WHEREAS, the awareness of and adherence to proper oral hygiene, along with the preservation of natural teeth, are essential to achieving optimal oral health, which is closely linked to patients' overall health and well-being; and

WHEREAS, each year, approximately 15 million teeth are preserved through endodontic treatments, such as root canal procedures, underscoring the importance of saving natural teeth to improve appearance and maintain essential functions such as chewing and speech; and

WHEREAS, endodontists are highly trained dental specialists who diagnose and treat tooth pain and infection through procedures such as root canals, traumatic injury treatment, vital pulp therapy, and apicoectomy, helping to preserve patients' natural teeth; and

WHEREAS, endodontists focus exclusively on root canal–related care, performing a high volume of procedures and working closely with general dentists to ensure coordinated, high-quality treatment and improved patient outcomes; and

WHEREAS, good oral health is essential to overall health and well-being, and can be supported through regular dental care, daily brushing and flossing, and healthy habits that help prevent dental disease;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, do hereby recognize May 2026, as SAVE YOUR TOOTH MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.