A school in Montana is encouraging all of its students to brush their teeth in the classroom.
LaMotte School in Bozeman believes it is the first institution in the state to launch such an initiative, which could prevent youngsters from requiring emergency dentistry in the future.
According to the Bozeman Daily Chronicle, school principal LeeAnn Burke became concerned about dental care when one of her students missed a week of lessons due to tooth problems.
"I believe so much in the whole-child approach," she said. "We can provide a healthy environment for kids to learn and grow."
Pupils now have their own labelled toothbrushes at the school, while local dentists have donated tubes of toothpaste for the scheme.
Dental expert Dr Steve Helm said promoting good dental habits at a young age can "avoid a lot of problems that cause pain, fear of dentists and can be very expensive".
Dr Sarah Hulland, former president of the Canadian Association of Paediatric Dentistry, recently told the Vancouver Sun that it is important to keep children's gums clean even before teething.