National Children’s Dental Health Month is February

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM), a special time dedicated to promoting healthy smiles for kids. It’s all about raising awareness of children’s oral health and encouraging families to create strong dental habits that last a lifetime. In this blog, you’ll learn why this month is so important and explore fun, science-based tips and activities to help your child care for their smile.

Discover why children’s dental health is a national priority through important facts and statistics
Find fun, creative ways to celebrate with your kids, from hands-on art projects to tooth-friendly snacks
Learn eight practical tips to help your child build strong, lifelong oral hygiene habits
Get trusted guidance from Dr Levi Sorenson and his team on establishing effective daily care routines

February may be famous for Valentine’s Day and celebrating the people we love, but it’s also dedicated to another meaningful cause: National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM). Created by the American Dental Association, this month-long initiative focuses on raising awareness about the importance of children’s oral health and encouraging kids to build strong, healthy habits that last a lifetime.

Dental Health Facts

Dental disease is the most common chronic condition affecting children—but the good news is that about 95% of cases are preventable with consistent at-home care and routine dental visits twice a year.

In California alone:

More than 70% of third graders show signs of tooth decay
1 in 5 kindergartners has seven or more cavities
Nearly 40% of children brush less than twice a day
Children who need dental treatment are three times more likely to miss school

Across the country, the numbers are just as concerning. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than half of children ages 6–8 have had a cavity in at least one baby tooth, and over half of teens ages 12–19 have experienced decay in at least one permanent tooth.

The encouraging part? Your family doesn’t have to be part of those statistics. National Children’s Dental Health Month, held each February, is designed to help families, schools, and communities:

Reinforce daily brushing and flossing habits
Promote healthy, tooth-friendly food choices
Encourage regular dental checkups
Make oral care fun and engaging for kids of all ages

Want to know what truly strong oral health habits look like in everyday life? Check out Dr Levi Sorenson’s blog page

Check out these fun activities and coloring pages for kids dental health month

Here are 8 tips to help your kids have great oral health habits

So now you’ve seen the key Children’s Dental Health Month facts and statistics—some eye-opening, right? You also have a few ideas for helping your child understand why oral health matters. But knowing and doing are two very different things. How do you actually motivate your child to take care of their teeth and gums every single day?

Here are eight practical ways to help build strong, lasting dental habits:

Lead by example—let your child see you brushing and flossing every day
Encourage balanced, tooth-friendly eating habits
Make brushing fun with a “Brush Your Teeth” sing-along song
Use positive incentives to keep them motivated
Choose kid-friendly toothbrushes and toothpaste designed just for them
Stay consistent and confident—you’re the parent and their biggest role model
Turn brushing and flossing into a playful routine rather than a chore

Make oral care fun and engaging for kids of all ages

If you have any other questions and/or would like to schedule an appointment for your child, click here or call us: 702-586-4347

Call us and schedule your child’s appointment today: (702)586-4347