February is National Children's Dental Health Month
This year is focused on brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing. The month is sponsored by the American Dental Association, Crest and Oral-B and many organizations across the US are hosting events to advocate for children and healthy smiles.
In Ohio, Ironton Lawrence CAO is helping to #standforsmiles by donating dental products and literature to their local health department. They are hoping to incorporate their services with the WIC program to better educate new mothers about oral health and screen them and their young children and show them the importance of having a dental home. This, along with other activities, is something their health center isn't just doing it in February, but all year long!
Third Street Family Health Services recently held a GKAS events in which they were students educating students about healthy snacks, were giving proper hand washing techniques, and taught students how to have a healthy smile!
Throughout February, there will be opportunities to get involved via social media too! The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) Campaign for Dental Health will hold a Twitter Storm on oral health advocacy: #StandforSmiles. During this Twitter storm, you are encouraged to tweet about how you advocate for children's oral health with families, communities, schools, legislators, and others, using the hashtag #StandforSmiles.
Participate or follow along with the American Academy of Pediatrics (@AmerAcadPeds) and the Campaign for Dental Health (@ILikeMyTeeth). Check out the Advocacy Toolkit developed by the AAP Section on Oral Health for a list of sample tweets.
For information on how to plan your organization's Children's Dental Health Month event, visit the ADA's website
