.JPG)
.JPG)
The Tooth Fairy presented an interactive lesson on taking care of teeth to about 80 kindergarten, first- and second-grade students at Toledo Elementary School last week.
The visit was part of The Tooth Fairy Experience, a free dental health education program from Delta Dental of Washington that brings age-appropriate oral health lessons to children across the state.
“We’re grateful to have programs like this come directly to our school,” Shawn Leggett, a Toledo school administrator, said in a news release. “It gives our youngest students a fun way to learn about something that is important to their health every day.”
The need is significant. More than half of Washington students have experienced tooth decay by the time they reach third grade — a statistic that is even higher in rural areas of the state, the release stated.
During the visit, students participated in Caring for Your Smile, one of three lessons offered through The Tooth Fairy Experience. The lesson helps children understand the foundations of daily oral health care in a fun and engaging way.
The program’s other lessons, Baby Teeth Matter and Feeding Your Smile, cover the importance of baby teeth, and the importance of healthy active lifestyles and good nutrition. Educators statewide can access all three lessons for free through teacher-downloadable materials or Tooth Fairy-led presentations, available virtually or in person. These resources are also available to parents.
The students don't leave empty-handed. Each child received a dental health kit with a toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, dental floss, a brushing and flossing chart and a timer to help make brushing for two full minutes twice a day a habit.
“The Tooth Fairy Experience is a great way to get children excited about taking care of their oral health,” Nadia M. Fugate, DMD, Delta Dental of Washington’s senior dental consultant, said in the release. “Children learn how to brush and floss properly, why regular dental visits are important and how their food and beverage choices can affect their teeth. Most importantly, they begin to see that they have a role in taking care of their own health.”
Delta Dental launched The Tooth Fairy Experience in 2019 as part of its vision that everyone can enjoy good oral health. The program is available to schools statewide but primarily focuses on reaching children in rural and medically underserved communities where the need is the greatest for helping establish healthy habits early, according to the release.
The Tooth Fairy Experience was developed by Delta Dental of Washington in partnership with Arcora Foundation, School Nurse Organization of Washington and Washington State Dental Association, and is endorsed by the Washington Homeschool Organization. All program materials have been reviewed by dentists, teachers, school nurses and children.
Families and educators can find free oral health resources and learn more about The Tooth Fairy Experience at www.TheToothFairyExperience.com.
