Give Kids a Smile Day

Although it doesn't get as much attention as other health problems kids face, untreated dental disease is a very big problem.

To help combat this 'silent epidemic', a special event takes place during National Children's Dental Health Month each year in February. It is Give Kids a Smile Day.

In addition to providing free oral health care services to thousands of low-income children across the country, participating dentists and other organizations will help teach children about how to keep their teeth healthy.

This might include:

• tooth-brushing and flossing demonstrations
• educational displays in schools
• talks on the importance of eating healthy foods
• why it is important to have healthy teeth
• what keeps teeth from being healthy

Even if your child can't participate in a formal Give Kids a Smile Day activity, you can have a discussion with your kids about the five simple rules of health teeth:

• brush
• floss
• eat nutritious foods
• limit snacks
• visit your dentist

How do you find Give Kids a Smile Day events? You can visit the American Dental Association's Give Kids A Smile website or call your local Dental Association to see if there are any events in your area.