Did you know that this February is National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM)? Sponsored by the American Dental Association to raise awareness of the importance of children’s dental health, this month is intended to educate parents and caregivers on how to teach good hygiene habits. Read on to learn more about the history of National Children’s Dental Health Month and four ways you can celebrate!
Why Was National Children’s Dental Health Month Started?
Originally started by the ADA in 1949 and celebrated as a single day, over 40 years later, NCDHM is now recognized throughout the entire month of February. Developing smiles are at risk of a variety of unique dental health concerns, which is why there’s an entire specialty dedicated to children’s dental health, called pediatric dentistry! NCDHM highlights the importance of instilling good dental hygiene habits in children, allowing them to keep their smiles healthy and avoid the following concerns:
- Cavities
- Crowding, bite misalignment, and other orthodontic issues
- Gum disease
- Dental damage from accidents and teeth grinding
- Premature loss of temporary teeth
4 Ways You Can Celebrate NCDHM with Your Child
This February, recognize NCDHM by taking a few fun, actionable measures to encourage your child to get excited about their oral health:
- Buy Them a New Toothbrush: If it has been over three months since your child switched out their toothbrush, it’s time for a new one! Let them choose one that features their favorite characters on TV to get them jazzed about using it every morning and night.
- Schedule an Appointment with Their Pediatric Dentist: The American Dental Association recommends that children see their pediatric dentist every six months for routine checkups and cleanings after their first tooth erupts. If they’re due for a visit, be sure to schedule it!
- Teach Them How to Floss: Teaching your child to floss can be a big feat, especially when most adults themselves don’t like flossing! Try encouraging them by teaching them proper techniques and investing in easy-to-use flossing picks or a water flosser so the task is more enjoyable.
- Encourage Consistency: Consistency is key, especially when it comes to preventing cavities. Help your child make a habit out of brushing and flossing by rewarding them for their hard work. You can do this by creating a sticker chart system that tracks their progress or even letting them pick out a new toy whenever they brush for two weeks straight!
Kick-start a new passion in your little one for their oral health by taking the time to celebrate NCDHM with them. It’s also a wonderful way to bond over your smiles and teach them small acts of responsibility that will allow them to not only avoid costly dental bills in the future, but also encourage independence!
About the Practice
At Brush Pediatric Dentistry, our team is comprised of not one or two dentists, but five pediatric dentists who have completed additional specialized training on treating developing smiles. Drs. Mira Albert, Lynna Gripentrog, Andreina Karamchandani, Maggie Rizzo, and Stephanie Bollow are all mothers themselves, and they’re passionate about collaborating with parents to keep their favorite, precious smiles healthy for a lifetime. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit Brush Pediatric Dentistry’s website or call 630-504-2223.