February is National Children’s Dental Health Month and Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation is partnering with the Children’s Museum of Phoenix to teach good oral health habits to children. Fun hands-on activities will highlight the importance of starting dental early so healthy teeth can last a lifetime.

During the month-long celebration, the Museum will host daily interactive activities related to teeth and overall oral health. Activities include story time with dental related books, tooth-themed arts and craft projects and visits from the Delta Dental Tooth Fairy. Complimentary Smile Bags featuring toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss and fun facts about dental health will also be available to Museum visitors.

Pediatric dentists Dr. Krishna Akilesh, Dr. Charlie Clark and Dr. Jeanette MacLean will host “From First Tooth to Loose Tooth,” an informative presentation that helps to bust baby teeth myths and explain proper dental hygiene habits for youngsters. Parents will also have the opportunity to ask the dentists their own questions about children’s oral health.

“We truly enjoy partnering with the Children’s Museum of Phoenix to educate families about the importance of establishing good oral health habits at an early age,” said Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation Executive Director Sandi Perez, Ph.D.

Acting on the principle that learning is a joy, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix engages the minds, muscles and imaginations of children and the grown-ups who care about them. With hands-on, interactive exhibits designed for children ages birth to 10, the Museum focuses on learning through play.

“We feel we have an obligation to reinforce for parents issues that relate to the health and well-being of children in our community,” said Kate Wells, CEO of the Children’s Museum of Phoenix. “We are so grateful to the Foundation for sponsoring Healthy Smiles Month at the Museum year after year. More than 25,000 individuals are expected to come through the Museum this month, all of whom will be exposed to child-friendly programs and activities related to good oral health.”