Inspector Hector, National Children's Oral Health Foundation Kick Off Events For National Children's Dental Health Month
St. Louis, MO - Every child should feel free to smile. Unfortunately, tooth decay is one of the most common diseases facing kids , robbing them of their smiles and more than 51 million hours of classroom attendance, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Tooth decay is five times more prevalent than childhood asthma.
To help solve the national oral health crisis among children -- and boost self-confidence in kids -- Inspector Hector, a plaque detection and anti-cavity fluoride rinse tooth guard product, and the National Children's Oral Health Foundation (NCOHF) will offer free dental screenings and education events throughout February, which is National Children's Dental Health Month.
To help reverse the epidemic and teach healthy dental habits, Inspector Hector and the NCOHF will work with underserved youth and schools to teach proper oral hygiene and provide complimentary dental care products to instill good habits.
"We especially want to instill positive oral care habits in children from underserved communities -- they suffer much more tooth decay as their more affluent peers, and their problems often go untreated since they don't have access to affordable dental care," said Fern Ingber, president and CEO of NCOHF. When ignored, tooth decay and oral infections can lead to poor eating habits, sleepless nights, and in turn, poor performance in school. "The problem is completely preventable, and we are dedicated to providing the solutions to keep decay and disease away," said Ingber.
During local events children will learn techniques for proper brushing and flossing. In addition, each child will receive free toothbrushes, floss, and Inspector Hector Plaque Detector and Tooth Protector.
"We want children from all walks of life to have access to the best treatment to maintain healthy smiles, and these educational programs are allowing us to do just that," said Kristin Ebert, Senior Director of Marketing at Vi-Jon, which manufactures Inspector Hector products.
Inspector Hector mouth-rinse products are designed specifically to engage children in a dental routine. According to Ebert, "Introducing a fun regimen to children, like Inspector Hector's three-step routine, gives kids something to look forward to and encourages them to brush regularly."
The Plaque Detector, a pre-brush rinse, gently turns teeth light blue and areas of plaque dark blue, indicating where children should brush. The Tooth Protector, a post-brush fluoride rinse, protects teeth against plaque formation and stains.
NCHOF and Inspector Hector's school events will take place throughout the month of February in major cities nationwide, including Los Angeles, San Antonio, Charlotte, D.C., and more. For participating dentists, dates and locations of the events, please visit http://www.inspector-hector.com.
SOURCE: National Children's Oral Health Foundation