Pre-schoolers need to keep their sweet smiles for a lifetime by protecting their teeth, says dental hygienist Melissa Mays Stone.

During February National Dental Health Month Stone is making visits to local pre-K and day care facilities to teach kids about brushing, flossing, and good nutrition to keep teeth healthy. The foundations for good adult teeth, and good care habits, are laid in the younger years, she adds.

Stone works with the Scottish Rite Children's Medical Center satellite facility at Fayette Community Hospital. The center offers a full continuum of dental care, from checkups to orthodontics, for children up to age 21. The center also can provide dental care for handicapped children and those with significant medical problems, Stone notes.