Posted: By GUS BILIRAKIS

“Brush your teeth” is a phrase many parents repeat to their children every day. Yet despite parental vigilance and regular brushing, even best efforts at good oral hygiene can still fall short. This is why having access to dental health care is so important.

Unfortunately, obtaining regular dental visits is difficult for many low-income families who do not have access to affordable dental health insurance. Left untreated, ailments of the mouth can lead to abscess, and in extreme cases, death from the spread of bacteria.

Every February “National Children’s Dental Health Month” seeks to raise awareness of good oral health beginning at a young age.

In accordance with National Children’s Dental Month, caring members of the dental community across the nation will participate in “Give Kids a Smile,” a day in which dental professionals provide free oral health care services to thousands of low-income children across the United States. I am pleased to support this effort and will be attending one such event this month in Citrus Park.

For more information on National Children’s Dental Health Month and “Give Kids a Smile,” please visit the American Dental Association’s website at www.ada.org.