Promoting Children's Oral Health

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. This national health observance, sponsored by the American Dental Association (ADA), promotes the benefits of good oral health to children. This year's theme is "Water, Nature's Drink!”

Learn More

Early childhood educators can support children’s overall wellness by using classroom time to spread the word that healthy oral habits are an important part of keeping bodies healthy. There are plenty of resources available for families and educators.

Resources

  • Posters and activity sheets for kids from the American Dental Association.

  • Video and handouts (language- free format) from The Campaign for Dental Health for those working with children and families with limited English proficiency.

  • The National Children’s Dental Health Month Program Planning Guide provides program coordinators, dental societies, teachers, and parents with resources to promote the benefits of good oral health to children. The guide includes easy-to-do activities, program planning timetable tips, and more.

  • Potter the Otter: A Tale About Water – an animated storybook from FIRST 5 Santa Clara County, where Potter the Otter teaches his friends about the importance of drinking water! (Also available as a bilingual ebook.)

  • Office of Head Start Resources:

    • “Coronavirus Disease and Oral Health: Information for Parents About Promoting Good Oral Health at Home” handout for families describing simple things parents can do at home to keep their children’s mouths healthy during the coronavirus pandemic.

    • Resources to promote drinking water

    • “Healthy Habits for Happy Smiles” handouts provide simple tips on oral health issues to share with families to promote good oral health. The handouts are available in English and Spanish.

  • Homewood families with children younger than age 3 can participate in a free virtual visit over Zoom with dentist Dr. Jacqueline Burgette. During the televisit, Burgette will discuss how families can keep their children cavity-free, demonstrate toothbrushing on a spirited toddler, and answer questions tailored to the family's needs.

  • The National Center on Health, Behavioral Health, and Safety is hosting an oral health webinar, Promoting Children’s Oral Health, on Monday, February 22, 2021, from 2 to 3 p.m.

    This webinar will detail strategies and resources for families to promote good oral health during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, encourage healthy eating practices, prevent tooth decay, and ensure children visit the dentist for preventive care. Target Audiences include child care and Head Start health consultants, ECE directors, staff, and families. 

NewsHeidi Winklerchildren's oral health, children's dental hygiene, dentist, children and dentist, drinking water, national children's dental health month, american dental association, brushing teeth