For ten years, the American Dental Association has been doing a 'Give Kids a Smile' day in February, with dental practices doing free checkups and preventive care for needy children.

Dr. Kristin Clark-Lowell , in practice in Cortland, is part of this year's outreach.  On February 22nd, she, with help from the Seven Valleys Health Coalition will host a free clinic. 

But she says children's mouth health is about more than a check for cavities:   if children start going to the dentist, they learn it's not a scary or painful experience.  And research continues to show that mouth care is tied to body wellness, for example heart disease is linked to plaque buildup.  

gkas@ada.org can help find more dentists participating in the children's clinics.  And the www.ada.org (American Dental Association) website has tips and guidelines  on mouth care, by age groups