The Warren County Health Department’s new oral health initiative, Smile Warren Kids Dental Program, is designed to provide oral health education and dental hygiene supplies to children throughout the county.
The program, funded by Delta Dental Foundation, began at Soul City Head Start with children engaging in hands-on lessons on proper oral hygiene. The children learned the importance of brushing their teeth twice a day, flossing daily, eating healthy foods, and visiting the dentist regularly to help prevent cavities and maintain good oral health.
Each child also received a dental hygiene kit containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, a brushing timer and educational materials to encourage healthy habits at home.
The Smile Warren Kids Dental Program was created to increase oral health awareness while reducing barriers to preventive care by providing children with the tools and knowledge they need to care for their teeth. The program will continue to expand throughout the county by partnering with schools, childcare centers, and community organizations to reach more children and families.
Research underscores the importance of early oral health education. According to data from the National Children’s Oral Health Survey conducted by the Delta Dental Plans Association, parents in the United States report that about 30%—approximately 8.6 million—of children ages 6 to 12 have missed school due to an oral health problem, not just for routine dental checkups. This finding highlights the need for preventive efforts like the Smile Warren Kids Dental Program to support children’s health and school attendance.
The Smile Warren Kids Dental Program is one of many efforts by the Warren County Health Department to improve community health through education, prevention, and strong community partnerships. Additional educational sessions will be offered throughout the coming months as the program continues to grow and serve more children across Warren County.
For more information about the Smile Warren Kids Dental Program or other Health Education services offered by the Warren County Health Department, please contact the Health Education Division at 252.257.6017 or visit www.warrencountyhd.com.
