Trident and Smiles Across America

Ten days ago, I was involved in an online briefing among other bloggers with actress Jennie Garth and Dr. Dan Jones.  The purpose of the briefing was to learn about the campaign called Smiles Across America®, which is the signature program from Oral Health America that supports dental services to thousands of children in underserved communities nationwide.  We wanted to help spread the word about oral care and education for your kids.

Did you know that 51 million school hours were missed last year due to lack of proper dental hygiene and almost HALF of second graders have tooth decay?  That is why you are the number one role model in your kid’s life.

Trident® Gum and Smiles Across America® have simple ideas and suggestions for you to share with your kids to help them keep their teeth and mouth as healthy as possible.  Jennie Garth practices these tips with her children and it has helped them develop healthy oral care habits.

BRUSH

◊Remind children to brush their teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time, using no more than a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste.  Using a child-size soft-bristle, brush the front, back, inner and outer surfaces and tops of their teeth, as well as their tongue, with short, gentle, back and forth motions.

EAT

◊Nutritious foods are important part of keeping children’s smiles healthy and their teeth strong.  Foods such as fruits, veggies and cheese help build strong muscles and bones in their bodies and also help build strong healthy teeth and gums.  Try chewing a sugar free gum, like Trident®, after eating to help prevent cavities.

FLOSS

◊Have children gently floss once a day to remove food that can get stuck between their teeth and sticky plaque that forms on their teeth.  Brushing alone cannot reach all of the surfaces on a tooth.

AVOID

◊Try to avoid overindulging in sticky and sugary foods. When kids do have a special treat, make sure they brush and floss afterwards.

ROUTINE

◊Remember to get regular dental check-ups.  Have them visit a dentist twice a year to make sure that they are taking good care of their teeth and gums.  The dental team will check for cavities and may also take x-rays to see parts of the mouth that can’t be seen otherwise.  The more you help kids incorporate healthy oral care habits in their everyday life, the more they will as adults.

For more information, check out www.TridentCares4kids.org

Thanks to Ketchum (Jen) for organizing this online briefing and for sending us a well-care package full of delicious Trident gum.  And of course, having Jennie Garth answer our questions live was the icing on the cake.