Kentucky has long been a state with poor dental health – in 2002 it had the worst rate of toothlessness in adults 65 or older.  That may be starting to change.  A new law requires proof of a dental exam or screening by January 1st of the first year children enter school.

Dr. Ann Greenwell of the University of Louisville dental school said “Teeth start coming in around age 6 months, and that’s when the cavity process starts if parents aren’t cleaning the teeth and the diet is high in sugar.  We’ve had 12-month-olds that have had abscessed, infected teeth.”  Poor dental health in children affects their eating habits, nutrition and can lead to absenteeism and lack of focus in school.  “A child who is sitting in class in pain cannot be focusing on what they are supposed to be learning.” says Dr. Charlotte Haney of the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry.

Dr. Haney goes on to explain that having neglected, decayed teeth “can affect your health and your ability to make money, present yourself well, eat well, be healthy, so we need to learn to value our teeth.”

At StoneRidge Dental Care we can help you  achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.  As Dr. Haney mentioned, a healthy smile affects all parts of your life, from your overall health to the type of job you are hired for.  Since your smile is the first thing people notice when meeting you for the first time – shouldn’t your smile reflect youthful energy and good health no matter your age?  Please contact+ my Columbus, Ohio office today at 614-476-6696 at  to schedule your appointment.

If you have been avoiding dental care because of anxiety or fear please ask about dentistry with the “little pill”.  You can have years of neglect corrected without anxiety.  Ask about your options when you call!  You deserve a healthy smile!