The month of February every year is National Children's Dental Health Month (NCDHM) hosted by the American Dental Association and the ADA Foundation. This health adherence month brings the dental commerce together with educators, parents, and teachers to encourage the benefits of good oral health among children and to help dental health and hygiene practices. To help achieve this goal, the ADA has created a guide that program coordinators, dental societies, teachers and parents can do to achieve the goal of encouraging healthy mouth care among kids. The guide includes activities that kids love, timetable tips, a sample NCDHM proclamation; and many more.

Choose Tap Water For A Sparkling Smile

This year's campaign slogan is "Choose Tap Water for a Sparkling Smile." Fluoride has been shown to be effective in preventing tooth decay by at least 25 percent in both children and adults. Over 70 years of methodical research has shown that fluoride is effective and safe. By drinking tap water, individuals can benefit from cavity protection. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention named a community water fluoridation one of the 10 great public health accomplishments of the 20th century.

• CONSUMING HEALTHY DRINKS - Teeth can be dented because of constant tasting. Plaque, which is the sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth, can build up and transformed into acid that penetrates enamel. The acid can attack tooth coating for up to 20 minutes after consuming sugary foods or drinks. As an alternative, the ADA encourages drinking tap water or other drinks that are low in sugar.
• CHOOSING HEALTHY SNACKS - When you're hungry in between meals, it's smart to choose healthy snacks like vegan foods. During NCDHM, dentists are encouraging the awareness about avoiding sweets, cookies and candy and enjoying foods that are healthy and good for your teeth.
• FOLLOWING THE 2 MINUTES 2 TIMES RULE - The ADA recommends brushing your teeth for 2 minutes 2 times a day to maintain a healthy smile. Reminding children of this rule is a key step to encourage healthy mouth care. Brushing with a fluoride toothpaste for two minutes when they get up in the morning and again before they go to bed at night will give children a glittering smile.

History Of NCDHM

NCDHM began in February 1941. It has grown to a coast-to-coast program from a two-city program over 70 years ago. The message of the month reaches millions of people across the U.S. In the neighborhood, communities will usually involve in contests, health fairs festivals, free dental check-ups, museum exhibits and many more. The goal is to establish good dental health care habits early on for kids. NCDHM and dental experts everywhere focus on achieving this goal together.

Beginning good dental health routines at an early age helps to promote a permanent commitment to good dental hygiene.