HER AWARENESS SPOTLIGHT

CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH

AWARENESS SPOTLIGHT

Eastern Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry is Serious about Dental Health While Having a Little Fun

February is National Children's Dental Health Month, a time set aside by the American Dental Association to raise awareness of good oral health habits, and preventative dental care in youth. For Dr. Lee Lewis and his team at Eastern Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry (EOPD), it's a daily mission. Founded by Dr. Jasper Lewis, the practice has provided specialized care of infants, children and teens in eastern North Carolina since 1973.

For EOPD, it's essential to educate the community and help those children who may be less fortunate. Through events such as East Central Dental Society's Give Kids a Smile Day and outreach programs provided through the school system, EOPD is able to provide crucial education to the community and help those children. Their goal is to keep a patient's smile healthy and strong for life - with an emphasis on patient and family education, preventive care, and minimally invasive treatments. Preventative care should begin sooner than parents may think.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that parents/guardians establish a dental home for their child by their first tooth or first birthday. "It is so important to realize the role that oral health plays in overall health. Dental disease is the most common disease in children, and poor oral health can adversely affect your general well-being throughout your life. That is why focusing on prevention is at the center of our profession, " says Dr. Lee Lewis.

Those first few visits to the dentist set the tone for a child's perception of dental care. While the team at EOPD is focused on oral health, it strives to incorporate a relaxed atmosphere for the patient. Colorful interior designs and playful themes help ease the anxieties of young patients.

The children's area of EOPD is based on a fun pirate ship, a nod to East Carolina Pirates, and the sea voyage continues throughout the clinic. Quiet rooms encourage children to imagine an under-the-sea adventure or a starry night, allowing them to navigate like ancient mariners. For the older patients on the orthodontic side of the office, there's a beach theme with a life-size Jeep equipped with surfboards. And why not? Dr. Lee Lewis is a big Jeep enthusiast!

An updated and interactive website helps prepare parents and children for their dental experience. Meeting the doctors and staff with a virtual tour of the office is designed to build excitement and reduces apprehension. A patient portal is also provided, allowing parents and guardians to update health history, check appointment times and make payments. EOPD's website at www.eopd. org offers a colorful and child-friendly storyboard that can be downloaded and printed. This is especially helpful for younger patients and children with special needs.

Reducing patient and parent stress and increasing the child's willingness to return to a fun environment helps EOPD build long-term relationships. Monthly contests through the office and a presence on social media are designed to appeal to to older patients. For Dr. Lee Lewis and his team, each effort made to educate and ease anxiety is worth it. Every child deserves to have a healthy smile.

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