Guest Blog: TeamSmile Mascot Chompers Wants Kids to Smile Brighter This February!

​Hi, it’s me Chompers, from TeamSmile. I’m a mascot so I can’t speak aloud, but I have something important to say during Children’s Dental Health Month! I want to thank our partner, SKYGEN, for giving me a platform to share my message with you.

Most of us know that dental care is VERY important, not just for teeth but also for overall health. Even I get my teeth checked and cleaned regularly. You may not realize that horses, even referee horses like me, have some big teeth! And we like to keep ‘em healthy. In fact the dental providers at the TeamSmile event in Philadelphia were kind enough to give me a cleaning! 

As we dive into the second half of the school year, I’d like to remind everyone that now is a great time for kids to get their teeth checked so they can continue to show off their beautiful, healthy smile. 

Unfortunately, not every child is able to get the dental care they need. Children from low-income households are 3X more likely to have untreated cavities in their baby teeth, and 2X more likely to have untreated cavities in their permanent teeth as children from higher-income households. Poor oral health is not only painful — it can lead to more serious health problems, and difficulty with basic functions like speaking and eating. It also leads to many missed days of school. 

TeamSmile Bridges the Gap

When you see the children excited and happy, your heart just leaps! 

Kids of all ages love coming to a TeamSmile event because there’s so much more than stress-free dental care. See, the goal is to make kids associate happy things with their dental care, so they aren’t scared. We want them to look forward to seeing the dentist. 

In addition to having a couple of amazing mascots we have opportunities for the kids have fun, learn, and interact with the sponsoring team! The last time we were in Philly, the pro soccer team Union players played soccer with the kids. Can you imagine how cool it was for the kids to play soccer with a professional? Even I got to play for a bit! 

That’s not all. Guess who stopped by that TeamSmile day – the Philadelphia Eagles! What a way to make kids dreams come true while teaching them about my favorite topic, oral hygiene! You can follow our adventures on Facebook. And, be sure to see your dentist soon!

About TeamSmile

TeamSmile collaborates with dental professionals and sports teams to provide vital dental care and dental education to children in need. It's a mission driven by love and compassion. Discover more at https://teamsmile.org, https://www.facebook.com/teamsmile, https://www.linkedin.com/company/teamsmile or https://www.instagram.com/teamsmilenation/. 

About SKYGEN

SKYGEN, as a sponsor, helps TeamSmile harness the resources and reach children in need with dental care and positive dental experiences. Their commitment to healthcare is instrumental in our mission. Learn about their work at https://www.skygenusa.com.