February is National Children’s Dental Health Month! This month-long national health observance brings together thousands of dedicated dental professionals, healthcare providers, and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, teachers and of course, parents.
Tooth decay (cavities) is one of the most common chronic conditions of childhood in the United States. Untreated tooth decay can cause pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning.
- About 1 of 5 (20%) children aged 5 to 11 years have at least one untreated decayed tooth.
- 1 of 7 (13%) adolescents aged 12 to 19 years have at least one untreated decayed tooth.
- The percentage of children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 years with untreated tooth decay is twice as high for those from low-income families (25%) compared with children from higher-income households (11%).
The good news is that tooth decay is preventable. Starting your child off with good dental care and developing good habits at a young age along with regular dental visits will help children to have lifelong healthy teeth and gums.
This month BirminghamMommy.com has teamed up with Abenoja Orthodontics to supply you with a wealth of information on getting started with your child’s dental care, from your first pediatric dental visit, to your first set of braces and everything in between! So be sure to check back and see what all we have to talk about!
About Abenoja Orthodontics:
Dr. Christine Abenoja graduated at the top of her class from the University Of Connecticut School Of Dental Medicine in 2005, where she was elected to membership in OKU, a dental honor society and received numerous awards including the prestigious American College of Dentists Award.
She completed her specialty training at the University of Alabama in Birmingham and received her Master of Science in Orthodontics in 2008. She maintains a position as Associate Professor at UAB School of Dentistry where she teaches the current Orthodontic residents while treating patients at the Veteran’s Administration in Birmingham.
Dr. Abenoja brings an eye for beauty and detail from her artistic background as a graduate from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and an enthusiasm for bringing that beauty to each patient’s smile. She encourages patients to grow in their strengths through the challenges of orthodontics and enjoy the positive power of a smile. She is currently an Orthodontist in a private practice in Birmingham and Warrior Alabama.
Abenoja Orthodontics is located at 8000 Liberty Parkway in Vestavia
www.bracesbham.com
