Presenting…the Smile Squad!

Here’s a pretty cute resource for all of you who have small children…and especially those of you who have small children who are, um, less than attentive to their dental health. I think that’s, um….a lot of you, according to a recent survey of American children. Survey results showed that 45 percent of children brush their teeth for less than one minute at a time (while dental professionals recommend doing so for at least two minutes), and only seven percent of the parents surveyed said their children floss daily. That’s not so good. Even worse, thirty-six percent of parents surveyed said their children brush their teeth less than once a day.

Delta Dental Plans Association, the nation’s leading dental benefits provider, is concerned for the oral health of children in the United States, especially during the critical early years in a child’s development. In an effort to improve oral health practices, Delta Dental has developed the “Smile Squad” – a concept that will engage kids while educating them on the importance of active dental care.

Each of the four Smile Squad heroes – Sparkle, Glint, Pearl and Chomp – represents an important aspect of maintaining good oral health.

The heroes utilize good habits and smart actions to combat Captain Cavity and the efforts of his malevolent Mouth Marauders to wreak havoc on children’s oral health.

The Web site features illustrations and bios of all heroes and villains, serves as the headquarters for the Smile Squad heroes and offers a variety of activities for children and parents to enjoy while immersing themselves in positive dental health information. Among the activities available on the website are the Smile Squad Card Game, the opportunity to join the Smile Squad, comic book-style adventures, downloadable coloring pages, and online games.

You can find out more about the Smile Squad by visiting the Smile Squad Headquarters.

Granted, my daughter has only two teeth, so this hasn’t become an issue yet, but I think this is a really cute way to get children – especially smaller children – involved and interested in why they have to brush their teeth. It’s worth a try, anyway!

I have not in any way been compensated for this review. I really just think it’s a cute idea!