February is Children’s Dental Health Month!

Good Oral health goes a long way for the body, mind and spirit. Poor oral health can cause chronic pain and illness, which can impact a student’s ability to concentrate in class and can cause absenteeism. If left untreated, poor dental health can even cause social isolation.

Last year, at a National Conference of State Legislatures, West Virginia Delegate Barabara Evans Fleishauer said that “during our evaluation of welfare reform, we asked people who had difficulties getting jobs why they had problems. Twenty-one percent said it was because of their teeth.” Fortunately, we know a tremendous amount about how to attain and maintain good oral health. Two common initiatives taken by communities is fluoridation of water and sealant programs for children’s teeth. Beyond that, there is tremendous variation in what is offered to citizens in need.

Join the American Dental Association and others celebrating National Children’s Dental Health Month! Help inform, help teach! Fortunately, there are numerous free, support resources available for youth, parents, teachers and community leaders alike! From the proper brushing and flossing methods to anatomy, there are fun resources, games and quizzes for kids and teachers.

The following sites contain helpful information for promoting good dental health to children:

• State Health Notes, Forum For State Health Policy Leadership  http://www.ncsl.org/programs/health/oralheacharts.htm
• Center For Disease Control: Oral Health Resources, Fact Sheet and Press Release http://www.cdc.gov/OralHealth/factsheets/brushup.htm
• American Dental Association, National Children’s Dental Health Month  http://www.ada.org/prof/events/featured/ncdhm.asp
• Crest Dental Health Index 
  http://www.crest.com/dental_health/index.jsp
• Crest Kids: Helping Your Kids Learn About Dental Health, Gum Disease and Cavities  http://www.crest.com/crest_kids/index.jsp

Last Updated: March 17 2005 13:12 pm