NASHVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 3, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cavities are largely preventable, yet they remain the most common chronic disease of children, 6 to 11, and adolescents 12 to 19 years old.
Delta Dental of Tennessee in conjunction with National Children's Dental Health Month has released a national oral health survey indicating poor oral health habits start early, and parents may be contributing to their children's tooth decay long before they can brush or floss on their own. The study finds a majority of parents (51 percent) understand that oral care habits – rather than genetics or what their kids eat – are most responsible for their children's oral health. Yet, almost one-third of children don't brush twice daily.
To help parents educate their children, Delta Dental of Tennessee has launched a series of original 2D photo animation videos demonstrating the importance of brushing and good oral health habits. The Brushing is Fun video series, produced in both English and Spanish, introduces an unusual pair of narrators, a toothless baby, and an elderly toothless man, as well as live talent, Alicia, who demonstrates improper and proper brushing techniques. The video explains to children that proper brushing takes two minutes, one minute on top, and one minute on the bottom.
"The earlier children learn about taking care of their teeth, the better. It is important that we teach and reach children with new technology like our Brushing is Fun videos," said Philip Wenk, DDS, president and CEO, Delta Dental of Tennessee. "We hope that parents, teachers, afterschool programs and dental clinics utilize these videos that will help create and maintain winning smiles across Tennessee."
A child's primary (baby) and permanent teeth are important for chewing, speaking, and appearance. In addition, the primary teeth maintain space for the permanent teeth to come into the mouth. Since a healthy mouth contributes greatly to a child's self-esteem, good oral health practices should begin in infancy and continue throughout life.
The Delta Dental of Tennessee Brushing is Fun videos are available at http://www.deltadentaltn.com/BrushingIsFun, as well as on Delta Dental of Tennessee's YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/DeltaDentalTN. Join our Thunderclap and help us launch these educational videos on Feb. 3 at 12pm CST. Sign up here.
Delta Dental of Tennessee combines the largest national network of dentists with a focus on the unique dental insurance needs of every individual we serve. Good oral health is essential to a healthy life and Delta Dental of Tennessee makes taking care of your smile easy with access to care, comprehensive benefits, exceptional service, and superior value. Delta Dental of Tennessee is an affiliate of Renaissance Health Service Corporation, which includes Delta Dental plans in Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, and Ohio. For dental made simple, choose Delta Dental. Visit us at http://www.DeltaDentalTN.com.
A photo accompanying this release is available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=30462
