Every day, your child is bombarded with countless messages promoting sugary snacks that can cause dental disaster if not consumed in moderation. Luckily, February is Children’s Dental Health Month, making it an excellent time for your child to learn about the importance of dental healthcare and brush up on their oral hygiene skills. Here’s what you should know about this important time of year and how you can celebrate it with your kids at home.
When Did National Children’s Dental Health Month Start?
The American Dental Association declared February 8 to be Children’s Dental Health Day in 1949 before expanding it into a month-long celebration in 1981. Today, dentists use Children’s Dental Health Month to spread awareness of why preserving children’s oral health is crucial to the well-being of the community as a whole. Since tooth decay is still the chronic disease most commonly found in children, this commemoration in February is as important as ever.
How Can Our Family Celebrate Children’s Dental Health Month?
The best way to keep your child’s mouth healthy is to teach them to practice excellent oral hygiene every day while having them see the dentist at least twice a year for exams and cleanings. You can celebrate Children’s Dental Health Month by:
- Booking their next dental appointment: It can be easy to forget to schedule your child’s next dental visit when the school year is in full swing. However, booking their next appointment only takes a few minutes, so make sure your kid has their next checkup scheduled.
- Teach them excellent oral hygiene: Children tend to learn by imitating their parents. Making dental hygiene a family event will give them the opportunity to learn by observing how you clean your teeth while giving you the chance to make sure they are brushing and flossing properly.
- Help them understand the importance of oral health: Explaining the long-term consequences of poor oral health to your child in a way they can understand will help them get motivated for excellent hygiene. Make sure they know that, if their smile isn’t cleaned properly every day, their teeth will be eaten by the nasty sugar monsters.
February is a great time to get your whole family on board with excellent oral hygiene. Teaching your child proper oral health habits early on is the best way to help them enjoy a beautiful smile for many decades to come.
About the Author
Dr. Praveena Muddana earned her dental degree from the NYU College of Dentistry and expands her clinical skillset by regularly pursuing postgraduate coursework. She is proud to hold memberships in the American Dental Association, the Wisconsin Dental Association, and the Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Her offices in Grafton and Milwaukee, WI offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as pediatric dental services. To schedule your child’s next dental appointment, contact her online.