March 7, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT INFO:
Monica Baer, 262-522-9687
mbaer@baercarlson.com
Darin Schumacher, 920-431-1742
dschumacher@dentalassociates.com
More Than 11,000 Reached or 200,000 Teeth
Wauwatosa, WI – As part of Children’s Dental Health Month in February, the 10 Dental Associates’ clinics in Wisconsin taught 11,130 youngsters how to care for their teeth. In dental terms, that’s a total of 222,600 very important baby and permanent teeth.
Dentists and dental assistants from Dental Associates clinics in Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, Franklin, Sturtevant, Kenosha, Fond du Lac, Green Bay, Appleton, north Appleton and Greenville visited 111 daycare centers, YMCAs, preschools and elementary schools throughout the state to teach children the importance of dental health and show them how to properly take care of their teeth. As part of the visits, each child received a dental kit that included a new toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss and dental care information.
Educating children early and often is vital since the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry reports that more than 50 percent of children will be affected by tooth decay before age five. In addition, a study from the Office of the Surgeon General notes that more than 51 million school hours are lost each year to dental-related conditions.
“It was exciting to tally the numbers because through our 10 clinics this February we reached 11,000 children – more than ever before,” says Thomas Manos, D.D.S, M.S., president of Dental Associates. “We’re committed to helping our communities in every way we can and we enjoy working closely with little ones.”
During the classroom talks and presentations, dental assistants from Dental Associates showed children the keys to oral health – brushing twice a day for at least two minutes, flossing and seeing a dentist for regular checkups. They also addressed the importance of a healthy diet and encouraged youngsters to avoid sugary snacks and sweet drinks like juice and soda since those products simply coat teeth with sugar. The students learned that fruits, vegetables, water and milk are the best choices.
“Despite what some people think, baby teeth are very important for children. They help children speak clearly, chew naturally and provide a path for permanent teeth to follow,” says Dr. James Blong, regional clinic director for Dental Associates. “They also create a beautiful smile that helps children feel confident.”
Dental Associates also provided $28,500 in dental services to 138 children who didn’t have access to care.
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