February 5, 2026
Media Contact: Dr. Zelalem Attlee, Zelalem.Attlee@vdh.virginia.gov.
Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Encourages Healthy Dental Habits Among Children
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month
WARRENTON, Va. – The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District reminds parents, guardians and caregivers to begin teaching young children about the importance of good dental health habits.
Children can get a jump start on a lifetime of good oral health by focusing on maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Positive strategies include incorporating oral health hygiene routines at home along with scheduling regular dental visits. Good oral health should begin as early as infancy and young children should ideally see a dentist by their first birthday.
Cavities are the most common chronic childhood disease in the United States. More than half of children aged six to eight years have had a cavity in at least one of their baby teeth.
“By encouraging children to develop strong dental habits early, we’re supporting prevention and helping build a strong foundation for good oral health,” said Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Director J. Carr, M.D.
National Children’s Dental Health Month is observed during February each year. The American Dental Association designated the national health observance to promote the benefits of good oral health.
Adults can assist children with developing healthy habits in the following ways.
- Brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride
- Help your child brush their teeth until they have good brushing skills use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and always spit it out rather than swallow.
- Ask 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.
Learn more about oral health for children at www.vdh.virginia.gov/oral-health/ or by contacting Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District at www.rrhd.org.
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