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COLUMBIA (WACH) -- February is Children's Dental Health month.  An estimated one in five children go without dental care each year.

Wednesday, Small Smiles Dental Center in Columbia worked to change that statistic.

Kids received free screenings to help fight dental health problems and help keep their smiles happy for years to come.

With tooth decay being the single most common childhood disease, dentists say it's important for parents to take a proactive approach when it comes to dental hygiene.

"Stay away from the chewy, sticky candies, but also make sure they get routine care," Dr. Terrence Vandiver from Small Smiles explains.  "If they have the candy or if it's given as a treat or a reward, make sure that they are brushing afterward and the kids are getting plenty of water to dilute the sugar content and acidic content in their mouths so that they can keep that healthy smile."

Dr. Vandiver also encourages parents to help their kids brush their teeth instead of letting them do it alone.