OKLAHOMA (Feb. 8, 2022) – Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation is celebrating National Children’s Dental Health Month this February by providing free resources to Oklahoma parents and educators. As the leading provider of dental health and education-related initiatives in the state, the Foundation offers Captain Supertooth class visits and MouthScience experiments geared toward teaching children the importance of oral health care.

Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood infectious disease in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, an oral health report card from the Oklahoma Oral Health Coalition revealed approximately 66 percent of third graders have treated or untreated tooth decay.

Untreated tooth decay often results in persistent pain, inability to eat comfortably or chew well, embarrassment at discolored and damaged teeth, and distraction from playing and learning. By learning to brush, floss, and make healthy food and drink choices, children can avoid help avoid pain and the need for more costly dental procedures.

“Fostering good oral hygiene habits in our state’s youth is critically important,” said Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation Director Terrisa Singleton. “Our Captain Supertooth and MouthScience programs engage children through immersive learning activities and help them gain and understanding of how they can take charge of their own oral health.”

Captain Supertooth travels all over Oklahoma teaching children how to keep their teeth happy, healthy and clean. The Captain Supertooth program is available to Oklahoma Pre-K through third grade students, and the visit can take place in-person or virtually. Captain Supertooth provides online resources like brush charts, oral health quizzes and more. To learn more and to book a free visit, please visit CaptainSupertooth. com.

MouthScience is an engaging and hands-on experiment that demonstrates the levels of acid and sugar contained in common drinks. The goal of the program is to motivate students to make healthier food and drink choices, decrease the likelihood of getting cavities and improving gum health. Mouth-Science kits are available free of charge for use in third through sixth grade classrooms in Oklahoma. Each kit contains all supplies needed for a class of up to 30 students. Kits can be requested at DDOKFoundation.org/ MouthScience.

To learn more about Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation and its programs visit DDOKFoundation.org.