC is an infectious disease that can begin as early as the teeth begin to emerge (around 6 months or so), often progresses rapidly, and can cause great pain to the child.
Defined as the presence of one or more decayed teeth, missing teeth (resulting from caries), or filled tooth surfaces in any primary tooth in a child 6 years old or younger, ECC is commonly found in children who are frequently exposed to sugary liquids — such as milk, breast milk, formula, fruit juice, and other sweet liquids — for long periods of time without brushing (or wiping by a washcloth for babies and toddlers). The same type of principle applies for adults who sip on coffee throughout the day and experience a darkening of their teeth.
According to the AAPD, ECC is the single most common chronic childhood disease — 5 times more common than asthma, 4 times more common than early childhood obesity, and 20 times more common than diabetes. ECC that requires extensive dental repair, often in an operating room under general anesthesia, appears most often in children aged 22 months. If left untreated, it can destroy the child’s teeth, and have a strong, lasting effect on a child’s overall general health.
How can families help ensure that ECC isn’t affecting their children? Join the Martin-Pitt Partnership for Children for our Free Dental Health Day for Children! In partnership with the School of Dental Medicine at East Carolina University, the event will be held at the Partnership, 111B Eastbrook Dr. in Greenville on Saturday, March 4th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Appointments are required, and can be made by calling 252.758.8885, emailing mppfc1@mppfc.org or online at bit.ly/mppfcdental.
This event is geared towards young children who are first-time dental patients. For more information, please contact Anh Pham at 252.758.8885, or via email at mppfc1@mppfc.org.