Early Smiles

The Early Smiles project is a prevention-focused early childhood oral-health initiative. The project provides oral health care, educational opportunities and prevention services for families with children 0-8 year of age. The goal of the project is to integrate oral health care education and knowledge of good oral hygiene practices into existing early childhood programs within the region served by Upper Des Moines Opportunity.

Another goal for the Early Smiles project is to promote community awareness of the importance of regular oral health care practices.

Early Smiles provides a resource lending library to schools, early childhood educators, home daycare providers, dental offices, and to programs focused on early-childhood. Lending library items include: oral health educational totes, plays, games, and dental puppets, including the life-sized Timothy Tooth mascot.

The best way to prevent cavities and gum disease is to:

• Brush your teeth twice each day (after breakfast and before bed).
• Brush with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss once each day.
• Eat healthy food and snacks.
• Limit sugary foods and sugared flavored pop.
• See your dentist twice a year.

The Early Smiles project is a federally funded project through the Department of Health and Human Services.