(NAPSI)\u2014With more than half of the state\u2019s third-graders have experienced tooth decay, the Tooth Fairy is canvassing the state\u2014virtually\u2014to help improve the dental health habits of her young friends, in hopes of a cavity-free Washington.<\/p>\n
\u201cChildren who experience tooth decay are more likely to miss school, have lower academic success, experience nutritional and speech development issues… and over time, become more susceptible to systemic inflammation, which may limit growth and development. It can also result in an increased risk for lifelong dental problems,\u201d explains Abbie Goudarzi, DDS, a licensed dentist, and Delta Dental consultant. \u201cIt\u2019s really unacceptable that more than half of our state\u2019s third graders have tooth decay, a number that\u2019s even higher in many rural and BIPOC communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
To help address the issue, the Tooth Fairy is making virtual appearances in classrooms and community-based youth organizations statewide as part of her interactive pediatric dental health education program, The Tooth Fairy Experience, designed to make dental health education fun for students in kindergarten through second grade.<\/p>\n
The free 30-minute interactive presentations led by the Tooth Fairy are customized for each learning environment\u2014including a storybook reading, fun teeth facts, proper brushing techniques, tooth science experiment, dental health hand puppets, and a sugar demonstration. It\u2019s all aimed to improve dental health behaviors of kids as they enter their cavity-prone years, and to spur regular dental exams\u2014which were down 17 percent statewide last year for 5-10-year-olds, claims data from the state\u2019s largest dental benefits provider reveal.<\/p>\n
According to Delta Dental\u2019s National Children\u2019s Oral Health Survey, 30 percent of U.S. parents reported that their children (between the ages of 6 and 12) missed school in the previous year due to an oral health problem (as opposed to a regularly scheduled dental appointment).<\/p>\n
Children\u2019s dental care may not seem like a top priority considering kids lose their first set of teeth, but baby teeth are very important. Cavities early in a child\u2019s life can have long-term effects that linger far past the loss of baby teeth\u2014it\u2019s why the program\u2019s website (www.TheToothFairyExperience.com<\/a>) also offers helpful resources and tips for parents, including early signs of cavities:<\/p>\n \u2022Pain around the tooth and gums when eating or brushing<\/p>\n \u2022A new or increased sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks<\/p>\n \u2022Aversion to hard or crunchy foods<\/p>\n \u2022Consistent bad breath<\/p>\n \u2022Visible white spots on the teeth<\/p>\n \u2022Holes or discoloration (cavities in their early stages will often appear as white spots, then become a light brown color as they progress. More serious cavities may turn a dark brown or even black)<\/p>\n Delta Dental reminds parents and caregivers that good dental health habits are important throughout a child\u2019s life and are particularly impactful during the formative years\u2014and to educate themselves and their children on the importance of dental health, noting that \u201cthe Tooth Fairy will thank you!\u201d<\/p>\n The Tooth Fairy Experience was developed by Delta Dental of Washington in partnership with Arcora Foundation and School Nurse Organization of Washington.<\/p>\n For free downloadable materials and information on scheduling a virtual Tooth Fairy Experience presentation, visit\u00a0www.TheToothFairyExperience.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n