As a pediatric dentist, and as a father and grandfather, I never want to see children suffer from long-lasting oral health problems that could have been prevented.

Tooth decay is the number-one chronic childhood disease in America with 40 percent of children having cavities by the time they enter kindergarten. Oral health problems can threaten children’s heart health, self-confidence, and their ability to learn. Children with toothaches miss more days of school and are more likely to have lower GPAs.

Right now, of the 257,000 children without coverage, 147,000—more than half—qualify for free or low-cost health and dental coverage through Florida KidCare.

During Children’s Dental Health Month, I am asking that if your child or grandchild does not have dental insurance – please join the nearly 2.5 million Florida KidCare families whose lives are made better through access to quality, affordable dental insurance. The application costs nothing, and enrollment is open year-round.

A healthy smile is the first thing the world sees, and our children deserve nothing less than to be set up for success.