Give Kids a Smile Day Events Provide Free Dental Care to Unprivileged Children

    BROOKLYN, NY, February 05, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Many kids do not receive the proper dental care. A number of children in US have never been to the dentist. However, dental professionals are making an effort to change situation by providing free dental care to kids as part of the annual Give Kids a Smile Day sponsored by the American Dental Association (ADA).

WorlDental.org Dental Health Web Magazine provides regular reports about free dental care events scheduled on the Give Kids a Smile Day.

Initiated in 2003, Give Kids a Smile is the centerpiece of February's National Children's Dental Health Month. The event began in part to help provide dental care for children whose families may not have direct access to regular dental care. Limited reimbursement provided by state and federal governments for oral health programs is a growing problem that contributes to the lack of access to dental care.

"We try to highlight affordable and free dental care opportunities on our site," said Christina Malitowski, WorlDental.org editor. "One of the our goals during Give Kids a Smile Day event is to inform our readers about as much dental events as possible, so that those unprivileged kids to get a chance to obtain necessary care."

During the month of February, local dentists will inform parents and kids about importance of taking care of their teeth. Many dental professionals will visit schools to talk to kids in the classroom about the proper brushing and flossing techniques.

"According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood infectious disease in the U.S.," says Christina Malitowski, "five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever.

About 51 million hours of school are lost each year due to dental problems. For every $10 spent on prevention of oral health problems, an estimated $8-$50 can be saved in restorative and emergency treatment. So it is very important for kids' dental health to receive essential care and for parents -- necessary knowledge," explained Malitowski.

The ADA advises dentists to examine a child within six months of the eruption of the first tooth and no later than the first birthday. A dental visit at an early age is a "well baby checkup" for the teeth. Besides checking for tooth decay and other problems, the dentist can demonstrate how to clean the child's teeth properly and how to evaluate any adverse habits such as thumbsucking.

With a highly successful program history the ADA decided to look for ways to expand Give Kids a Smile to "More Than Just a Day".

Malitowski said they expect free dental events not only on the first weekend of February, but also during the whole month. "WorlDental.org will be reporting about as many free dental care events as possible," she added.

Visit WorlDental.org for regular reports about free dental services scheduled and held. To find out if there is a program in your area visit GKAS site. Contact Christina Malitowski for interview, more information and for submitting your free dental event by email: [email protected].

WorlDental.org is popular dental health web magazine, which informs about oral health tips, dentistry news and affordable dental care opportunities. For further information, please visit http://worldental.org

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