[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 40 (Friday, February 28, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H1291]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING CHILDREN'S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH

  (Mr. GOSAR asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of National 
Children's Dental Health Month.
  Each February, the American Dental Association unifies members of our 
healthcare community to recognize the importance of good oral health 
for our children and many others.
  As a former dentist, I know that quality dental healthcare impacts 
your overall well-being. Proper oral health starts with the very first 
tooth, as baby teeth are the building blocks to a healthy smile.
  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 20 
percent of children ages 5 to 11 suffer from tooth decay. When a child 
suffers from dental pain, the impact is far-reaching and can affect 
critical developmental stages, including speaking, eating, and 
learning.
  Although tooth decay is widespread, it is preventable. Tooth decay is 
the number one chronic infectious disease among children in the U.S., 
and programs like Give Kids a Smile Day enable thousands of dentist 
volunteers to give their time and efforts to make a difference in the 
health of children.
  Since this program has started, volunteers have treated over 6 
million children across the country, in all 50 States and the District 
of Columbia. They have truly made a huge impact in their communities 
and improved the oral health of so many children.

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