Children's Dental Health Month

Children's Dental Health Month

Okaloosa Schools Webmaster

March 2, 2023

CRESTVIEW, Fla. – Launched nationally by American Dental Association in 1981, Children’s Dental Health Month is an observance held in February each year. This year Richbourg School of Okaloosa County in Crestview celebrated Children’s Dental Health Month by educating students on the importance of dental health. Ms. Wiley and Ms. Cuchens, staff members at Richbourg School, demonstrated good oral care practices for students using dental models. By working with students at an early age to promote oral health, these teachers are helping children develop good habits for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Habits to ensure good oral health:

  • Brush teeth for 2 minutes twice a day
  • Choose a toothpaste with fluoride
  • Drink water instead of sugary drinks
  • Floss every day

Children's Dental Health Month

 Ms. Wiley, from Richbourg School, also taught students about the importance of drinking enough water. Students were provided resources on healthy snacks and drinking water from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (USDA). These resources were helpful in teaching how much water children need to consume each day and why it is important to their overall health. The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County provided water bottles for each student to underscore the importance of drinking water. Ms. Wiley’s dedication to health education is admirable and she sets an example for others to follow.

Florida Health

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts. Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

About Healthy Okaloosa Schools Healthy Okaloosa Schools launched in August 2015 as a sector of the Healthy Okaloosa 5210 Initiative. The Healthy Okaloosa Schools program uses long-term, deep-impact partnerships with Okaloosa County schools to build the capacity of school-age youth, families, and school staff to support school-age youth health, safety, and well-being through sustainable programs and policies that support the physical and emotional health of school-age youth. The Healthy Okaloosa team works with partners to implement sustainable policy and environmental strategies that support healthy behaviors. To learn more about Healthy Okaloosa Schools, visit http://okaloosa.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/wellness-programs/healthy-okaloosa-schools/index.html.

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