In preparation for my MAM Baby party, I learned a lot about teeth, oral products, and educational resources to help parents (and kids) establish good oral hygiene.

If you read my post-party blog post, I had mentioned the program called the America’s ToothFairy Kids Club by the National Children’s Oral Health Foundation (NCOHF), and I wanted to share more details about it here.

First, let me say that I’m not just being an over zealous Mom. It is a fact that tooth decay is the #1 chronic childhood disease, even though it is treatable, curable, and preventable through basic education and proper oral hygiene practices. (See HealthyChildren.org for ideas, like preventing bottle mouth.) While it is not so much an issue of access to dental care, rather than just at-home good oral hygiene, the NCOHF is still dedicated to delivering comprehensive oral healthcare for underserved children. A local effort I was a part of when I worked in health care too.

As a Mom, my efforts are now at home with my 2.5 year old, and the America’s ToothFairy Kids Club is such a huge help. The Kids Club sends out personalized letters from the Tooth Fairy herself, as well as quarterly fun, educational activities! It is free to sign-up, but many provide a donation to keep this effort going and to help the NCOHF to serve vulnerable populations.

Check out this quick video (45 seconds) with Larry the Cable Guy from the movie Tooth Fairy 2 to learn more about it. For example, I didn’t realize with my first child that I really should start “brushing” as early as one month old as it’s important to clean the gums too. Plus, if you wait until all your child’s teeth are in, you’ve missed the opportunity to establish a consistent routine and the constant sensation of brushing.

Remember to brush your teeth too (and make sure your kids see you do it.) Often, the simplest start is to set a good example!