How Delta Dental of Iowa Supports Children’s Dental Health

Posted on February 10, 2025 in Kid's Health

In February, we celebrate Children’s Dental Health Month! This month is a time to educate our youngest Iowans on the importance of dental care for long-lasting smiles and better overall health.  

At Delta Dental, we focus our attention on children’s dental health for all 12 months of the year, but February is a special time to recognize why this is important for all. 

According to the CDC, more than 1 in 10 children aged 2-5 years had at least one untreated cavity in their baby teeth. In the 6-8 year-old category, that number is almost 1 in 5. 

Half of all 6-9 year-old children have had cavities in their permanent teeth. 

Poor dental health affects a child’s ability to eat, speak, concentrate during the school day, and feel confident. 

It’s essential to establish good dental health routines early in life. 

Here are some ways Delta Dental supports Iowa’s children throughout the year. 

Toothbrush Donations 

Since 2013, the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation has distributed 4 million toothbrushes across every corner of our state. These donations are part of broader education programs designed to improve oral health and encourage positive dental habits. 

Kids who stick to a daily brushing routine can improve oral and overall health. Regular brushing contributes to less tooth decay, fewer cavities, and better breath.  

Rethink Your Drink 

Since 2017, our Foundation has invested more than $2.5 million in our Rethink Your Drink program which encourages healthier drinking habits. Through this initiative, we’ve installed new water bottle filling stations in schools and communities across Iowa. We also promote the healthy habit of replacing sugary drinks with water for improved wellness. 

Drinking water is good for both oral and overall health. Increasing water intake provides us with these healthy benefits: 

• Glowing skin and hair 
• Better digestive health 
• Improved memory 
• Increased focus and attention 
• Healthy Smile Learning 

Delta Dental sponsors PBS Kids’ Healthy Smile Learning, an online resource created to support children’s education about good oral health habits. Families, educators, and kids can access this free resource online, which includes: 

• Articles 
• Videos 
• Lesson plans 
• Interactive resources 
• Practical tips 

Let’s all cheer National Children’s Dental Health Month as we celebrate the importance of oral health by helping our kids keep their smiles shining bright for years to come.