TEACHING KIDS ABOUT GOOD ORAL HEALTH.
Smile! February is National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM) — a month-long observance to educate and promote the importance of good oral hygiene to kids, parents, and caregivers. Developing positive dental hygiene habits early in life helps children get a head start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
THE TIE BETWEEN ORAL AND OVERALL HEALTH.
There is also mounting evidence of the ties between oral health and overall health. Oral health may play a role in specific conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and pregnancy complications.[i] There are also certain health conditions that may affect oral health, such as diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.[ii] Kids that practice good oral health habits every day beginning at a young age can reap benefits that last a lifetime.
CONNECTING WITH KIDS IN OUR COMMUNITY.
In observance of NCDHM, BeneCare organized a community outreach project to children at Fox Chase Elementary School in Philadelphia. BeneCare, along with Fox Chase school nurse, Colleen Kramer, R.N., distributed new oral hygiene kits to every child attending kindergarten through grade five. Each oral hygiene kit includes:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Dental floss
- All packaged in a convenient travel pouch.
“As a registered nurse, I understand the importance of teaching our kids healthy habits. Our kids and parents are excited and grateful to participate in BeneCare’s observance of National Children’s Dental Health Month.”
~ Colleen Kramer, MSN, RN, CSN, School Nurse at Fox Chase Elementary School
Along with the oral hygiene kits, BeneCare donated educational word search and crossword puzzles designed to teach kids about oral health while having fun at the same time. NCDHM is a great way for BeneCare to contribute to the community and help build a bright future for our kids. We believe that the best way to predict a bright future is to help create one!
RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS, PARENTS, & HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS.
At the Head Start Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center website, you’ll find a host of free, downloadable material to help families begin healthy oral health habits at infancy. Some examples include:
- Cook’s Corner: Recipes for Healthy Snacks
- A Healthy Mouth for Your Baby
- Oral Health: Tips for Families
The American Dental Association (ADA), sponsor of National Children’s Dental Health Month, also offers a number of complimentary resources, including:
- Posters and flyers in English & Spanish;
- Coloring sheets, puzzles, and games;
- 2025 Brushing Calendar.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH.
To learn about the origins of National Children’s Dental Health Month along with a brief history and other available resources, visit BeneCare’s earlier blog post. You can also read about BeneCare’s previous years’ observances by visiting our blog posts here and here.
Help us help the next generation understand the importance of good oral health during National Children’s Dental Health Month and every month throughout the year.
ABOUT FOX CHASE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.
Fox Chase Elementary School is an urban public school based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is part of the Philadelphia City School District. It serves 524 students in kindergarten through grade 5. Fox Chase Elementary School’s mission is to support the development of lifelong learners through rigorous curriculum and impactful instruction. Its focus is on the development of an integrated and differentiated instructional programs that meets the needs of all students. For more information, visit Fox Chase Elementary School’s website.
[i] Mayo Clinic Staff, ‘ Oral Health: A Window To Your Overall Health,’ Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475, Last accessed January 15, 2025.
[ii] Ibid.
