Raising a healthy, happy child is your top priority, and part of doing that is making sure they keep their teeth and gums in the best shape possible. It may not surprise you that when children learn to prioritize their oral health from a young age, they’ll be more likely to visit their dentist and take care of their smiles when they’re adults.
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, so let’s explore its importance and how it can help your child’s smile for a lifetime.
Why February is the Most Important Month for Your Child’s Smile
February may be associated with Valentine’s Day and enjoying sweet treats, but the truth is that it’s an important reminder that we need to be teaching young people about oral health and how caring for their smile can enhance and improve more than their appearance.
Doing everything you can to keep your natural teeth healthy for a lifetime can improve your overall health as well, decreasing your risk for certain cancers, stroke, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.
The Goal of National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM)
The American Dental Association is on a mission to raise awareness about the importance of oral health from a young age. As such, the theme for 2026 is “Healthy Habits Grow with Children.” The ADA knows that early intervention is the key to promoting good oral health habits, so they’re encouraging teachers, parents, program coordinators, and dentists to use their free resources to promote this year’s theme.
The NCDHM Program Planning Guide includes posters, coloring sheets, press releases, activities, and more, giving you everything you need to teach kids about the benefits of brushing, flossing, and routine preventive care.
Starting Early: Why the "Age One" Rule Matters
At Cheshire Dental Associates, we recommend bringing your child to the dentist by the time they turn one. You may not think they need to start visiting the dentist so soon, but there are important reasons why this rule matters so much.
Building Rapport with Dr. Fletcher and Dr. Marandino
One reason we like to begin treating children by the time they reach their first birthday is to get to know them. We realize the importance of ensuring your child is comfortable when they visit our office, so we spend time playing with them and allowing them to explore their surroundings. Over time, your child will come to know us and know they’re safe when they’re with us.
What to Expect During Your Child’s First Visit
During your child’s first visit, we will first allow them a chance to get comfortable. They can sit on your lap or climb into the dental chair. Then, we’ll take a look at their teeth and gums and talk to you about your child’s habits, including thumb sucking, pacifier habits, or feeding practices, making sure to answer your questions and give you some helpful tips for when you get home.
Our Preventive Powerhouse: Keeping Cavities at Bay
As your child grows, routine preventive care is the best way to keep tooth decay and other issues at bay. Scheduling a routine exam and cleaning twice a year gives your child the best chance of keeping their smile healthy and beautiful.
The Importance of Six-Month Checkups and Cleanings
Every six months when you bring your child to see us, we’ll continue to build rapport with them, but these visits give us a chance to check for any dental issues and intervene before they worsen. We’ll also clean their teeth and gums, removing stubborn plaque and tartar that their toothbrush can’t get rid of on its own.
Strengthening Enamel with Professional Fluoride Treatments
Once their teeth are fresh and clean, we’ll apply fluoride to remineralize their teeth and protect them from decay. This simple step can go a long way toward maintaining good oral health.
Dental Sealants: An Extra Layer of Protection
We may also recommend dental sealants when your child’s first molars erupt at age six or seven and again when they get their second molars at around age 12. We paint sealants onto the chewing surfaces of their back teeth to help block bacteria and decrease the chance of tooth decay.
Gentle Care for Little Smiles: Kid-Friendly Restorative Dentistry
Even when you bring your child for preventive care and do everything you can to teach them how to brush and floss, sometimes it isn’t enough. So, if the time comes when your child needs more than a routine checkup and cleaning, we’ve got you covered.
"Painless" Fillings for Kids
Tooth decay is a common dental issue for kids, and we know how to keep your little one comfortable while we quickly and effectively repair their tooth. We’ll numb the area and use a local anesthetic so they don’t feel anything. And once we’ve removed the decay, we’ll place the filling and get you back to your busy day.
Supporting Children with Special Behavioral or Physical Needs
If your child has special behavioral or physical needs, please know that we’ll work with you to make treatment modifications so they can receive the comfortable, quality care they deserve. We know that every child is unique, and we’ll do our best to tailor a treatment plan to their situation.
3 Tips to Celebrate NCDHM at Home
National Children’s Dental Health Month is a great way to spend time together as a family, working toward improved oral health. There are several ways you can help your child appreciate the importance of brushing, flossing, and taking care of their bodies during February. And we hope these habits carry over into the other months as well!
The "2min2x" Rule
The ADA provides this guideline to encourage your child to brush their teeth for two minutes, two times a day. This habit is an effective way to remove plaque and keep their smile healthy.
Choosing "Nature’s Drink" (Water)
Instead of sodas or fruit juice, make drinking water the norm in your household. Water can rinse bacteria from your child’s mouth and help them avoid tooth decay.
Leading by Example
One of the best ways to help your child understand the importance of brushing and flossing is to lead by example. When they see you prioritizing oral health, they’re more likely to follow suit.
Ready to Join the Cheshire Dental Associates Family?
If you’re searching online for a “children’s dentist near me,” we hope you’ll consider joining the Cheshire Dental Associates family! Our experienced team loves building lasting relationships with patients of all ages, and we’d love to welcome you and your loved ones to our comfortable dental office.
To schedule a consultation or appointment, please feel free to reach out to us at (203) 272-2729.
We look forward to hearing from you!