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February is National Children's Dental Health Month (NCDHM), a time to raise awareness about the importance of good oral health for children.
This year, we're excited to share valuable resources to help you promote oral hygiene and educate families in your community. Whether you're looking for educational materials, event ideas, or ways to get involved, we have everything you need to support this important initiative.
Let's work together to inspire healthier smiles for children everywhere!
Below are some helpful tools and resources to get you started.
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) provides a comprehensive resource for parents and caregivers on their website, mychildrensteeth.org.
The site offers information on maintaining children's oral health, including guidance tailored to different age groups-from infants to adolescents-and for children with special health care needs.
Additionally, visitors can access tools to locate pediatric dentists in their area and learn more about the AAPD's mission and initiatives.
American Dental Association (ADA) The American Dental Association (ADA) provides resources for NCDHM, including free posters and postcards.
The ADA also provides a NCDHM Program Planning Guide. The NCDHM 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, a sample NCDHM proclamation, and much, much more.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) The National Institutes of Health provides free publications including material on baby teeth, tooth decay, and finding low-cost dental care.
The National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center (OHRC) Access free educational materials and activity ideas provided by the National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center (OHRC).
WIC Works Resource System The WIC Works Resource System features several resources for WIC staff to learn about and educate WIC participants on oral health, such as:
Smile California Smile California provides resources for parents and caregivers, as well as partners and providers.
Head Start Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center The Head Start Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center shares free, downloadable resources that provide tips and tools (including a children's book) to help families ensure that good oral health begins in infancy, including:
Sesame Street Workshop The Sesame Street Workshop provides videos for parents that can be used to show them how to take care of their child's teeth and to help them understand the importance of brushing with fluoride toothpaste.
American Academy of Pediatrics The American Academy of Pediatrics (healthychildren.org) suggests that families add a dental professional as a resource to their support system, and shares articles on topics including: