DELTA DENTAL OF MISSOURI ANNOUNCES THE AVAILABILIY OF ITS FREE ONLINE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE FOR KIDS IN RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH

Digital Dental Health Resource Inspires Tech-Savvy Kids to also be Tooth-Savvy

ST. LOUIS, MO (Feb. 9, 2018) - Despite being largely preventable, dental decay remains among the most common childhood diseases. In recognition of National Children’s Dental Health Month, Delta Dental of Missouri has announced the availability of a highly entertaining, online education resource that teaches young, school-aged kids how to take great care of their growing smiles.

Located at https://www.LandOfSmilesMO.org/, visitors will find vibrant digital animation and corresponding lesson worksheets that take youngsters on a six-part journey, following Tooth Wizard^SM on his adventures through the Land of Smiles^®, as he battles his arch enemy PlaqueMan^SM for the health of teeth everywhere. Along the way, kids learn what to do to keep their smiles healthy and strong for a lifetime.

“Dental health statistics can be alarming, but the fact is, dental decay is nearly 100 percent preventable,” stated Ron Inge, DDS, chief dental officer and vice president of professional services for Delta Dental of Missouri. “It’s imperative that individuals stick to the dental health basics of brushing twice daily for two minutes using a fluoride toothpaste, flossing each day to remove plaque between teeth, drinking water, eating healthy and getting regular dental checkups. This online resource enables young children to spend some of their screen time learning how to help keep their teeth and bodies healthy. The format is user-friendly and easily accessible from smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktops.”

The online resource serves as an extension of Delta Dental’s Land of Smiles^® touring educational program. Over the past 15 years, the cast of characters – featuring Tooth Wizard^SM, Tooth Fairy and PlaqueMan^SM – has impacted the lives of more than 846,000 children in Missouri through 4,200 school based performances as part of their crusade for healthy teeth.

Individuals can also go to www.DeltaDentalMO.com to find information on health providers, helpful oral health tips, or to learn more about dental insurance through the Delta Dental network. Stay up to date on all dental health information by finding Delta Dental of Missouri on Facebook or Twitter (@DeltaDentalMO).

Delta Dental of Missouri is the state’s dental benefits leader and a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization, serving 1.8 million members and committed to its social mission to improve oral health. The organization provides financial support for oral health initiatives, educational programs, community outreach events and charitable causes each year, contributing $2.4 million in 2017.

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