Children's Healthy Smile Project

Children's Healthy Smile Project has identified three areas of critical need in the prevention of dental disease.

Dental disease starts early in a child's life. Prevention and education must also start early, with a baby's first tooth.

"Baby Smiles"

This project will provide dental hygiene information to new moms. Emphasis will be on early care, starting before the eruption of the first tooth. Additionally, the effects of "baby bottle syndrome", thumb-sucking, pacifiers and especially diet, will be included. Trained volunteers will be available to organizations that serve new moms. They will discuss diet, dental hygiene and teach proper dental hygiene techniques.

"Toddler Smiles"

As a child grows and teeth are formed, dental disease prevention becomes paramount. Busy moms, childcare workers and teachers need to establish a healthy oral hygiene routine and healthy diet. Proper brushing with toothpaste designed for toddlers is necessary. For the older preschool child a flosser can be introduced. Trained volunteers will be available to Head Start preschools, low income childcare and other organizations serving children.

"Kid Smiles"

Low income Kindergarten and elementary school children are the most vulnerable to dental disease. Dental caries (tooth decay) is the single most common chronic childhood disease – 5 times more common than asthma and 7 times more common than hay fever. Over 50 percent of 5- to 9-year-old children have at least one cavity or filling. This affects every aspect of a child's life. Pain and suffering due to untreated diseases can lead to problems in eating, speaking and attending to learning. Early oral hygiene education and supplies such as toothbrush, toothpaste and floss are needed. Volunteers will be available for classroom visits and teacher education. Educational information for parents will also be available in English and Spanish.

University of Alabama dental students recently sponsered a "Halloween Party" for local children.

Each child was provided a "Smile Kit" and coloring book donated by Children's Healthy Smile Project with the generous support of a caring Alabama based business family. The dental students also provided information on healthy oral hygeine.

Over 300 "Smile Kits" were given out during the event. A good example of giving back to the community.

February, 2011

Children's Healthy Smile Project served approximately 1,000 needy children during February, Children's Dental Healthy Month. Locally, 240 preschool children received "Smile Kits". Also their parents were invited to attend a special meeting to meet a local pediatric dentist and her staff who provided a informative presentation on dental disease prevention for their children.

In Key West, Florida, 540 children attending a local school received "Smile Kits". Several classrooms received a personal visit to stress the importance of brushing and flossing. In addition, several local organizations serving low-income and homeless women and children were given "Smile Kits" and educational materials.