February is Children’s Dental Health Month, a time when dental professionals and health advocates come together to promote the importance of good oral hygiene habits for children. The observance, which began as a one-day event in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1941, has since expanded to a month-long campaign that reaches millions of families across the United States.

February is Children’s Dental Health Month

The Goal

Children’s Dental Health Month aims to raise awareness about the importance of oral health for children and encourage parents and caregivers to establish healthy habits early in life. Good oral hygiene habits can help prevent dental problems and maintain overall health, as oral health is linked to various systemic conditions, including diabetes and heart disease.

The Importance of Regular Dental Checkups

One of the primary goals of this month is to educate parents and caregivers about the importance of regular dental checkups. According to the American Dental Association, children should have their first dental visit by their first birthday. This recommendation may vary as some professionals seek to see babies before the eruption of their first tooth to examine the gums and oral cavity. These early visits can help identify any potential dental problems and allow dental professionals to provide guidance on proper oral hygiene habits and nutrition.

Often children may also be fearful of the dentist, but we highly encourage all parents to help create a more positive image of the dentist. You can find tips to help ease your child’s fear by reading our article, “How to Prepare My Child for the Dentist”.

Regular Brushing and Flossing

Another focus is the importance of regular brushing and flossing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tooth decay is one of the most common chronic childhood conditions in the United States, affecting nearly one in four children aged 2-5 years. To prevent tooth decay, children should brush their teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss once daily. Parents and caregivers can also promote healthy eating habits by limiting sugary and starchy foods and encouraging the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.

You can learn more about brushing, flossing, and much more by reading our article, “Children’s Dental Health – Common Questions Answered”.

Questions About Children’s Dental Health

We are a clinic focused on life-long dental care and love to see new faces in our clinic. The experience of seeing regular patients starting to bring their children in to see us is one of the greatest joys as we get! We love the opportunity to get to know and treat your whole family.

If you have more questions about children’s dental health let’s chat! Come prepared with questions at your next visit or start by scheduling your child’s visit today: 763.546.1301