February is known for lots of things, but kids’ smiles usually aren’t among them. People normally link the month to Groundhog Day, Valentine’s Day, Presidents’ Day, and so on. However, the truth is that February is Children’s Dental Health Month – a time to honor your kiddos’ grins. You’d do well to honor it while you can, as doing so improves a tyke’s teeth and gums. To learn more, here’s a primer on why Children’s Dental Health Month matters for your little ones.
Context: What’s Children’s Dental Health Month?
Though it’s quite real, you likely haven’t heard of Children’s Dental Health Month. You’ll need to remedy that before we get to why the celebration matters.
Children’s Dental Health Month – per its name – relates to kids’ smiles. Established in 1981 by the American Dental Association (ADA), the program shows the perks of good oral health in childhood. It thus encourages families to look after their children’s smiles, and it educates people on good dental habits to establish early in life.
Today, you can easily find resources on Children’s Dental Health Month. The ADA’s website lets users download oral health education posters related to it, as well as program planning guides.
Why Does It Matter?
To be honest, you should take Children’s Dental Health Month seriously. The facts and ideas it promotes are crucial to your child’s quality of life.
A person’s oral health is linked to their overall health, and that applies even more to kids. Cavities could stop a child from getting key nutrients, causing problems with their body’s growth. Similar concerns apply to kids with oral infections; harmful bacteria would spread from their mouths to other body parts. Should the latter occur, a child could become physically feeble and struggle with day-to-day life.
Given the points above, Children’s Dental Health Month plays a vital role. It encourages good oral hygiene that keeps kids safe, and it helps little ones establish oral habits that protect them in adulthood.
How Can You Protect Your Child’s Smile?
To help your child honor Children’s Dental Health Month, follow the tips below:
- Promote Daily Brushing – Have your child brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush. That said, please supervise them until they can do so effectively on their own.
- Encourage Flossing – When their teeth begin touching, instruct your child to floss at least once daily.
- Attend a Dental Checkup – If possible, take your child to a dental checkup this month. This visit can count as one of their twice-yearly trips to the dentist.
You can see that Children’s Dental Health Month matters, so don’t dismiss it lightly. Use the tips above and let your child discover the wonders of a strong smile!
About the Practice
G&G Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics is based in Naperville, IL. Led by Drs. Nicole, Cory, and Hanna, our practice seeks to give every child a spectacular smile. We thus provide preventive, restorative, and even special needs dentistry, as well as orthodontic options like braces and clear aligners. Through these offerings, our team will ensure your kiddo has a flourishing grin! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (630)-778-9500.
