Dr. Daniel in the Jonesboro Sun: Prioritizing Prevention in Children’s Dental Health
February 19, 2025Blog
Our very own Dr. Jennifer Daniel is featured this week in the Jonesboro Sun, speaking to prevention in children’s dental health.
Childhood tooth decay is a significant issue in Arkansas and the U.S., affecting nearly half of children by age 9. This Children’s Dental Health Month is an opportunity to emphasize the importance of early preventive care.
“Children with dental problems are three times more likely to miss school and twice as likely to struggle academically. These outcomes highlight why early prevention is a public health priority.” – Dr. Jennifer Daniel
Dental care should begin earlier than many parents realize. Start brushing when the first tooth appears, use fluoride toothpaste by age 2, floss when two teeth touch, and schedule the first dental visit by the first birthday.
Many parents don’t realize dental issues can start before symptoms appear, leading to emergency room visits, difficulty eating, and trouble focusing in school. Data from CATCH Healthy Smiles shows that children with dental issues are three times more likely to miss school and twice as likely to struggle academically.
This February, let’s commit to giving kids a healthy start.
