Delta Dental of Illinois is asking parents and guardians to make sure their children visit a dentist for a checkup before school begins.
As many patients delay routine dental care due to fear of contracting COVID-19, Delta Dental of Illinois is urging caretakers to schedule dental appointments for their children, as delaying dental care can often lead to more serious health problems.
Two in every five Illinois children are affected by tooth decay, and 22 percent of Illinois students have untreated cavities. Pain resulting from poor oral health can often become a distraction to children, causing them to perform worse in school.
"While we've all focused these past few months on social distancing, handwashing and wearing face masks, it's also important to continue practicing preventive oral health care," Sheila Strock, DMD, Delta Dental of Illinois' science officer and vice president of dental services, said in a news release. "Going to the dentist is safe and will help detect oral health issues that may affect your child's attendance, grades and overall performance in school."
Delta Dental of Illinois encourages parents and guardians to ask their dental practice about newly implemented safety measures to ensure their children are safe and know what to expect.
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