Illinois observes National Children’s Dental Health Month

State Health Department Promotes Good Oral Health During National Children’s Dental Health Month

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) encourages parents and caregivers of youngsters to plan dental visits and discuss the importance of good oral health during National Children’s Dental Health Month in February.

Designed to get parents, caregivers and children excited about making good oral health part of their lifestyle, National Children’s Dental Health observances began in 1941. It expanded to a month-long celebration in 1981.

“It is critical that good attitudes and habits about oral health are established for children at an early age so that a pattern is created that will continue throughout their lives,” said David Miller, IDPH Division of Oral Health Chief and a licensed dentist. “We want every child to follow the 2012 theme to ‘Rock Your Smile.’”

Throughout the month, educators are encouraged to have their classrooms conduct projects that help teach parents and students the importance of oral health.

IDPH offers the following tips for parents and caregivers of children to promote good oral health at each stage of childhood:

Babies

Clean teeth with a soft, clean cloth or a baby’s toothbrush.
Avoid putting to bed with a bottle and check teeth regularly for spots and stains.

Toddlers to Teens

Brush teeth with a fluoride toothpaste; floss between teeth.
Provide healthy foods and limit sweet snacks and drinks. This includes power drinks.
Schedule regular dental check-ups.

For more information from the IDPH Division of Oral Health, please visit our website at http://www.idph.state.il.us/.