Healthy Mouth, Healthy Brain?

Is it possible that children with good oral hygiene are smarter than kids without?

According to the American Journal of Public Health, both learning ability and school attendance improve when children receive regular dental care. Oral health is as important as booster shots and should be a regular part of school preparation.

According to the Surgeon General of the United States, children lose an estimated 51 million school hours each year due to dental related problems. Studies show that children with even low grade pain tend to focus on their discomfort subconsciously and consequently do not absorb lessons and perform below their proven ability.

A Website Kids Will Love

Introducing kids to good oral hygiene is a snap with the help of mouthhealthy.org.

Find printables, games and videos that make having a healthy mouth fun and entertaining.

Two Minutes They Won't Want to Miss

2min2x.org has come up with a creative way of getting kids to brush their teeth for two minutes without complaining.  Check out Brush & Watch on 2min2x.org to learn more.

Top Ten Sugar Sources That Attack Teeth

Top Sources of Added Sugar in the Diet and Percentages

• soft drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks, 35.7% 
• grain-based desserts (cakes, pies) 12.9% 
• fruit drinks 10.5% 
• dairy-based desserts (ice cream) 6.5% 
• candy 6.1% 
• ready-to-eat cereals 3.8% 
• sugars and honey 3.5% 
• tea (sweetened) 3.5% 
• yeast breads 2.1% 
• all other foods 15.4% 

Source: Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010

Chart Their Way to Good Health

Children love to be rewarded for their efforts.  Here is a printable brushing checklist to post near their brushing station.  Here are some suggestions for a super star brushing reward:

• A trip to pick out a new toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Story time at the library.
• Healthy snack made together.

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Printable of the Week

Help your child practice their colors and numbers with this Easter color by number printable.