When: February 2012
What: Children are like sponges. They absorb everything around them, taking in new things and learning every day. Youth is the perfect time to teach new things. One of the most important things you can teach a child is proper dental care. They need to know how to brush, rinse and repeat in order to keep those pearly whites healthy and clean. In February, celebrate good dental care with National Children’s Dental Health Month.
Background: Each year, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors Children’s Dental Health Month. They strive to increase awareness about the importance of good oral health care among young children. Tooth decay affects more children across the U.S. than any other chronic infectious disease. However, it is 100 percent preventable when good dental habits are practiced.
Story Pitch: There are a variety of companies and organizations that may use National Children’s Dental Health Month to promote good dental habits. Pediatric dentists and pediatricians have an opportunity to use this event to promote services and teach children about the proper ways to care for their teeth by providing them with the tools for good oral care, including toothbrushes, dental floss and toothpaste. In addition, elementary schools are a great place to promote children’s dental care by offering instructional skits and performances about good dental hygiene. Dental care product manufacturers can also take advantage during this time to promote their products and equipment.
Story Hook: Forty-four percent of American children will suffer from pediatric dental disease before they reach kindergarten. What can be done to prevent dental disease among children? Why is it so important to protect children’s teeth? Consider the following questions when making your pitch:
- How can you stress the importance of flossing to children?
- How regularly should children be seeing the dentist for check ups?
- At what age should children begin using fluoridated toothpastes?
- What effects do sweets and treats have on a child’s dental health?
Tips: Be sure to provide contact information for pediatric dentists who can discuss children’s dental disease as well as provide detailed instructions on how to properly care for a child’s teeth. In addition, provide contact information for children’s dental health advocates who can discuss the impact of healthy dental habits. A family that takes dental care seriously would also make a good contact.
Resources:
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
(312) 337-2169
www.aapd.org
American Dental Association
(312) 440-2500
ncdhm(at)ada.org
www.ada.org
Children’s Dental Health Project
(202) 833-8288
cdhpinfo(at)cdhp.org
www.cdhp.org
National Children’s Oral Health Foundation
(800) 559-9838
info(at)ncohf.org
www.ncohf.org
–Researched, compiled & written by Kimberly Cooper
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