Dental hygiene is one of the most important things we can teach our children. Unfortunately, for a lot of parents, getting kids to brush and floss their teeth is like … well, like pulling teeth. But if we want to protect our kids from having their teeth actually pulled at some point in their lives, we’ve got to show them the ins and outs of proper dental health.
Luckily, February is right around the corner, and that means it’s National Children’s Dental Health Month. A project of the American Dental Association and Crest + Oral B, this program can provide parents with the tools they need to teach the youngins about dental and oral health.
The campaign’s slogan covers the basics: “Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth for a healthy smile.”
National Children’s Dental Health Month timeline
The program is changed to a month-long celebration.
The ADA observes the first National Children’s Dental Health Day.
The ADA is founded by 26 dentists who meet in Niagara Falls, New York. The first president is William Henry Atkinson, a dentist from Cleveland and a pioneer in dental surgery.
National Children’s Dental Health Month Activities
Spread the word
The ADA and Crest + Oral B provide a comprehensive list of ways to publicize National Children's Dental Health Month. Parents might want to send a letter to the editor of their local newspaper or organize an event at their local elementary schools.
Work on arts and crafts projects with the kids
The ADA website (ada.org) has lots of fun things to do regarding National Children's Dental Health Month. You can even download puzzles and coloring pages for the kids directly from the site.
Brush and floss together
Make brushing and flossing a regular part of daily activities with your children. After all, kids learn best when they have an adult to show them the right way.
Why We Love National Children’s Dental Health Month
It's about more than just teeth
Teaching kids about good oral hygiene is vital to keeping them healthy. And by developing good habits in one area, it will be easier for kids to develop good habits in other areas of their lives.
It reminds us to floss, too
We can teach our kids to floss, thereby instilling a good habit early in life. But National Children's Dental Health Month also reminds parents to floss, too!
The poster is totally rad
The fun, colorful and vibrant poster for National Children's Dental Health Month showcases the "Tooth Team" and provides a few tips on dental hygiene.
National Children’s Dental Health Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | February 1 | Saturday |
| 2026 | February 1 | Sunday |
| 2027 | February 1 | Monday |
| 2028 | February 1 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | February 1 | Thursday |
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