National Children’s Dental Health Month

We love to see the children around us laughing and smiling! What better way to see healthy and beautiful smiles than with prevention?

February is a month to focus on children’s dental health, also known as NCDHM (National Children’s Dental Health Month). This year, the theme is “forever in my brushing era,” which implies a commitment to maintaining oral hygiene habits throughout life, starting in childhood.

In this article, learn about:

The history of NCDHM
How to improve your children’s dental hygiene – whether you are a parent, teacher, or dentist
How to prevent dental problems for healthier smiles

And more about this month’s goals for dental prevention.

Forever in my brushing era

Truth is, that every day should be about children’s dental health day.

Overall, children need to develop daily dental habits, and in addition, they need to see the adults around them actively acquiring good dental habits. If the adults raising the children care for their teeth, children will have the best example to follow.

Remember how healthy teeth and gums are the formula for:

A healthy circulatory system: Many studies have shown a link between a lower risk of heart disease and a healthy circulatory system by caring for the gums.
A great, white smile: There is nothing nicer than seeing full smiles with healthy teeth and feeling the joy health brings to our children.
Maximum enjoyment of food: With healthy and strong teeth, our children will grow into adults who can always eat their food and chew without problems.
Living a whole life: A whole life begins with small habits. An adult with healthy teeth can live a fuller and happier life.

Why take care of children’s teeth only one month a year? Let’s make the most of this month and remember it the whole year.

Why February? A bit of NCDHM history

In the United States, the ADA (American Dental Association) established in 1981 that February would be National Children’s Dental Health Month to encourage good hygiene habits. In the past, this month was celebrated as a daily observance and then weekly.

Initially, only two cities held this monthly observance, until it became a nationwide program.

Objectives of NCDHM

Some of the key objectives for this National Children’s Dental Health Month include:

Education

Children’s primary caregivers, parents, teachers, and the children themselves need to know the importance of proper tooth brushing.

In addition, education is given on various themes, such as flossing techniques, the importance of regular check-ups, and balanced nutrition to care for teeth. For example, limiting sugary, starchy, and highly acidic foods is important for educators to know.

Prevention

If children only go to the dentist for cavities, they probably won’t like it. To prevent problems, visiting the dentist regularly helps children lose their fear of the dentist. Having regular dental cleanings prevents cavities.

Community Engagement

During the month of February, different organizations promote oral health awareness. In addition, dental professionals, schools, and other organizations are encouraged to care about children’s teeth. Some schools and community centers, for example, teach children the best hygiene practices.

Universal Access

This month, a special emphasis is placed on universal and affordable care. This way, the general public and underserved communities can access affordable dental services.

Activities and involvement

To improve children’s involvement in NCDHM, many diverse activities are planned, according to each region’s creativity.

For parents

Protect your children’s baby teeth. From the first baby tooth or the first birthday, children should have their first check-up. Baby teeth play a fundamental role in the development of permanent teeth. Protecting them helps kids in many ways:

Cavity prevention: Protecting baby teeth helps children prevent tooth decay in both baby teeth and permanent teeth.
Speech development: Teeth help in pronouncing words correctly and facilitate certain sounds.
Baby teeth guide permanent teeth: Baby teeth serve as a guide for the permanent teeth to erupt in the correct position.
Jaw development: Baby teeth help shape the jaw and facial structure.

During the month of February, parents can participate in different workshops and educational activities, visit libraries, and even get good discounts on primary dental care.

For teachers

Teachers can create coloring or essay contests with dental themes, plan field trips to dental clinics, and use the month according to their creativity to give children’s dental hygiene the importance it deserves. Teachers can make crafts and art related to teeth and dental hygiene. Depending on the level of the children, they can also create age-appropriate lessons for their classrooms. Teachers can have a major impact on dental hygiene as educators of children.

For dentists

Some creative activities for dentists include:

Social media campaigns: Dentists can run social media campaigns, such as sharing reels and videos. They can also promote events to reach a larger audience.
Promotional events: Dentists can give away prizes or giveaways of oral care products, as well as free appointments for dental check-ups.
Educational material: Dentists can create or distribute educational materials for children, such as coloring pictures, activities, and others.
Community outreach: Dentists can make visits to schools or community centers and participate in prevention events.

This month is essential for dentists so they can reach out to children.

Healthy smiles start here

NCDHM plays a significant role in reducing dental problems in children, but you can celebrate this month throughout the year.

Celebrate the accomplishments of the children around you, and congratulate them every time they brush their teeth. Set an example with your healthy teeth, and get regular check-ups.

Remember: healthy teeth mean better overall health.

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