National Children’s Dental Health Month is observed every February to help families learn about good oral health habits and celebrate healthy smiles! It’s sponsored by the American Dental Association (ADA) and includes fun, educational activities, free posters and calendars, and tips for kids and caregivers.
Visit the ADA’s official page for free materials (posters, coloring sheets, brushing calendars): 🔗 ADA National Children’s Dental Health Month
Why Kids’ Oral Health Matters
Tooth decay (cavities) is the most common chronic disease in U.S. children. It can cause pain, infection, trouble eating or speaking, and missed school days if left untreated. Early good habits can lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
Easy Tips for Healthy Teeth
Brush Twice a Day: Teach kids to brush their teeth in the morning and before bed with a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps protect tooth enamel and prevents cavities.
Brushing for two minutes, twice a day, can become a fun family time for everyone in your home. Find out how much toothpaste your child should be using, learn the right way to brush, and dentist-approved ways to motivate your child to take care of their teeth in 🔗this video from the American Dental Association.
Fun idea: Use a 2-minute song or timer so brushing feels like a mini dance party!
Don’t Forget Floss and Dental Visits
• Floss daily when teeth touch.
• Visit the dentist regularly (usually every 6 months).
• First dental visit: aim for by their first birthday or when the first tooth appears.
Did you know that tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among children in the United States? The good news is it can be prevented with the help of CHIP! CHIP coverage includes teeth cleanings, check-ups, x-rays, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, fillings, orthodontic services when medically necessary, and more. For more information, visit 🔗the PA Department of Human Services website.
Avoid “Bottle Mouth” & Sugary Drinks
Baby bottle tooth decay (sometimes called “bottle mouth”) can happen when a child goes to bed with milk, juice, or formula in their bottle — sugary liquids can stay on the teeth and cause decay. If your child needs a bedtime drink, offer water instead.
Healthy Foods = Healthy Teeth
Encourage:
🍎 Water and milk
🥦 Veggies
🧀 Cheese
Limit:
🍬 Sugary snacks
🥤 Sugary drinks
A balanced diet helps keep plaque-causing bacteria in check and strengthens developing teeth.
Oral Care for Babies & Toddlers
Before teeth come in:
- Wipe gums with a soft, clean cloth after feedings.
Once teeth erupt: - Start brushing twice a day with a soft brush and a rice-grains-sized smear of toothpaste.
Extra Resources (Easy & Trustworthy)
🔗CDC: Oral Health Tips for Children – advice on brushing and dental checkups
🔗American Dental Association, NCDHM Resources – coloring sheets, brushing calendars, flyers
🔗WIC Works | Dental Health Observance – guides on infant and child dental care
🔗American Academy of Pediatrics Articles – baby bottle tooth decay and bedtime routines
Make It Fun!
Here are some ideas to make dental health exciting for kids:
- Brush together as a family
- Use coloring sheets or activity calendars
- Play a favorite song during brushing
- Read a tooth-friendly story at bedtime
(You can find ADA activity sheets and calendars with coloring pages on their 🔗NCDHM site.)