Celebrate Children’s Dental Health in February!
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. The Public Health Division and Oral Health Program is raising awareness about the importance of oral health and encouraging caregivers and children to practice good oral health habits.
A healthy mouth is an important part of overall health, and good oral health starts with your child’s baby teeth. If baby teeth are kept cavity-free, then a child’s adult teeth are more likely to be cavity-free. Having healthy baby teeth:
- Allows your child to chew and eat properly
- Helps your child to speak more clearly
- Guides adult teeth into place
- Helps to shape your baby's face
- Keeps future dental costs to a minimum
Healthy baby teeth require a child to have good oral hygiene. Good oral health includes regular visits to the dentist, twice daily brushing, daily flossing, fluoridation, a healthy diet, avoiding tobacco, and protecting the mouth from injury.
For more specific tips to maintain good oral hygiene for your child, please visit Oral Health Care for Infants and Children.
The majority of Oregonians – young or old, male or female, rich or poor – suffer from oral disease. Left untreated, oral disease causes pain, lowers productivity and increases our risks for other diseases.
Good oral health contributes to good overall health. Good oral health includes daily brushing and flossing, regular visits to the dentist, fluoridation, a healthy diet, avoiding tobacco, and protecting the mouth from injury.
From here, you can get information about dental care and cavity prevention for all groups, including children and infants, pregnant women, and older adults. This page also serves as an access point for communication about oral health issues in Oregon.
