How Do You Support Children's Oral Health?

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. 

A healthy mouth and teeth are essential to a child’s health and well-being.  According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 40 percent of children have decay by the time they reach kindergarten, making tooth decay the most common chronic disease among children in the United States.  In most cases, tooth decay is entirely preventable with proper dental care. 

Good oral health practices started at an early age contribute to a child’s physical and mental health. Healthy teeth support a child’s ability to speak clearly, smile with confidence and chew food easily. The Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment Child Care (NAPSACC) has resources to support implementing oral health best practices in your program.  Interested in learning more? Click here for additional information on Go NAPSACC.  

If you are interested in participating in the project, please contact Lauri Choate, Director of Training at lauri@mochildcareaware.org or 314-754-1603. 

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