February is National Children’s Dental Health Month!
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We like to celebrate all kinds of fun and wacky holidays. If you’ve never heard of this one before, here is some background information.
NCDHM began as a one day event in 1941, which then became a week-long celebration in 1955, and has now become a full holiday. Most states participate in NCDHM with activities and free screenings for kids.
We all know how important it is to keep our little one’s smiles healthy, and NCDHM is the perfect time to emphasize it. Teaching kids about good oral habits can benefit them well into their adult years. This national holiday can arm parents with information about how to care for all the smiles in their home, from the youngest to the oldest.
Here are five fun ways to celebrate national children’s dental health month.
#1 Check out the American Dental Association Website
The American Dental Association has a website full of information and activities to keep kids engaged. You can find activity sheets, coloring pages, and even posters free of charge at ada.org.
#2 Read Books About Oral Hygiene
Having fun books around can keep your kids reading about how to care for their smiles.
Choose a selection of books that appeals to non-readers and older children alike. It’s even a good idea to keep a book or two for yourself so you’ll be armed with the knowledge you need to keep the smiles in your house bright!
My First Tooth! Dental Care Coloring BookGoing to the Dentist (Usborne First Experiences)
Look Mom…No Cavities! A Book On How To Raise a Cavity-Free Child! (Second Edition)
More Chocolate, No Cavities: How Diet Can Keep Your Kid Cavity-Free
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#3 Visit the Dentist!
This isn’t what you think!
Yes, keep your regular dental checkups, but in the month of February, try calling your dentist and schedule a tour! Find out what happens behind the scenes at dentist’s office. What is her day-in-the-life like? Who knows, in addition to learning about how to keep those pearly whites shining bright, your little one may even be inspired to become a dentist!
#4 Bring a Dentist to School
Try inviting your child’s dentist to speak to his class for National Children’s Dental Health Month. It will be fun for the kids to hear first-hand how to keep a healthy smile. They’ll enjoy exploring any tools the dentist brings and they can get their questions answered by a professional.
#5 Organize a Children’s Oral Health Community Day
Many cities already host these days for NCDHM, but not all of them! Grab some friends and get your local dentist’s offices involved in spreading the word to the kids in your community about how important dental health is.
With a little imagination, you can get kids involved and excited about National Children’s Dental Health Month!
