Brush and Nourish

What is our Brush and Nourish Program?

Our Brush and Nourish Program provides age-appropriate toothbrushes and ADA-accepted toothpaste to weekend food programs serving underserved children. Each oral care pack is individually wrapped and placed into food bags two to three times throughout the school year. Many children in these communities either share a toothbrush with siblings or lack regular access to one. Through this program, we help deliver essential oral health products to those who need them most, improving both their oral health and overall well-being.

Each brush pack also includes simple, age-appropriate oral health tips to help children build strong, healthy habits. By reaching children across North Carolina, Brush and Nourish helps ensure that the most vulnerable in our communities receive the vital oral care they deserve.

Brush and Nourish focuses on access to basic oral care products for children facing food insecurity.

WHAT IT DOES:

  • Provides essential oral hygiene supplies to underserved children through weekend food programs.

HOW IT WORKS

  • Individually wrapped toothbrush and ADA-accepted toothpaste
  • Placed directly into weekend food bags
  • Distributed 2–3 times during the school year
  • Includes simple, age-appropriate oral health tips

PRIMARY GOAL:

  • Meet an immediate need by ensuring children have their own toothbrush and toothpaste, especially in homes where supplies are limited or shared.

WHERE IT HAPPENS:

  • Community-based food programs across North Carolina.

Smile Strong

What is our Smile Strong Program?

Our Smile Strong Program delivers an engaging oral health education curriculum to early classrooms in collaboration with school nurses and teachers. The curriculum is designed to capture students’ attention, reinforce twice-daily brushing habits, and build confidence in personal care routines.

Smile Strong integrates education with tangible resources to remove barriers to healthy habits. Each participating student receives a Smile Strong take-home kit during curriculum delivery, containing a toothbrush, ADA-accepted cavity-prevention toothpaste, a two-minute sand timer, a brushing chart, and illustrated instructions. To reinforce learning and consistency, each school also receives Smart Smile follow-up kits for distribution in January and May before summer break. These kits include a toothbrush, toothpaste, flossers, a brushing chart, and bilingual instructions.

Smile Strong focuses on education and  habit-building, paired with tools that help kids practice what they learn.

WHAT IT DOES:

  • Delivers a structured oral health education curriculum that builds confidence and long-term habits.

HOW IT WORKS

  • Taught in early classrooms with school nurses and teachers
  • Interactive, engaging lessons focused on twice-daily brushing
  • Every student receives a Smile Strong Kit:
  • Toothbrush
  • ADA-Accepted Cavity-Prevention Toothpaste
  • Two-Minute Sand Timer
  • Brushing Chart
  • Illustrated Instructions

PRIMARY GOAL:

  • Create lasting behavior change by combining education, repetition, and tools that remove barriers to healthy routines.

WHERE IT HAPPENS:

  • Early childhood classrooms and schools.

The Importance of Early Oral Health Habits

Good oral health habits developed in childhood lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups not only prevent cavities, the most common childhood disease, but also support broader health and well-being. Parents play a critical role in encouraging these habits and promoting healthy eating choices that contribute to strong teeth.

Impact on Health and Learning

Poor oral health can cause pain, infections, and difficulties with eating, sleeping, and concentrating. It can also lower a child’s self-esteem and lead to missed school days, ultimately affecting academic performance. By providing children with the tools needed for good oral hygiene, we support their health, confidence, and success in school. 

Preventing Dental Issues for a Healthier Future

Maintaining a bright smile is about more than appearance, it’s about preventing dental issues that can have lasting effects on a child’s health and quality of life. Our proactive approach through the Brush and Nourish Program reduces the risk of dental problems and sets children on a path to a healthier future.