Hello Parents and Important People,

The month of February is National Children's Dental Health Month. Good dental health is important for ALL of us but especially children who are losing baby teeth and getting brand new permanent teeth. This is a great time to get your kids started with healthy habits regarding their teeth.

Here's a short list of ways you can help your child have healthy teeth:

Be a role model. Kids like to imitate those around them, so be a good role model and demonstrate good oral health habits for them. Brush and floss with your kids, rather than sending them into the bathroom on their own. Instead of treating it as a chore, make it part of the daily routine.

1. Teach them. Show kids under age 3 how to use a rice-size amount of toothpaste. Once kids are able to understand how to spit, rather than swallow the paste, they can use a pea-size amount. When teeth have grown to touch each other, kids can floss and rinse with mouthwash daily.
2. Keep dental appointments. Keep a regular routine of visiting the dentist twice a year, and involve your children. By keeping your appointments, you make it a normal activity, and they will make it a ritual. Your child should have their first dental appointment within 6 months of their first tooth or their first birthday, whichever comes first, and then twice a year after that.
3. Talk. Talk to your kids about what they can expect at the dentist. At their dental visit, talk to your dentist about any concerns you have such as crowding, thumb sucking, losing teeth, mouth guards, and whatever else concerns you. .
4. Eat healthy foods. Avoiding sugary drinks and foods not only helps overall health but it can create a discussion about cavities. When sugar is allowed to sit on your teeth, it can create decay, and we all want healthy, strong teeth to enjoy the things we love.
5. Brush. Brushing twice a day for at least 2 minutes is recommended, yet not always achieved. Set a timer and use a tartar dye if desired to be sure all the teeth surfaces are reached and that brushing has happened long enough to be effective at removing plaque. There are apps available to make brushing and caring for your teeth fun.
6. Consider Sealants. For healthy kids teeth, talk to your dentist about the option of having your child’s teeth sealed. Sealants can help prevent cavities and resulting fillings.
7. Use Rewards. Let kids choose their own toothbrush (within reason) and consider a goal chart to track their progress on a goal that leads to a reward such as going to a movie, or taking a trip to the toy store.
8. Don’t share germs. Don’t share utensils, sippy cups, bottles, pacifiers or other items with your kids or allow them to be shared with others. Bacteria in our mouths can be passed to each other and isn’t healthy. Be sure to sanitize all items that may be in your baby’s mouth to prevent bacterial infections such as thrush.

To help us celebrate National Children's Dental Health month our friends at Dental Depot have once again provided each of our students a bag with a brand new toothbrush and toothpaste. Be on the lookout for these to be coming home soon!

Chavez Elementary

2600 Hart Rd

Little Elm, TX 75068

972.947.9452 x41006

This person would check in with them either once a week or twice a month. This check in time would be established based on the mentors schedule and availability. These are quick 20-30 minute visits during the school day. This small investment allows every child to have a champion in their lives.

We want to cast a wide net to find diverse mentors. If you are interested in being a Chavez Champion Mentor please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/qW627Qw9eLs6jwuo8

Please note that it contains a link to fill out the LEISD background check form as well. Here it ease for quick access as well: https://appgarden2.app-garden.com/VolTrackTX061914.nsf

If you have additional questions about the chance to serve in this capacity please let me know. If you know others that might be interested please share this information with them as well.

Thank you for your partnership - we simply could not do this alone!

Your Proud Principal,

Christine Gibson