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A child may learn about healthy teeth at the dentist. But many of the most meaningful lessons happen somewhere else.
They happen in classrooms, summer programs, libraries, health departments, dental clinics, family resource centers and community events. They happen when a teacher needs hands-on activities, when a school nurse wants a simple family resource or when a health educator is looking for a better way to explain why everyday choices matter.
That is why we created Share Your Smile.
This June, in celebration of Oral Health Month, 334 educators, health professionals and community partners downloaded free Share Your Smile materials to use with the children, teens, and families they serve. Together, they estimate they can reach 131,715 individuals. That number will continue to climb as the resources remain available for download throughout the summer months.
Participants came from at least 43 states and Canada and represented organizations ranging from schools, libraries and local health departments to dental clinics, hospitals, community action agencies and nonprofits. Recognizable organizations such as Cook Children’s, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Montefiore Einstein, UnitedHealthcare, New York City Public Schools, Saskatchewan Health Authority, AltaMed and The Ohio State University were among those accessing the materials.
This year’s materials gave participants new ways to make oral health education practical, engaging and connected to children’s everyday lives.
New resources explored the relationship between food choices, blood sugar, diabetes and oral health. For example, our new “Build Your Plate” activity helps children think about the foods and drinks they choose every day, while new dietary guidelines and diabetes resources help families understand that oral health is part of overall health.
Older students can also take a more active role through the new middle- and high-school project guide, which encourages them to explore oral health needs in their own communities.
Popular hands-on activities showed children how beverages affect tooth enamel and how the oral microbiome affects the health of teeth and gums. They also gave educators easy ways to help children see why brushing, healthy food choices and regular dental care matter.
And the learning does not end with Oral Health Month.
All Share Your Smile materials will remain available for download throughout the summer, helping partners continue oral health education wherever children gather.
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Plus, the Share Your Smile Habit Tracker Contest gives kids an extra reason to put those lessons into practice. Through September 30, children can use the tracker to build healthy daily brushing and flossing habits for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card, 1 of 5 Squishmallows Sonic Kids Rechargeable Toothbrushes from Ordo, and other fun prizes. Educators, parents and caregivers can download the Habit Tracker Contest form here and encourage children to turn small daily choices into routines that protect their smiles for years to come.
Find free activities, family resources, contest details and more at ShareYourSmileCampaign.org.
America’s ToothFairy is grateful to campaign sponsors Sun Life, DentaQuest and Ordo for helping make these resources available to children and families across the country. Together, we are helping more young people build the knowledge and habits they need for healthier smiles today and stronger futures ahead.
