“Young and in Surgery for a Mouthful of Cavities”  clearly indicates the need to engage families and communities in positive oral health activities. It is tragic that millions of children suffer from pain and embarrassment of preventable pediatric dental disease.

Failing to prevent pediatric dental disease can inhibit a child’s ability to learn and grow. Children with serious dental disease find themselves in a downward spiral that negatively affects their adult lives, including limited employment potential and lifelong health problems.

The economic and social consequences of rampant dental disease affect everyone. National Children’s Oral Health Foundation: America’s Toothfairy supports the delivery of oral health education and care beginning at the prenatal level, including an engaging kids club. It is imperative that we provide families with resources and education to change their oral health behavior and prevent this devastating disease.

FERN INGBER
President and Chief Executive
National Children’s Oral Health Foundation
Charlotte, N.C., March 9, 2012