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At UPD Dental Associates (University Pediatric Dentistry), we have an uncompromising promise to deliver dental education and awareness to the Western New York community. Below are some tips, articles and links to improve your family’s oral health. Also, make sure to come see us at local schools and events near you!

Education

Published on Thursday, February 5, 2026

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

Building Healthy Smiles for Life

Every February, dental professionals including yours truly, UPD Dental Associates, and families across the United States celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM). Sponsored by the American Dental Association (ADA), this month-long observance emphasizes the importance of oral health in children and encourages habits that lead to a lifetime of healthy smiles. Good oral health is not just about teeth; it impacts speech, nutrition, confidence, and overall well-being. 

Why Children’s Dental Health Matters 

Did you know that tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease? It’s four times more common than asthma and three times more common than childhood obesity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 50% of children aged 6 to 8 have had a cavity in their baby teeth, and over half of adolescents aged 12 to 19 have experienced cavities in their permanent teeth. Untreated cavities can cause pain, infections, and even lead to missed school days and poor academic performance. [cdc.gov] 

Key Facts About NCDHM 

  • Origins: The ADA first celebrated Children’s Dental Health Day in 1949. It became a month-long event in 1981. [colgate.com] 

  • Goal: Promote preventive care and educate families about oral hygiene habits like brushing twice daily, flossing, and regular dental visits. 

  • Impact: Early dental care helps prevent cavities, supports speech development, and ensures proper nutrition. Healthy baby teeth also hold space for permanent teeth, guiding jaw development. [childrensd...health.com] 

Tips for Parents 

  1. Start Early: Schedule your child’s first dental visit at UPD Dental on their first birthday or when the first tooth appears. 

  1. Brush and Floss Daily: Use fluoride toothpaste and supervise brushing until age 7. 

  1. Limit Sugary Snacks: Encourage water and healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables. 

  1. Use Fluoride and Sealants: Fluoride strengthens enamel, and sealants can prevent up to 80% of cavities on back teeth. [cdc.gov] 

Statistics to Know 

  • 46% of U.S. children ages 2–19 have had untreated or restored dental caries in one or more teeth. 

  • 13.2% of children aged 5–19 have untreated cavities. 

  • 86.9% of children ages 2–17 had a dental visit in the past year. [cdc.gov] 

Conclusion 

National Children’s Dental Health Month is more than a celebration; it’s a reminder that oral health is essential to overall health. By teaching kids' good habits early, we can prevent disease and set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Happy National Children’s Dental Health Month from UPD Dental Associates! 

Sources 

American Dental Association. National Children’s Dental Health Month. ADA, 2025, https://www.ada.org/resources/community-initiatives/national-childrens-dental-health-month. [ada.org] 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Oral Health Tips for Children.” CDC, 15 May 2024, https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/prevention/oral-health-tips-for-children.html. [cdc.gov] 

Colgate. “How to Celebrate National Children's Dental Health Month this February.” Colgate Oral Health, 9 Jan. 2023, https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/special-occasions/national-childrens-dental-health-month. [colgate.com] 

National Center for Health Statistics. “FastStats - Oral and Dental Health.” CDC, June 2025, https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/dental.htm. [cdc.gov] 

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More links

  • February is National Children's Dental Health Month (NCDHM)Each February, the American Dental Association’s National Children’s Dental Health Month is a month-long national health observance that promotes the importance of good oral health and healthy habits for children, offering free resources and activities to help parents, educators, and dental professionals teach kids how to care for their teeth and gums throughout life.
  • Oral Health Tips for Childrencavities are a common but preventable childhood disease and offers guidance for parents and caregivers—such as early gum and tooth cleaning, twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, drinking fluoridated water, dental visits by age 1, and using sealants and fluoride treatments, to promote lifelong oral health in infants and children.
  • How to Celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month this FebruaryNational Children’s Dental Health Month in February celebrates and promotes children’s oral health by encouraging good dental habits, awareness of tooth decay prevention, and support from parents and dental professionals for lifelong healthy smiles.
  • Oral and Dental HealthThe CDC’s FastStats Oral and Dental Health page provides key U.S. dental statistics showing high rates of dental caries in children and adults as well as the percentage of people who had dental visits within the past year.