Delta Dental of Oklahoma (DDOK) and its Foundation are supporting classrooms with free, interactive programs that teach children the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene.

In Oklahoma, oral health care is an often overlooked and underprovided service, particularly among children. Studies show children who have poor dental health often miss more school and receive lower grades than children with proper dental hygiene. By providing free, classroom-ready programs, DDOK Foundation is helping to promote healthy habits and support student success.

“Championing positive oral hygiene is key to setting up kids for a lifetime of good dental health,” said Terrisa Singleton, director of the Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation. “Our Captain Supertooth and MouthScience programs are just a few of the ways our Foundations works to empower children to care for their teeth and improve the oral health of Oklahomans.”

The DDOK Foundation offers two free programs for educators across the state:

• Captain Supertooth is a dental education program available to Oklahoma Pre-K through third grade students. This superhero mascot teaches children about the virtues of good dental hygiene and is available for in-person performances. To schedule a visit from Oklahoma’s defender of oral health, visit CaptainSupertooth. com.

• MouthScience kits help illustrate the levels of acid and sugar contained in common drinks, encouraging kids to make healthier choices to better protect their teeth. Each kit contains all the supplies needed for third through sixth grade teachers to facilitate hands-on science experiments, aligned with Oklahoma Academic Standards, in their own classrooms. To request a kit today, visit DDOKFoundation.org/ MouthScience.

Both programs are available at no charge to Oklahoma classrooms. All students who participate in either program will also receive a free toothbrush to help them maintain their oral health.

To learn more about Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation’s commitment to improving oral wellness, visit DDOKFoundation.org.