The American Dental Association marks the anniversary of National Children’s Dental Health Month, that traces its history back 80 years by dentists in Ohio on February 3rd 1941. The first observance was held in 1949. In 1955, the Association expanded it to a week and in 1981 to a month. Today it is celebrated each February.
This year’s theme is
This is intended to encourage children to drink water instead of sugary beverages. With its theme, celebrations include poster displays, coloring, essay contests, health fairs, free dental screenings, museum exhibits, classroom presentations and dental office tours. Most events will be virtual but enthusiasm for the event remains.
Many leaders in the oval office have recognized children’s dental health: President Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, Lyndon Johnson, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.
Hopefully such observance each year, in more communities, will motivate more parents and adults to recognize the seriousness of dental disease in children and motivate a greater demand for more and better methods of preventing such disorders. Information regarding the causes of dental caries: the harmful effects of sweets, the beneficial effects of fluoridation, early and regular dental care, proper home care, and diet.
