Each February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene and dental health. This is usually geared to help children learn about how to have a healthy mouth.
Why National Children’s Dental Health Month?
When February comes around, it is a great opportunity for dentists to make learning about a healthy mouth something that is memorable. Learning about dental care can be fun and it is something we try to make enjoyable for children and adults alike.
Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. This gives local dentists the opportunity to make sure everyone understands the importance of taking care of your teeth.
The National Children’s Dental Health Month campaign has reached millions of people in communities across the country with the message of good dental health.
How Can I Teach My Child About Good Dental Habits?
There are a number of resources that will allow you to share with your child the importance of taking good care of their teeth for their entire lives. There are books to help make learning about the subject fun which you can read together.
Here are a few that I would recommend:
-The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist by Stan Berenstain
-Show Me Your Smile!: A visit to the Dentist (Dora the Explorer) by Christine Ricci
-A Visit to the Dentist (Little Bill) by Eleanor Fremont
You are never too old to start taking great care of your teeth. February is a great time to examine your own dental habits and make sure your mouth is as healthy as it should be. It’s also a great time to teach your children about taking care of their own teeth as well.