With the start of school only weeks away, it is important to make sure students are ready to get back to learning.
"Students who do not practice positive oral hygiene face increased oral health problems," said Welch. "Poor oral health can cause students to be in pain, leading to a lack of participation and concentration in the classroom."
Welch urges parents to help children maintain positive oral hygiene throughout the school year, as well as schedule twice-yearly oral health check ups with a dentist.
"It is so important for students to get into the practice of maintaining good oral health," he said. "They should brush at least twice a day, floss, and make sure if they have any problems to let their parents know so they can visit with a dentist."
Welch encourages parents to set a good example. He also suggests monitoring children's oral health by looking for symptoms of gum disease, which include bleeding, swollen, or bright red gums, persistent bad breath, or a receding gum line.
Welch adds that healthy lunches are also important to children's oral hygiene. Parents should limit sugary beverages and foods, which cause tooth decay.
"If parents pay attention to their children's oral hygiene, less school hours will be missed due to dental problems," he said. "If oral health problems go unnoticed, it can lead to problems chewing food, cavities, gum disease, or other oral health problems."
The "Positive Oral Hygiene" educational campaign is designed to help spread the word to individuals of all ages regarding proper oral hygiene, the benefits of taking care of the mouth, and risks associated with poor oral hygiene.
"We see numerous patients who aren't aware of the proper techniques to take care of their teeth and their oral health," said Welch. "By promoting positive oral hygiene, we hope to educate people on the proper methods to care for their teeth and gums, as well as become aware of special health issues relating to certain groups of people. The information we provide is designed to promote more of an awareness of oral hygiene."
About Sunstone Dental
Sunstone Dental Care, established in 1998 by brothers Gregory and Bradley Welch, provides state-of-the art cosmetic dentistry services, including dental implants, a no-needle air abrasion system for surface fillings, and zoom whitening, a whitening process that is done in only one appointment and has been featured on the television program "Extreme Makeover." Both dentists are certified by the Nevada Board of Dental Examiners, and are members of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentists, American Dental Association, Nevada Dental Association, and Southern Nevada Dental Association. The Sunstone office is located at 1701 N. Green Valley Parkway, #7A, at the corner of Wigwam and Green Valley in the Legacy Business Park. Appointments are required and are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday. For more information call 702.837.6555 or go to www.sunstonedental.com.
For more on Diana Edelman, contact Impress Communications at 702-367-7771.
