What it is
The National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM) is a month-long national health observance that promotes the benefits of good oral health to children. This year’s NCDHM campaign slogan is “Water, Nature’s Drink!”
A little bit of history
In February of 1941, the National Children’s Dental Health observances began with a one-day event in Cleveland, Ohio and a one-week event in Akron, Ohio. On February 8, 1949, the American Dental Association held the first national observance of Children’s Dental Health Day which became a weeklong event in 1955. In 1981, the program was extended to a month long celebration.
Fun ways to promote good oral health to your children
- Make flossing, brushing, and dental check-ups fun for your children. There are a number of ways to do this but here are some examples.
- Use a special toothbrush! There are a lot of fun toothbrushes on the market today, let your child choose the toothbrush they would like to use.
- Use flavored toothpaste. Kids may not like the taste fresh mint toothpaste provides but may love the strawberry flavored paste. This is also a fun item for them to choose.
- Some kids like to copy what we do. Depending on the child, they may enjoy flossing and brushing when mom or dad is flossing and brushing. You can make this routine something your child looks forward to doing with you each evening.
- Find fun books or videos that explain why it’s important to keep their teeth clean.
- Put a calendar in the bathroom and each time they brush their teeth, they receive a shiny star on the date. The goal is two per day and perhaps they receive a special treat at the end of each week for achieving the goal.
- Make the dental visit special. Some ideas are to go out for lunch or for an ice cream treat after each visit, or let your child bring some cookies to the staff.
Activity sheets
The American Dental Association has fun activity sheets for kids that can be downloaded at ADA.org/en/public-programs/national-childrens-dental-health-month.
There are multiple resources online or if you have concerns give us a call and we’ll be glad to help guide you in the right direction!