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February 1 marks the start of National Children’s Dental Health Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of good oral health habits for kids. This special month has been celebrated since 1941 and was created to focus on preventing tooth decay and gum disease in children. It’s also a great opportunity for parents to learn more about how they can help their kids develop healthy brushing and flossing habits that will last a lifetime. So let’s get ready to celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month with lots of fun activities and educational resources!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1941</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inaugural Children's Dental Health Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Cleveland, Ohio celebrated the first Children's Dental Health Day, aimed at promoting healthy dental habits among children.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1955</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>American Dental Association Involvement</div><div class='timeline-text'>The American Dental Association (ADA) started observing Children's Dental Health Day nationwide.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1959</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Extended to a Week</div><div class='timeline-text'>Recognizing the importance of the cause, the observance was extended to a week-long celebration.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1981</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Becomes a Month-Long Observance</div><div class='timeline-text'>ADA extended the event to a month long, establishing February as National Children's Dental Health Month.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a dental care drive</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Collect toothbrushes, toothpaste and other dental hygiene items and donate them to a local children’s dental clinic or school in need.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate children about dental health</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Put together an educational presentation for children to teach them about proper oral hygiene, the importance of regular dental visits, and how to take care of their teeth.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a smile contest</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Encourage children to show off their best smiles by hosting a “smile” contest. Prizes can be awarded to the best smiles.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Encourage healthy eating habits</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Educate children on how to eat healthy and make sure they are getting enough nutrients to help keep their teeth strong and healthy.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Plan a visit to the dentist</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Arrange for the children to have a fun visit to the dentist where they can learn about proper oral hygiene and have their teeth checked.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It encourages good dental habits</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By raising awareness of the importance of good oral hygiene, National Children’s Dental Health Month encourages young people to practice healthy habits like brushing and flossing regularly. These habits can help protect children from developing cavities and other oral health problems in the future.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes access to care</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Children’s Dental Health Month also serves to raise awareness about the need for greater access to dental care for children in low income families. A child’s success in school and life is often determined by their physical, mental, and emotional health – all of which depend on receiving proper care of their teeth and gums.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It educates parents and caregivers</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>In addition to educating children about proper dental hygiene, National Children’s Dental Health Month also provides an opportunity for parents and caregivers to learn about how best to care for their little ones’ smiles. It’s important for adults to understand the risks associated with poor oral health, so that they can teach children preventive measures like brushing twice a day, eating nutritious foods, and visiting a dentist regularly.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children</h3><p class='facts-content'>Tooth decay is five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever in children.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Dental Care Should Start Early</h3><p class='facts-content'>Pediatricians recommend that children visit a dentist before they turn 1, or within six months after their first tooth comes in.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Regular Brushing is Vital</h3><p class='facts-content'>Children should brush at least twice a day and floss once a day to prevent cavities.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Right Amount of Toothpaste Matters</h3><p class='facts-content'>For children under 3, a smear of toothpaste the size of a grain of rice is enough. For children 3-6, a pea-sized amount of toothpaste is appropriate.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Healthy Eating Contributes to Healthy Teeth</h3><p class='facts-content'>Consuming a balanced diet and limiting snacks are key factors in preventing tooth decay.</p></div></div>
National Children's Dental Health Month is celebrated on February 1 every year. In 2024, the first day of National Children's Dental Health Month falls on a Thursday.
2023
Feb 1
Wednesday
2024
Feb 1
Thursday
2025
Feb 1
Saturday
2026
Feb 1
Sunday
2027
Feb 1
Monday
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