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February Is National Children’s Dental Health Month

by Feb 19, 2025General Dentistry

Happy parent giving piggyback to their children

Table of Contents

Key Points

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 46 percent of children and adolescents ages 2 to 19 years have untreated or restored dental caries in one or more primary or permanent teeth.1

The good news is that there are some basic things parents can do to promote dental hygiene and health in their children, and avoid gum disease now and into adulthood. That starts with education.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM). It is an opportunity to raise awareness about the dental health threats that children face and to promote solutions.

This article explains the basic philosophy and goals of NCDHM. Keep reading to find out what it is, why it is important, and how it relates to you and your family.

What Is National Children’s Dental Health Month?

The American Dental Association recognizes National Children’s Dental Health Month as a time to observe and promote the benefits of good oral health and hygiene habits in children. The philosophy is that establishing proven practices, including brushing and flossing in children and adolescents will result in healthier teeth and gums throughout their lives. Specifically, the goal is to combat the prevalence of gum disease and tooth decay.

Why Is National Children’s Dental Health Month Important?

Dental problems are common in children and, when left unaddressed, only worsen as they age. In fact, according to the 2024 Oral Health Surveillance Report by the CDC, more than 1 in 10 children ages 2 to 5 years have at least one untreated cavity in their baby teeth. By age 6 to 8 years, that incidence jumps to 1 in 5.2

Dental health is important because it is linked to many other aspects of children’s overall health. Among other impacts, it plays a major role in a child’s ability to:

  • Chew food
  • Speak clearly
  • Learn and concentrate in school
  • Have a positive self-image

Conversely, long-term dental issues can lead to serious general health. In adulthood, there is a solid connection between periodontitis (gum disease) and the following conditions:

  • Cardiovascular disease (including related episodes, like heart attack and stroke)
  • Diabetes
  • Cancer
  • Preterm births

It also is strongly linked to increased inflammation throughout the body, which can impact everything from skin health to organ function.

How to Improve or Maintain a Child’s Teeth?

Fortunately, there are several things parents and guardians can do to help avoid the issues described above. The first is to begin brushing as soon as a child’s first tooth appears. In addition to keeping the tooth and gum area clean, this also helps establish healthy brushing habits from a very young age.

Likewise, once your child is old enough to brush on their own, make sure they do it twice a day. The same goes for flossing, which helps remove plaque from between teeth, where brushing alone fails to reach. Children should start flossing around 2 to 3 years of age.

Another central tenant of NCDHM is healthy eating—in general, but also as it relates to dental health. For instance, children should limit intake of sugary foods and drinks, such as soda, which can contribute to cavities.

Finally, children should start seeing a dentist early in life. Regular visits can help maintain dental health and catch any minor issues before they become major ones. A good rule of thumb is to schedule your child’s first checkup and cleaning within 6 months of their first birthday or when their first tooth starts coming in, whichever comes first.

Other Ideas for National Children’s Dental Health Month

There are some other, miscellaneous things parents can do to promote dental health in their children. Talk to your kids about the importance of brushing, flossing, and healthy eating habits. Make a dental health poster together or read books about teeth development.

You can make healthy snacks and brush your teeth together. Schedule your own checkup and cleaning on the same day and time as your child’s, so that you can make going to the dentist a family event. Seeing you visit the dentist can also help mitigate any anxiety your child might have about the experience.

Schedule a Checkup and Cleaning for Your Child Today

Now that you understand the history and meaning of National Children’s Dental Health Month, along with the philosophy and practices it promotes, you can ensure dental health and wellness for your child.

ProGrin is a premier dental provider that offers a comprehensive range of services, including general, cosmetic, restorative, and pediatric dentistry at 9 dentist offices in Greenville and throughout the Upstate. We also have a dedicated pediatric dentist at one of our Boiling Springs locations (iGrin). We also have an emergency dentist in Simpsonville and several other locations.

Reach out to us today to learn more about dental care for children and adults, or to schedule an appointment.

References

  1. Bryan Stierman, M.D., M.P.H.; Joseph Afful, M.S.; Margaret D. Carroll, M.S.P.H.; Te-Ching Chen, Ph.D.; et al., “National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017–March 2020 Prepandemic Data Files—Development of Files and Prevalence Estimates for Selected Health Outcomes,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, June 2021, from: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhsr/nhsr158-508.pdf.
  2. “2024 Oral Health Surveillance Report: Selected Findings,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from: https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/php/2024-oral-health-surveillance-report/selected-findings.html.