How You Can Change Smiles and Save Lives in Your Community

Imagine being a kid in pain every single day—not because of an accident or an illness, but because of something completely preventable: tooth decay.

It’s hard to believe, but tooth decay is the #1 chronic childhood disease in the United States. And while it’s largely preventable, millions of children suffer in silence because of barriers we can change—if we take action.

That’s where YOU come in.

We’re calling on passionate people like you—students, teachers, youth groups, clubs, classrooms, and everyday changemakers—to become Oral Health Action HEROES. When you take a stand for dental health in your community, you’re not just helping others—you’re saving smiles, improving lives, and even preventing deadly infections.

Why Is This So Important?

Poor dental health isn’t just about cavities. It can lead to:

• Missed school days
• Chronic pain
• Difficulty eating and sleeping
• Lost self-esteem
• Dangerous infections
  
  

In a country as wealthy as ours, this shouldn't be happening. But it is. And every community faces unique challenges—whether it’s a lack of access to care, nutrition issues, harmful myths, or language barriers. The good news? You can help identify and solve these problems—right where you live.

Step Into Action: How to Be an Oral Health Action HERO

Here’s how you can take the lead and bring better oral health to your neighborhood:

Step 1: Discover

Start by exploring the unique challenges your community faces. Choose one or more of these topics:

Education & Habits
Survey friends and family to understand what they really know about dental health. You may be surprised at what you find!

Barriers
Interview a local dental professional to learn about obstacles to care in your area.

Nutrition
Is your community a food desert? Are kids eating foods that help—or hurt—their teeth? Is your water fluoridated?

Language
How many people in your community speak a language other than English? Are there enough resources for them?

Helpful Resources:

• Dental Care Health Professional Shortage Areas Map
• Feeding America: Map the Meal Gap
• USDA Food Access Research Atlas
• FRAC (Food Research & Action Center) Resource Library
• CDC Community Water Fluoridation Info
• Campaign for Dental Health
• CDC Oral Health Resources
• Healthy People 2030
• Surgeon General’s Report on Oral Health (2000)
  
  

Step 2: Educate

Change the way people think about caring for their mouths. Choose a fun, impactful project:

• Create a video or social media post (don’t forget to use #OralHealthActionHERO!)
• Read a dental health book to kids at school, daycare, or church
• Teach new moms about baby and prenatal dental care
• Design posters or run science demos with dental themes
• Share multilingual dental info at community events
  
  

Educational Resources:

• Free downloadable lessons and activity sheets from America’s ToothFairy
• ADA: Mouth Healthy
• American Academy of Pediatrics: Oral Health
• DentalCare.com: Professional & Patient Resources
• 30 Fun Ways to Teach Kids About Oral Health
• How to Teach Kids Healthy Habits
• 6 Dietary Tips for a Healthier Mouth
• Oral Health Myths
• Subscribe to the Oral Health Action HERO e-newsletter

Books to Share:

• An Amazing Journey Inside My Mouth, by Maura Kempa
• The Tooth Book, by Dr. Seuss (YouTube Reading)
• Brush Your Teeth Please, by Leslie McGuire
• The Tooth Who Took Himself for Granted, by E. Rosa Perez, RDH
• The Tooth Book: Guide to Healthy Teeth & Gums, by Edward Miller
• The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist, by Stan and Jan Berenstain
  
  

Step 3: Take Action

Let’s go beyond learning and teaching—let’s make real, lasting change.

Pick a project that fits your passion:

• Start a hygiene closet at school to distribute dental supplies (Get started with a Smile Drive!)
• Promote reusable water bottles to reduce sugary drink consumption
• Join advocacy efforts to support better access to dental care
• Launch an anti-bullying campaign for kids with dental health issues
  
  

Action-Focused Resources:

• Community Catalyst
• OPEN: Oral Health Progress and Equity Network
• NNOHA: National Network for Oral Health Access
• ADA: American Dental Association
• Feeding America (Nutrition Advocacy)
• No Kid Hungry
• Fluoride Action Network
• American Public Health Association 

And if you’re ready to go above and beyond, host a Smile Drive to collect oral care products for kids in need. Learn more and register your drive at SmileDrive.org.

Let’s Do This—Together

We believe that real heroes don’t wear capes—they carry toothbrushes, water bottles, posters, and passion. Whether you’re a student, a teacher, a community leader, or just someone who cares, YOU have the power to change the oral health landscape where you live.

So… are you ready to stand up for smiles?

Join the movement. Share your project with us here.
Need help? Contact us at programs@ncohf.org

Let’s create a nation full of healthy smiles—one community at a time.

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