Celebrating National Children’s Dental Health Month This February

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, a nationwide campaign dedicated to promoting healthy smiles for kids of all ages. Led by the American Dental Association, one of the most well-known dental organizations around, this annual observation helps families understand the importance of good oral health habits from an early age. Here’s a little more about this month and why you should prioritize the health of your little one’s developing smile through February and beyond!

Why Children’s Oral Health Matters

Tooth decay is actually one of the most common chronic conditions that affects children—even though it’s very preventable. Baby teeth play a critical role in dental development, and they need to be healthy to ensure they guide the permanent teeth into the right place. And if cavities are present, not only can the infection spread to other teeth, but if those teeth are lost too early, it can cause future issues. The same can be said for gum disease.

Oral health is also closely linked to overall health. Those same types of infections have the potential to spread and influence things like eating habits, sleeping, and even school performance. All of that said, when kids develop strong oral hygiene habits early, they are far less likely to experience cavities, gum disease, or even dental anxiety later in life—as well as other health issues!

How to Participate in National Children’s Dental Health Month

Celebrating National Children’s Dental Health Month at home can be both simple and fun. Just keep these tips in mind:

• Consider making brushing (and flossing) a family activity; you can play a song, make it a game, or even incentivize your child to keep up with the habit daily by offering a reward for their consistency.
• Support your child’s dental health by helping them choose smile-friendly snacks, like crunchy fruits and vegetables, in favor of sugary sweets and starchy items.
• If your child is struggling to speak clearly, complains of pain when eating, or isn’t able to successfully breastfeed, consider an evaluation for a tongue- and lip-tie.

National Children’s Dental Health Month is a wonderful reminder that prevention, education, and consistency are the keys to lifelong oral health!

About the Practice

Under the leadership of Dr. N. Garcia-DeMartino, our team has proudly served families in Phillipsburg and the nearby communities for several years. We offer tongue- and lip-tie treatments for children of all ages (and even adults), using safe, gentle techniques and advanced technology such as soft tissue lasers. If you have any questions about the blog or you need to schedule an appointment for your child, you can contact us online or by phone for information or assistance. Telephone: (908) 840-8399.