Local students receive toothbrushing kits for Dental Health Month

In recognition of National Children’s Dental Health Month, Dr. Jonathan Johnson of Johnson Orthodontics in Rehoboth Beach helped local students learn about healthy smiles by providing toothbrushing kits and a fun educational presentation for local second-grade classes.

Every February, the American Dental Association highlights the importance of good oral health for children. Cavities and tooth decay remain the most common chronic childhood diseases, but they are largely preventable with good daily habits such as brushing, flossing and healthy diets.

To help reinforce those habits, Johnson Orthodontics provided toothbrushing kits to every second-grader in the Cape Henlopen School District, including Lewes, Rehoboth, Milton, Shields, Love Creek and H.O. Brittingham elementary schools, as well as students at the Sussex Academy elementary campus. Each kit included a child-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and a two-minute timer to help students continue brushing for the dentist-recommended amount of time.

Second grade is an ideal time for children to learn and strengthen oral health habits. By this age, many children have begun getting their permanent teeth and are coordinated enough to brush independently. It is also the age recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists for children to receive their first orthodontic evaluation.

Johnson hopes the program encourages children and their families to take pride in caring for their smiles and to develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime.