National Children's Dental Health Month

FEBRUARY 2021 SEALANTS MAKE SENSE

National Children's Dental Health Month

February is National Children's Dental Health Month, with the 2022 theme being “Sealants Make Sense.” The month is a national health observance that brings together thousands of dedicated professionals, health care providers and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers and many others. Irene Hilton, D.D.S., chair of the ADA Council on Advocacy for Access and Prevention’s advisory committee on dental sealants, said sealants are an equitable way to prevent caries. “Sealants on permanent molars reduce the risk of caries by 80%,” Dr. Hilton said. “If your dentist recommends dental sealants, it is part of a comprehensive caries management approach. I am excited that this year’s National Children’s Dental Health Month theme is about dental sealants, so more families are aware of this cavity-preventing treatment.” The NCDHM Program Planning Guide, available in mid-November at ada. org/ncdhm2022, 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 more.

Copyright © 2021 American Dental Association. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission.

Turn to page 45 to read more about a physician's perspective on a child's first dental visit!

Visit ADA.org/NCDHM2022 for more resources and ideas.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. Visit ADA.org/NCDHM2022 for activity sheets.

HEALTHY SMILE TIPS

• Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. • Clean between your teeth daily. • Eat a healthy diet that limits sugary beverages and snacks. • See your dentist regularly for prevention and treatment of oral disease.