Kids Summer Special at Assure a Smile

June 25, 2012 - PRLog -- Assure a Smile announces the Kids Summer Special, offering children in South Florida a comprehensive cleaning, exam, and dental x-rays for just $75.  The Kids Summer Special comes at a time when oral health is declining among children worldwide.  Miami dentist and Assure a Smile founder Dr. Theodore Herrmann, DMD, sees the promotion as an effective way to raise oral health awareness among both children and parents in the Sunshine State.  

“Oral health is rapidly declining among children in the U.S., Europe, and in many other developed countries around the world” explains Dr. Herrmann. “It is imperative that we reverse this trend by working with children to teach them sound oral health habits.”

Unfortunately, oral health is becoming a growing issue for children worldwide.  Evidence suggests that American children, as well as children from many of the world’s foremost developed nations, are developing tooth decay and gum disease at unprecedented rates.  Dental professionals from across the nation have issued alarming reports of treating preschoolers with an average of 6-10 cavities or more, according to a study issued by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (i).  Dentists report that children from families of all income levels are experiencing rampant tooth decay, suggesting that today’s oral health issues are largely unaffected by socioeconomic conditions.  Rather, they stem from lackluster personal hygiene habits.  

American children are not the only ones who are suffering.  Nearly one in four Swedish children do not brush their teeth regularly according to researchers at the Sahlgrenska Academy, and only 10% know how to use toothpaste correctly (ii).  This study, shared in the May 2012 issue of Medical News Today, is further evidence of a multinational decline in oral health awareness among children.  

A father of two, Dr. Herrmann knows firsthand that the best way to protect children from developing serious oral health problems is to focus on early detection as well as prevention.  First, parents must schedule regular dental cleanings so tooth decay may be detected and addressed before it has the chance to spread and cause further disease.  Second, children must learn to proactively care for their teeth and gums to stop the formation of tooth decay before it starts.  For parents, Dr. Herrmann offers the following advice:

1. Watch out for sugary snacks and foods.  Sugar is still the leading cause of tooth decay among children.  Parents may help their children create strong teeth by encouraging them to snack on fresh fruit, yogurt, vegetables, and other all-natural foods that are low in sugar.

2. Fluoridated water and toothpastes are not the answer.  Fluorosis, a condition characterized by a streaky off-white discoloration of the tooth enamel, has risen 23% among children between the years 1999 and 2004 according to the Centers for Disease Control (iii).  Although fluoride was once thought to prevent cavities, this recent evidence suggests that Americans, and particularly children, are suffering from overexposure to the toxic and potentially lethal mineral.

3. Schedule a dental cleaning every 6 months.  The best way for a parent to protect their child from cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues is by taking them to see a dental professional for a cleaning and check up every 6 months.  This will also teach children to proactively care for their teeth and gums every day, a habit that will reinforce strong oral health for life.    

Dr. Herrmann looks forward to welcoming new families to Assure a Smile this summer with the Miami area’s most comprehensive and affordable dental cleanings for children.  The practice is known throughout the South Florida area for having a kind rapport with patients, especially children, and a gentle touch that is not scary.  The Kids Summer Special at Assure a Smile runs from June 1st through August 15th and offers a full cleaning, exam, and dental x-rays for just $75.  Parents may visit http://www.assureasmile.com to schedule an appointment online, or they may schedule directly by calling 305-274-0047.

To claim the Kids Summer Special at Assure a Smile, please visit http://www.assureasmile.com/kids-summer-special.pdf to claim and print your coupon.  Please note:  Coupon must be presented at time of appointment to claim this promotion.

Citations for this news release include:
(i) Trends in Oral Health Status: United States, 1988-1994 and 1999-2004.  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. April 2007.  
(ii) Brushing Teeth – Which Way is the Right Way? Medical News Today. May 17th, 2012.  
(iii).  Government Advises Less Fluoride in Water.  The Wall Street Journal.  January 6th, 2012.