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Healthy Teeth. Healthy Baby. promotes early dental disease prevention in Minnesota

It's estimated that more than one-third of children have some sort of tooth decay by the time they enter kindergarten. Untreated decay (cavities) can lead to infection, difficulty eating, drinking, talking and playing, even tooth loss.  Prevention of early dental disease starts during pregnancy and is most effective in the first three years of life. The Minnesota legislature recognized the importance of this notion, and established legislation called the Early Dental Disease Prevention Initiative to address the issue. The Minnesota Department of Health collaborated with diverse stakeholders to create the  Healthy Teeth. Healthy Baby. campaign to carry out that mission. Healthy Teeth. Healthy Baby. focuses on preventing tooth decay by educating parents, caregivers and health care professionals about oral health, and encouraging team-based care to address early childhood oral health needs. The initiative is geared towards refugee and immigrant populations, communities of color, limited-English proficiency populations and caregivers with limited health literacy.

Since its establishment, Healthy Teeth. Healthy Baby. has accomplished four primary objectives:

• Established an advisory committee of key stakeholders. 
• Awarded grants to pilot sites for projects related to Healthy Teeth. Healthy Baby. mission.
• Developed creative and communications materials to share key messages and encourage preventive dental care.
• Provide training to better prepare and educate workforce on infant and toddler oral health.

Learn more about Healthy Teeth. Healthy Baby.

Download Healthy Teeth. Healthy Baby campaign materials

Encouraging healthy behaviors and good oral health is a shared responsibility. Anyone can make a difference in their community.

The Healthy Teeth. Healthy Baby. Communications Toolkit walks through ways to spread the word, including key messages, social media starter posts, advertising options and tips for sharing promotional materials.

Healthy Teeth. Healthy Baby. promotional materials include:

• Posters
• Postcards/stickers
• Fluoride varnish cards
• Lift-the-lip mirror cling
• Educational insert with key messages

To download campaign graphic files, please fill out the Healthy Teeth. Healthy Baby. materials form.

For information about oral health kits, contact health.oral@state.mn.us

Contact Us

If you would like to get involved in the Healthy Teeth. Healthy Baby. campaign, or would like to request workforce training, please contact the Oral Health Program at health.oral@state.mn.us or 651-201-5400.

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