February Is National Children's Dental Health Month
The American Dental Association (ADA) observed Children's Dental Health Day for the first time on February 8, 1949. In 1955, this 1-day event was extended to a week, and in 1981 to a month. Today, National Children's Dental Health Month is observed every February and supported with an ADA campaign.
Developing good oral health habits at an early age and visiting the dentist regularly help children get a great start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. While true any time, it is especially important for parents to take care of their child’s and their own oral health during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to prevent oral disease.
2021 ADA National Children's Dental Health Month Campaign:
"Water, Nature's Drink!"
- National Children's Dental Health Month Program Planning Guide, resources to promote the importance of good oral health to children, their parents and teachers, and others. The guide includes activities, program-planning tips, posters, and much more.
Learn More About Water
- Community Water Fluoridation is a collection of selected resources that offers high-quality information about fluoridated community water.
- Why Mention Water Fluoridation?, from the Campaign for Dental Health, offers key points, guides for professionals, and posters about drinking fluoridated water.
Resources for Professionals Working with Families
- Coronavirus Disease and Oral Health: Information for Parents About Promoting Good Oral Health at Home, a handout that offers simple tips that parents can follow to keep their child’s mouth healthy. The handout is also available in Chinese, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.
- Coronavirus Disease and Oral Health: Information for Parents About Visiting the Dental Office, a handout that describes changes dental offices have made to lower the risk of spreading COVID-19 to patients and their parents. The handout is also available in Chinese, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.
- Healthy Habits for Happy Smiles, a handout series for pregnant women and parents of infants and children, provides simple oral health tips. The handouts are also available in Spanish.
- Questions to Ask When Looking for a Dental Office provides a list of questions for parents to ask a dental office to find a dental office that is best for the parents and child.