LANSING MI: Legislators filed into the fifth floor of the Anderson House Office Building Wednesday to pick up tote bags full of oral health and reading materials.

The tote bag giveaway was part of the Delta Dental Foundation’s Brighter Futures initiative focused on improving children’s oral health and literacy across Michigan.

The initiative invites legislators to read to first grade classrooms in their districts during March for National Reading Month and to encourage daily reading and tooth brushing.

"Having the Delta Dental tote bags available is extremely beneficial as I go around to classrooms in March,” said Rep. Andy Schor (D-Lansing.) “Visiting local classrooms while stressing the importance of oral health and literacy among our children is something I've enjoyed doing for years."

“We are happy to provide these materials for our legislators, and look forward to them highlighting the importance of good oral health habits and literacy throughout our communities,” said Teri Battaglieri, Director of Communications, Corporate Citizenship and Philanthropy for Delta Dental.

Included here, Chris Holman speaks with Teri Battaglieri about several related topics. Finding out why Delta Dental focus on the oral health of children and adults? Why is that so important? February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. What is Delta Dental doing to celebrate and improve the oral health among children in our communities? How can one find a local dentist? Delta Dental is involved in communities across the state. What are you doing to help children and families in Flint?