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National Children’s Dental Health Month

February is National Children's Dental Health Month - help your little ones keep their smiles healthy with regular brushing and flossing!

Monday

1–28

February 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEAll of February

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYHealth

SUBCATEGORYDental

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

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!

TIMELINE

National Children’s Dental Health Month Timeline

Inaugural Children's Dental Health Day

Cleveland, Ohio celebrated the first Children's Dental Health Day, aimed at promoting healthy dental habits among children.

American Dental Association Involvement

The American Dental Association (ADA) started observing Children's Dental Health Day nationwide.

Extended to a Week

Recognizing the importance of the cause, the observance was extended to a week-long celebration.

Becomes a Month-Long Observance

ADA extended the event to a month long, establishing February as National Children's Dental Health Month.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month

Organize a dental care drive

Collect toothbrushes, toothpaste and other dental hygiene items and donate them to a local children’s dental clinic or school in need.

EDUCATE

Educate children about dental health

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.

HOST

Host a smile contest

Encourage children to show off their best smiles by hosting a “smile” contest. Prizes can be awarded to the best smiles.

ENCOURAGE

Encourage healthy eating habits

Educate children on how to eat healthy and make sure they are getting enough nutrients to help keep their teeth strong and healthy.

PLAN

Plan a visit to the dentist

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.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Children’s Dental Health Month is Important

It educates parents and caregivers

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.

It encourages good dental habits

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.

It promotes access to care

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.

Related holidays

FRI

Feb 2026

Awareness

Give Kids A Smile

Brighten a child's smile today! 'Give Kids A Smile' - an ADA initiative providing free dental care to children in need across America.

National Dental Hygiene Month

Make sure you keep your teeth healthy this month - brush twice daily and make time for regular dental checkups during National Dental Hygiene Month!

National Toothache Day

Celebrate National Toothache Day with a healthy smile - brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth pearly white!

Oral Health Month

During Oral Health Month, take care of your pearly whites and maintain a bright smile with our tips and tricks for a healthy mouth!

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