Local children have the opportunity to receive free dental care from Rebecca Peebles, DMD, Rajalakshmi Ananthasekar, DDS, and their dental team at West Falls Church Dental, located at 7395 Lee Hwy., Falls Church, as part of Kid’s Free Dentistry Day on Tuesday, Dec. 20 between 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Patients will be offered cleanings, sealants and one filling per child.
Nearly one in four children between the ages of 2 to 11 years has untreated cavities in primary teeth, according to the CDC. Unfortunately, children are not visiting a dentist near often enough to treat decay in its early stages.
Only 45 percent of people 20 and younger see a dentist at least once a year, according to a national survey conducted in 2004. However, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends all children visit the dentist every six months for routine and preventative care.
“It’s unfortunate that so many children have enough decay in their primary teeth that the only solution is multiple crowns or pulling teeth that can no longer be saved,” Peebles said.
“We look at Kid’s Free Dentistry Day as a way to provide important preventative care to children in our community, as well as educate them on the importance of having a good oral hygiene regimen.” For more information, call 703-641-8717 or visit westfallschurchdental.com.