Big Smiles Begin Young

A healthy mouth is more than just a bright smile, it's a vital part of a child’s overall health and well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 40 percent of children experience tooth decay by the time they reach kindergarten, making it the most common chronic disease among children in the United States. The good news? Most tooth decay is completely preventable with good oral health habits.

Establishing oral health routines early supports both physical and mental development.
Healthy teeth help children speak clearly, chew comfortably, and smile confidently—
laying the groundwork for learning, nutrition, and self-esteem.

Go NAPSACC (Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care) provides
practical resources to help programs implement oral health best practices and encourage healthy habits for children and families.

Registration is now open for the April 2026 Go NAPSACC project. Click here to learn more about the program and discover how your child care center can help promote bright, healthy smiles every day.

If you have questions, please contact Lauri Choate, Director of Training, at lauri@mochildcareaware.org or 314-754-1603.

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