Take Action
To Support Childrens' Oral Health...
- Promote dental exams and prevention for all children by age one. Dental screenings and referrals for very young children will help protect them from the pain of oral disease.
- Tell your legislators and community leaders you want all children to receive preventive dental care by age five.
- Ask your physician to screen your child's teeth for early signs of oral disease
- Ask whether your child should have fluoride varnish, a tool to prevent and reverse early signs of oral disease.
- Speak up for children's oral health in schools and other educational institutions.
There are a lot of ways you can work with schools to improve oral health.
- Ask your school board to ensure that healthy choices - including fluoridated water - are offered in school lunches and vending machines.
- School nurses are a valuable resource and can help protect the mouths of kids in their schools.
- Teachers, parents, and classroom helpers can make nutritious snacks available that keep mouths healthy.
- Ask your local PTA, the school board, and the school administration to support school nurses, teachers and others to improve oral health.
- Work with your child's teacher or school nurse to make a classroom presentation on oral health and/or dental careers. Invite your dentist or hygienist to participate.
