February marks the month-long celebration known as National Children’s Dental Health Month to help raise awareness and reinforce the importance of children’s oral health. Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW) together with the Northern Michigan Public Health Alliance (NMPHA) would like to emphasize the importance of healthy dental habits that start at a young age.

“Attitudes and habits established at an early age are critical in maintaining good oral health throughout life,” says Dawn Marie Strehl, HDNW Regional Oral Health Supervisor and Registered Dental Hygienist. “By participating in National Children’s Dental Health Month, parents, caregivers, teachers, members of the dental community, and anyone involved in a child’s life can help keep their smiles beautiful now and for years to come.”

Key Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits

• Brush and Floss Daily: Ensure that your child is brushing and flossing their teeth two times a day to help prevent cavities and gum disease. Use a fluorinated toothpaste to prevent cavities, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). Help your child brush their teeth until good brushing skills are established.
• Healthy Habits for Babies: Wipe the infant’s gums twice a day with a soft, clean cloth, in the morning after the first feeding and right before bed to help wipe away bacteria and sugars that can cause cavities. Making sure that only breastmilk or formula is put into bottles also helps minimize your baby’s exposure to sugars and bacteria.
• Healthy Foods: Calcium is essential for forming and maintaining healthy bones and teeth. According to the ADA the recommended daily amount of calcium for children aged 1-3 years is equal to two and half cups of milk or six slices of cheese. Calcium is absorbed from the intestines into the blood. Dairy products such as, cheese or yogurt, or foods fortified with calcium are great ways to meet your child’s recommended amount of calcium.
• Avoid Sugars: Limit sugary snacks and drinks between meals to help prevent cavities from forming. Avoid sticky sugary foods such as caramel, gummy candies, dried fruits, and toffee to help reduce sugar on the teeth. If your child does eat these foods, help them brush their teeth afterward.
• Regular Dental Check-ups: Bring your child to the dentist every six months to help ensure none of the their new teeth are being damaged by cavities. This will also help make your child more comfortable in a dental setting.

To encourage healthy dental habits for your child, click here to download the ADA’s 2025 Brushing Calendar. For more information on National Children’s Dental Health Month, click here. To schedule an appointment for your child at Dental Clinics North, call (877) 321-7070. To stay updated on health related topics, sign up for our monthly newsletter by clicking here.