It’s said, feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. So, this season, we’re sharing how we feel: Childcare providers are at the top of our gratitude list! We thank them for all they are and do for the children in their care–from brushing little teeth to modeling good health behaviors. We appreciate their commitment, wisdom, passion, and vision for the well-being of children.
Our Tooth Talk gratitude list highlights the top changes and advances in North Carolina dental health that are making it easier to protect children’s healthy smiles.
*More healthy, tasty, kid-friendly snacks in grocery stores: plentiful fresh fruits and veggies, whole grain crackers, and a wider variety of cheeses.
*October’s change in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program that recommends no juice for infants, ages 6 through 11 months, in childcare centers and daycare homes.
*This fall’s new State of NC childcare toothbrushing rule that makes it easy to protect young children’s teeth. Now, parents can give childcare providers permission to brush their children’s teeth with safe and effective fluoride toothpaste all year long.
*More pediatric dentists in North Carolina than ever. There are more than 150 pediatric dentists working to care for young children’s teeth, triple the number of the 1990s.
*Affordable toothbrushes and toothpastes. Low price dollar stores now have a variety of low-cost, high quality toothbrushes and brand-name fluoride toothpastes. Brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste is the best, easiest, cheapest way to fight tooth decay.
*Better access to good dental health care at pediatric and family physician offices. These healthcare pros are providing oral health screenings and fluoride varnish at regular medical and well-child visits.
*Technological advances that replace stressful and expensive hospitalizations of children for dental work, such as silver diamine fluoride, a treatment painted on children’s teeth to protect teeth and help stop tooth decay.
*Plenty of quick and easy education tools with the latest updates and tips on good oral health for children, such as Toothtalk.org, GoNapSacc.org, and MouthHealthy.org.
