Oral Health Education Information, Materials, and Helpful Hints
Head Start classrooms began receiving Bright Smiles, Bright Futures oral education materials in January of 1993. Presently, 37,000 Head Start classrooms nationwide are using this multicultural oral health education program. Sponsored by Colgate-Palmolive Company, it approaches dental care through PREVENTION.
As Head Start teachers all over the country use Bright Smiles, Bright Futures oral health education materials, they have reported on what has worked well for them. The following TOP TIPS are some examples:
TOP TIP: The Big Book can be used as a sharing book The children love answering the questions in the book and sharing what they ate, what they did at the dentist, what they know about playground safety and their teeth, and when they brush their teeth. And, most of all, they love sharing their smiles as they look in the Big Book mirror.
TOP TIP: One teacher used both the Big Book and the video at parent meetings. Since most of her parent group was Spanish-speaking, she invited a translator to help out. It showed the parents that she truly had their own, knowledge and growth in mind. [Note: A limited number of Spanish Big Books is available. If you teach Spanish-speaking children, call 1-800- 334-7734 to order a free copy of Tu Sonrisa Cuenta.]TOP TIP: Make a Friendship Salad! Each child brings in uncut fruit or vegetables to share. After exploring the color, texture, and other characteristics of the fruit or vegetable, let the children help clean and cut the ingredients for the salad. This type of activity is an excellent ice breaker and an excellent way to encourage children to try tooth- friendly fruit and vegetable snacks.
TOP TIP: Putting one of the Bright Smiles, Bright Futures light switch stickers near the classroom door is a great way to start a discussion on oral health with parents! It also serves as a reminder as it glows in the dark during the children's nap times.
TOP TIP: Teachers in one classroom followed children as they brushed their teeth and explained the oral health messages from the posters. The posters also worked well for many teachers when posted in specific areas, like the I Brush poster near the Circle Time area for a short daily discussion on brushing, or in the bathroom or sink area, to serve as a brushing reminder.
TOP TIP: Many teachers pointed out that the children love getting the Super Family Award. It fits right in with the self-esteem aspect of the program and it's sure to make it home to the parents!
TOP TIP: One center uses "sweet" holidays, like Halloween and Valentine's Day, as "Teachable Moments." They give out Parent Take-Home Brochures to reinforce the importance of oral health for the whole family during these holidays.
TOP TIP: If a child is experiencing dental problems, give the parents the Tooth Protector reproduction. This informs parents about how fluoride and sealants can help prevent cavities in children.
TOP TIP: The I Eat Healthy Foods poster is great for the housekeeping area and is a perfect kick-off for a food and nutrition discussion. Some teachers laminate the posters for a longer life.