National Children’s Dental Health Month Facts, Statistics, & Suggestions for How to Celebrate

TL;DR: February is National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM), a time to raise awareness about kids’ oral health and inspire families to build lifelong dental care habits. In this blog, you’ll discover why this month matters and how to celebrate with fun, science-backed tips and activities.

• Learn why children’s dental health is a national concern with key facts and statistics
• Explore creative ways to celebrate with your kids, from art projects to healthy snacks
• Get 8 actionable tips to help your child develop lasting oral hygiene habits
• Discover expert advice from The Super Dentists and Dr. Kami Hoss on daily care routines

The month of February is probably best known for being a time of sharing love with each other during Valentine’s Day. But the entire month is important for another reason; it’s National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM). The brainchild of the American Dental Association, NCDHM, or as it’s often called, Children’s Dental Health Month, is all about raising awareness about the importance of pediatric oral health, as well as helping the little ones in our lives develop lasting healthy habits.

Children’s Dental Health Month Facts: Why This Month Matters

The most common chronic disease among most kids is dental disease, but 95% of dental disease is preventable by establishing healthy oral care habits at home and going to the dentist twice a year!

Moreover, in California alone,

• Over 70% of third graders exhibit signs of dental decay
• 1 in 5 kindergartners has an excess of 7 cavities
• Nearly 40% of children brush their teeth less than twice a day
• Children requiring dental care were three times more likely to miss school compared to those who didn’t

Nationally, the situation isn’t much better. In fact, according to the American Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than half of children from ages 6-8 have had a cavity in at least one of their baby teeth, and over half of teens from ages 12-19 have had a cavity in at least one of their permanent teeth.

Thankfully, you and your family don’t have to be statistics. That’s where National Children’s Dental Health Month comes in. Held every February, this campaign empowers families, schools, and communities to:

• Promote daily brushing and flossing
• Support healthy food choices
• Encourage regular dental visits
• Make oral care fun and memorable for kids of all ages

Need a better understanding of what constitutes good oral health habits? Want a better understanding of what constitutes good oral health habits? Check out Dr. Kami Hoss’ blog post “Establish Good Oral Health with These Habits” now!

Tips and Activities for Children’s Dental Health Month: How to Celebrate with Your Family

Looking for some creative children’s dental health month activities to engage your little ones and get them to understand why taking care of their teeth and gums is so vital?

Try these suggestions from the Seattle YMCA on for size!:

1. The “Egg-Periment”: Witness the power of protecting your teeth firsthand! Soak eggs in dark soda or vinegar overnight to mimic how acids and sugars attack enamel. The next morning, let your little one “save” the eggs by brushing away the stains with a toothbrush and paste. It’s a visual way to show how brushing keeps their real smile bright and strong.
2. Toothbrush Masterpiece: Turn dental hygiene into an art project! Use a large tooth cutout as a canvas and let your child “paint” it white using an old toothbrush. It’s a fun, low-pressure way to practice those important circular brushing motions while creating a work of art.
3. Healthy “Apple Smiles”: Stack up some tooth-friendly fun! Use two apple slices for lips, a swipe of nut butter for “gums,” and mini marshmallows or blanched almonds for teeth to create a silly snack. While they crunch away, you can chat about how healthy foods like apples help keep their real teeth happy (and why sugar should be enjoyed only in moderation).
4. DIY Tooth Fairy Pouch: Get ready for the Tooth Fairy’s visit with a handmade, no-sew felt pillow. Crafting a special spot for lost teeth is the perfect time to share a little secret: the Tooth Fairy gives the biggest rewards for teeth that have been brushed and flossed every single day!
5. Storytime for Smiles: Ease those “dentist jitters” with a cozy reading session. Choose classics like The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist or Just Going to the Dentist to turn the unknown into an adventure. Books are a great way to build excitement and curiosity about their next checkup.

Eight Ways to Encourage Your Little One to Embody Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits

Now you know the relevant Children’s Dental Health Month fun facts and statistics, some of them less fun than others! And you have some ideas about how to encourage your child to understand the importance of good oral health and hygiene. But how in the world do you get them to walk the walk and take care of their teeth and gums?

Here are 8 concrete ways to instill good dental health habits in your child:

1. Model good brushing and flossing behavior, and let your kid watch
2. Promote healthy eating habits
3. Use the “Brush Your Teeth Sing-Along Song”
4. Incentivize them
5. Choose the right oral care products (those designed specially for kids)
6. Take the lead! Remember, you’re the parent and the role model
7. Combine brushing, flossing, and play

Your Kids’ Oral Health Starts with You!

For more details, check out our associated blog post.

Alternatively, take our free mouthcare quiz to find out about you or your child’s Super Smile Personality and get them on the road to better oral health.