February 25, 2026
Media Contact: RaShel Charles, PIO, RaShel.Charles@vdh.virginia.gov
Media Contact: Tara Rose, Alternate PIO, Tara.Rose@vdh.virginia.gov
Crater Health District Encourages Healthy Dental Habits Among Children
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month
PETERSBURG, Va. – The Crater 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.
“National Children’s Dental Health Month is a perfect reminder that good oral health starts early,” said Dr. Alton Hart, Jr., Health Director for the Crater Health District. “Daily brushing, regular dental visits, and healthy eating habits set the foundation for a lifetime of strong teeth and overall health and well‑being.”
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.
Through strong community partnerships, such as the collaboration with the Petersburg Wellness Consortium (PWC), The Crater Health District is committed to expanding oral health awareness in the community. The PWC serves as a vital community connector, linking physicians, service providers, and researchers with residents to increase access to oral health information and services.
The case for prioritizing oral hygiene continues to grow. Research shows clear connections between oral health and chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer, as well as pregnancy outcomes in
adults. Coordinated care that integrates both oral and general health services is a critical step toward improving overall health
Learn more about oral health for children at www.vdh.virginia.gov/oral-health/ for more information about Crater Health District visit Services & Programs – Crater Health District.
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