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.

About

The 2022 theme is “Sealants Make Sense.” A sealant, and it is a thin, protective coating (made from plastic or other dental materials) that adheres to the chewing surface of your back teeth. They’re no substitute for brushing and flossing, but they can keep cavities from forming and may even stop early stages of decay from becoming a full-blown cavity. Learn more from the ADA.

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

• 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.

• The Office of Head Start offers Brush Up on Oral Health tip sheets to provide information on current practices and practical strategies to promote good oral health for pregnant people, children, and their families.

• The Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Oral Health Program strives to reinforce the concept that you cannot be truly healthy without good oral health. The Program puts a special emphasis on populations that have limited access to dental preventive and treatment sources and information. Learn more.

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