Celebrating National Children’s Dental Health Month
Posted on February 8, 2024 in Kid's Health
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month! This month is dedicated to teaching parents, caregivers, and educators about the importance of oral health education for kids. Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation is working to spread the word about the benefits of early oral health education.
Healthy Smile Learning
Delta Dental has joined forces with PBS Kids to launch Healthy Smile Learning, an online resource to support children’s education on good oral health habits. This initiative is a free resource for educators, parents, and kids excited to learn about brightening their smiles.
On the website, you’ll find:
- Articles
- Videos
- Lesson plans
- Interactive resources
- Practical tips
The Importance of Oral Health Education
Did you know that tooth decay is the leading chronic disease among children? And yet, it’s almost entirely preventable with good oral hygiene. The impact of poor oral health in kids extends far beyond just dental issues but can also affect their schooling, confidence, and overall quality of life. By educating parents, caregivers, and educators on how to teach about good oral care habits, we hope to pave the way for healthier, happier children.
Some of the topics covered on Healthy Smile Learning include:
- Preparing for a dentist visit
- How to brush and floss
- Links between nutrition and oral health
- How good oral health keeps us feeling good
There is also interesting content on animal teeth and potential careers in oral healthcare to help spark kids’ interest in learning more.
Let’s Celebrate!
As we cheer National Children’s Dental Health Month, we invite you to celebrate with us by taking advantage of the free materials available on Healthy Smile Learning. By educating ourselves, we can inform the next generations about the importance of oral health and help them maintain healthy smiles for years to come.