February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of oral health for kids. Developing good dental habits early sets children up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, there are plenty of fun and educational ways to celebrate! Here’s how:
1. Make Brushing & Flossing Fun
Brushing and flossing don’t have to feel like chores! Try these creative ideas to encourage daily oral hygiene:
- Play a Brushing Song – Choose a fun, two-minute song to make brushing exciting.
- Use a Reward Chart – Give kids stickers for brushing and flossing consistently.
- Let Kids Pick Their Toothbrush & Toothpaste – A colorful toothbrush and a fun-flavored fluoride toothpaste can make oral care more appealing.
- Turn it into a Game – Use apps that encourage brushing or make up a story while they brush.
- Brush Together – Kids love to mimic adults, so make it a family activity.
2. Read Books About Dental Health
Storytime is a great way to teach kids about the importance of taking care of their teeth. Some great books include:
- The Tooth Book by Dr. Seuss
- Brush Your Teeth, Please by Leslie McGuire
- Daniel Goes to the Dentist by Alexandra Cassel Schwartz
- The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist by Stan & Jan Berenstain
- Sugarbug Doug: All About Cavities, Plaque, and Teeth by Dr. Ben Magleby Reading together helps kids feel more comfortable with the idea of brushing and visiting the dentist.
3. Visit the Dentist for a Checkup
If your child is due for a dental visit, National Children’s Dental Health Month is the perfect time to schedule one. Regular dental checkups help prevent cavities, detect potential issues early, and reinforce positive oral health habits. Many dental offices also offer fun incentives like stickers, toothbrushes, and small toys to encourage visits.
4. Teach Healthy Eating for Strong Teeth
What kids eat affects their dental health! Use this month to introduce tooth-friendly snacks:
- Good Choices: Cheese, yogurt, crunchy fruits and vegetables, nuts, and water.
- Limit: Sugary snacks, sodas, and sticky candies that can lead to cavities.
- Encourage Water Consumption: Drinking water, especially fluoridated water, helps rinse away food particles and strengthens enamel.
- Get Kids Involved in Meal Prep: Let them help prepare healthy snacks to get excited about eating nutritious foods.
5. Do a Fun Dental Science Experiment
Teach kids about the effects of sugar on teeth with a simple experiment using eggs and different liquids.
- Place eggs in soda, juice, and water overnight and observe how they change.
- Explain that eggshells are similar to tooth enamel, and sugary drinks can cause damage over time.
- Discuss why drinking water is the best choice for strong teeth. This hands-on activity helps kids understand the importance of choosing healthy beverages.
6. Spread Awareness in Schools & Communities
Educators, dental professionals, and community leaders can help spread awareness by:
- Hosting dental health presentations in classrooms.
- Providing free toothbrushes and floss to students.
- Encouraging kids to participate in dental health poster contests.
- Sharing educational posts on social media using #ChildrensDentalHealthMonth.
- Partnering with local businesses to offer discounts on dental checkups.
- Organizing community events like free dental screenings or workshops.
7. Watch Fun & Educational Videos About Dental Health
Sometimes, kids learn best through engaging videos. Check out these fun, educational resources:
- “Dudley the Dinosaur” by the American Dental Association – Fun and informative!
- “Sesame Street: Healthy Teeth, Healthy Me” – Entertaining and educational for younger kids.
- “How Sugar Affects Your Teeth” by SciShow Kids – A great explainer on the effects of sugar.
- “Peppa Pig Visits the Dentist” – A lighthearted approach to dental visits. Watching videos can reinforce the importance of oral hygiene in a way that’s fun and easy to understand.
8. Lead by Example
Kids learn best by watching adults! Make sure to practice good oral hygiene yourself—brush, floss, and visit the dentist regularly. Show them that taking care of your teeth is an important lifelong habit. Share your own dental experiences in a positive way so they feel encouraged.
9. Engage in Creative Dental-Themed Crafts
Arts and crafts are a great way to make learning fun! Try:
- Making a paper tooth model and decorating it.
- Creating a tooth fairy box to keep lost teeth.
- Designing dental health posters with fun facts about oral care. Hands-on activities help reinforce the importance of dental health in an exciting way.
Conclusion
Celebrating National Children’s Dental Health Month is a great way to educate and inspire kids to take care of their smiles. By making oral hygiene fun, encouraging healthy habits, and spreading awareness, we can help children develop strong dental care routines that last a lifetime!
Please refer to https://www.ada.org/resources/community-initiatives/national-childrens-dental-health-month to see worksheets to print out and complete with your child this month, as well as extra tips and resources.