Fun with healthy teethActivity Booklet

February is National Children's Dental Health Month

February is National Children's Dental Health Month!

Dear Parent:

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. It is the month dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of children’s good oral health habits.

Oral problems in children can impact their self-esteem and lead to problems with eating, speaking and even learning, according to Michael McGuire, D.D.S., president of the American Academy of Periodontology.

To ensure healthy teeth as an adult, good oral health habits should be established as a child. We are sending you this activity book to help you teach your child about good brushing and flossing habits, while having fun.

Helpful tips for healthy teeth:

Help your child to brush at least two times every day. Children need adult help in brushing properly up until 8 years old — make it a game and have them fill out the chart in the back of this booklet.

Children are never too young to floss. Floss removes the plaque between your child’s teeth. Make flossing fun for your child, and consider buying themed floss — animals, dinosaurs or sports.

Replace high-sugar snacks with healthier options, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, lean meats and milk products. High-sugar snacks break down the enamel on your child’s teeth, leaving them open to dental decay.

Talk to your child’s dentist about the importance of fluoride treatments and sealants. These simple applications could help protect your child from tooth decay.

Celebrate National Children's Dental Health Month and teach your child the importance of oral care. Prevention is better than treatment.

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Helpful Tipfor Healthy Teeth: Help your child brush their teeth at least two times every day.

1st

Remember to brush and floss everyday!

Start

Finish

Helpful Tipfor Healthy Teeth: Children are never too young to floss.

2nd

Help guide the floss between the teeth and through the tooth maze!

Choose the healthy snacks by matching them to the mouth!

Helpful Tipfor Healthy Teeth: Go easy on snacks with added sugars.

3rd

4th Helpful Tipfor Healthy Teeth: Talk to your child’s dentist about fluoride treatments and sealants for your child’s teeth.

Color the child and the Dentist for National Children's Dental Health Month!

How to receive your FREE! Fuzzy Head Dental Floss:

Simply have your child brush his/her teeth two times a day and log it in to the chart above for the month of February 2011 to celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month.

Mail this completed chart in an envelope to: Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico, Attn: Dental Health Month Chart

701 East 22nd Street, Suite 300, Lombard, IL 60148

Brush your teeth two times a day and earn a FREE! Fuzzy Head Dental Floss

cut

here

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Color each sun and moon every time you brush!

FEBRUARY 2011

A Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

Completed tooth charts must be postmarked no later than April 30, 2011. Items will be shipped within 6-8 weeks of receipt of completed tooth chart, while supplies last.

Yes, I have a terrific smile and have brushed my teeth twice a day. Enclosed is my completed chart.r

Name of Parent(s):

Name of Child:

Mailing Address:

City: State: ZIP code:

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

Find out how to get a FREE Fuzzy Head Dental Floss for simply brushing your teeth!(See inside for more details)

Celebrate with the enclosed Fun with Healthy Teeth

Activity Booklet.

A Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association