The Importance of Children's Dental Health: Celebrating National Children's Dental Health Month

By Matthew Hall, D.D.S., Director of General Practice Residency Program, St. Joseph’s Health

February is National Children's Dental Health Month, a chance to emphasize the importance of good oral health for children. This year, the theme is "Healthy Habits for Healthy Smiles!"

Why Is Children's Dental Health So Important?
A common misconception is that baby teeth (primary teeth) are not as important because they eventually fall out. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Poor oral health in childhood can have lasting effects that extend well beyond baby teeth.

Tooth decay in primary teeth can quickly spread to permanent teeth, leading to long-term dental problems. If an infected baby tooth needs to be extracted too early, the surrounding teeth may shift, blocking the proper eruption of permanent teeth. This can result in misalignment and increase the need for orthodontic treatment (such as braces) later on in life.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that children visit the dentist as soon as their first tooth erupts. Early preventive care can help address potential issues before they become serious problems.

Establishing Healthy Habits for a Lifetime
We encourage parents and caregivers to take an active role in their child's oral health. BY instilling good habits early, we can set our children on the path to lifelong oral health. Here are a few simple steps to ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles:

• Start early: Schedule your child’s first dental visit as soon as their first tooth appears.
• Brush and floss daily: Teach children to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly.
• Limit sugary snacks and drinks: Sugary foods and beverages contribute to tooth decay.
• Regular dental visits: Routine checkups help prevent issues and ensure early intervention if needed.

Making a Difference: Give Kids A Smile
The Give Kids A Smile program - an initiative of the ADA Foundation - provides underserved children with free dental care. Each year, around 65,500 dentists and 20,000 dental professionals volunteer at local events across the country, offering oral health education, screenings, preventive care, and restorative treatment to approximately 300,000 children. More than 7 million children have received much-needed dental care through this initiative since it began two decades ago.

To learn more about Give Kids A Smile, visit adafoundation.org/GKAS.