{"id":10602,"date":"2026-02-06T20:25:43","date_gmt":"2026-02-06T20:25:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/?p=10602"},"modified":"2026-02-06T20:25:43","modified_gmt":"2026-02-06T20:25:43","slug":"national-childrens-dental-health-month","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/national-childrens-dental-health-month\/","title":{"rendered":"National Children’s Dental Health Month"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>February is\u00a0observed\u00a0as National Children\u2019s Dental Health Month, a month focusing on\u00a0the importance of promoting good oral health habits among\u00a0children and\u00a0raising awareness about the significance of dental care.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Good oral hygiene is an essential habit for a child to learn at\u00a0a young age.\u00a0Teaching\u00a0children\u00a0good oral\u00a0health\u00a0habits such as regularly brushing their teeth, flossing, rinsing, and attending dentist appointments can help them\u00a0grow up with\u00a0healthy mouths.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These habits can help prevent them from developing cavities. Cavities are the most common chronic disease of children in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than half of children six to eight years old have had a cavity in at least one of their baby teeth. Additionally, more than half of adolescents aged 12 to 19 years old have had a cavity in at least one of their permanent teeth. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If cavities go untreated, they can cause pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Fortunately, cavities are preventable.\u00a0According to the CDC, fluoride varnish can prevent 33%\u00a0of\u00a0cavities in baby teeth.\u00a0Children living in communities with fluoridated tap water have fewer cavities than children whose water is not fluoridated.\u00a0Additionally, children who brush daily with fluoride toothpaste will have fewer cavities.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The CDC also notes that dental sealants can prevent cavities for many years as well. Applying dental sealants to the back teeth prevents 80% of cavities.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are several ways that parents and caregivers can help reduce the risk of or prevent\u00a0babies and\u00a0children from developing cavities, including:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n