February is Children’s Dental Health Month. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) wants to remind families and communities about the importance of teaching young children good dental habits. Healthy teeth help children eat, speak, learn, and feel confident.
Tooth decay, also known as cavities, is most the common chronic disease of childhood in the United States. Luckily, it’s one of the easiest conditions to prevent.
Healthy Habits = Healthy Smiles
Parents, guardians, and caregivers can assist children develop healthy habits by:
- Brushing their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Helping your child brush their teeth until they have good brushing skills using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
- Asking your child’s dentist to apply dental sealants when appropriate. Applying dental sealants to the back teeth prevents 80% of cavities.
- Drinking fluoridated tap water when possible.
Heathy Smiles for Everyone
Communities also play an important role in increasing access to dental care. Some families face barriers like high costs, lack of insurance, transportation, or too few dentists in their community. Programs, like VDH’s Dental Health Program, can help by providing dental screenings, sealants, and community-based education to those facing barriers to care.
Children’s Dental Health Month is a reminder that dental health matters for every child. By starting good dental habits early, we can make sure every child has a healthy smile that will last a lifetime.
Learn More
Learn more about oral health for children at www.vdh.virginia.gov/oral-health/