National Children's Dental Health Month
- Hygge Laser Dentistry
- Mar 18
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 24
February is National Children's Dental Health Month. National Children's Dental Health Month is a national health observance organized by the ADA as an opportunity for families, dentists and communities to promote children's dental health. At Hygge Laser Dentistry, our dentists are passionate about helping even the littlest members of our Ballard neighborhood and the surrounding Seattle communities enjoy healthy, confident smiles for a lifetime. For that reason, our team is excited to promote and share the benefits of good oral hygiene for your child, including some practical and fun resources.
Why is Children's Dental Health important?
Developing good dental habits at a young age is important to help our children get a jump start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Teaching and modeling healthy habits to children early in life helps raise children who will continue to maintain them into adulthood.
How do I help my child develop good dental health habits?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends achieving healthy habits in four simple steps:
Brush teeth 2x a day with fluoride toothpaste.
Make tooth brushing a family activity and incorporate brushing together as part of your daily routine. You can help make this healthy habit fun by creating a toothbrushing game and challenging your child to choose their favorite song and brush until the end. The ADA has provided tooth brushing charts for download (in English and Spanish) that you can print out and keep near your child’s sink to remind them of the importance of dental hygiene and good brushing techniques
Choose a fluoride toothpaste that tastes good for your child. One of the most powerful tools in preventing cavities is fluoride, a natural mineral that strengthens enamel and helps fight tooth decay. In addition to choosing a toothpaste with fluoride, one of the easiest ways to ensure your child gets enough fluoride is by choosing fluoridated tap water as their go-to drink. Not only does it strengthen their teeth, but it also supports their overall health!
Floss Daily
Children can develop healthy flossing habits early. A variety of child-appropriate flossers are available which can make flossing fun and easier to learn for small hands. Children should floss 1x a day to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Eat Healthy Foods and Eliminate Sugary Beverages
To maintain a healthy smile, help your child maintain a diet rich in vitamins and nutrients. Cheese, milk, and yogurt are rich in calcium, which builds strong bones and teeth. Water, celery, carrots and other crunchy veggies, fruits, and nuts are also great choices to keep teeth and gums healthy.
Remind your child only to enjoy sugary and sticky foods occasionally, and teach them to brush their teeth right away after enjoying a treat.
Keep Regular Dental Appointments
Visiting a dentist at least twice a year will help maintain healthy teeth. Regular visits to the dentist will help identify any decay or other oral health conditions as quickly as possible. Early detection and proper diagnosis is critical for avoiding cavities, discomfort for your child and more expensive procedures that may be required as a result.
Another benefit of keeping regular dental appointments for children is that your child can begin to feel comfortable and confident in the dental chair. By keeping teeth healthy and minimizing the need for restorative procedures, children can associate dental appointments with positive experiences. At Hygge Laser Dentistry, our advanced dental technology means that children can also enjoy the benefits of restorative dental treatments without the need for invasive procedures or traditional drilling, needles or other anxiety-inducing tools.
Resources for Children's Dental Health
The ADA provides complimentary resources to help promote children's dental health. Parents, teachers, caregivers and community leaders are an important part of helping the children in our communities stay healthy and enjoy confident smiles for a lifetime. Please use the resources linked below to promote wellness in your home, school or neighborhood.
Resources are available for download in both English and Spanish, and include:
Printable brushing calendar
Coloring sheets
Educational activity sheets
Looking for a dentist near you in Ballard? The dentists and team of dental professionals at Hygge Laser Dentistry is here to help your family develop healthy habits for healthy smiles. Let us know if you have any questions as you work with your child to develop healthy habits that will last.