February is officially National Children’s Dental Health Month, and while we’re all about that Valentine’s Day love, let’s not forget the other kind of love we need to show this month: the love for our little ones’ teeth! This is the perfect time to reflect on the importance of good oral health habits—because a healthy smile is not just about looking good; it’s about feeling good, too!
And guess what? That beautiful, confident smile goes hand-in-hand with orthodontics, especially when it comes to kids. Whether they’re still rocking baby teeth or have all their adult teeth, a healthy smile is always in style!
A Healthy Smile Starts Early
You might not know this, but getting a good start with oral hygiene can lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth. February is all about teaching kids how to care for their teeth, and it’s never too early to start (or too late!) Proper brushing, flossing, and regular dentist visits can help keep those pearly whites clean and cavity-free. But as kids grow, their dental needs change, and that’s where orthodontics comes into play!
The Perfect Time for Early Orthodontic Checks
February is a great time to start thinking about orthodontics for your little one. While many people think braces are just for teenagers, orthodontic treatment can actually begin much earlier, sometimes as young as 7! (Yes, seven! It’s not as early as you think, especially for preventative care and/or Airway orthodontics!)
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children visit an orthodontist by age 7 for an early checkup. This may sound surprising, but this early evaluation
allows orthodontists to catch potential issues before they become bigger, more complicated problems. Catching things like bite issues, jaw alignment problems, airway issues or crowded teeth early means that we can often avoid more serious treatments later on, and possibly even prevent it all together!
How Orthodontics and Dental Health Work Together
Good oral health and orthodontics are like a perfect match—think peanut butter and jelly or stars and stripes! When your child’s teeth and gums are healthy, orthodontic treatments (like
braces, retainers, or even clear aligners) work even more effectively. In turn, orthodontic care helps straighten teeth and improve bite alignment, which makes brushing and flossing easier
and more effective. So, it’s a win-win!
Orthodontics can help solve a variety of dental issues, including:
● Overcrowding: When teeth don’t have enough room to come in properly, it can lead to
crooked teeth, which are more difficult to brush and floss.
● Overbite/Underbite: Misalignment between the upper and lower jaw can cause wear
and tear on teeth, or even discomfort.
● Spacing Issues: Gaps in the teeth or teeth that are too far apart can also make it harder
to maintain proper oral hygiene.
Fun Ways to Celebrate Healthy Smiles This February
Why not make February even more fun by celebrating National Children’s Dental Health
Month in a creative way? Here are a few ideas:
- DIY Toothbrush Holder Craft: Get the kids involved by making a fun toothbrush holder with hearts, stars, or their favorite colors. It’s a cute way to remind them how important it
is to brush every day! - Healthy Snack Challenge: Challenge your little one to come up with a list of healthy snacks that are good for teeth! Fresh fruits, veggies, and dairy are all teeth-friendly
treats. - Smile Photo Fun: Take a family photo featuring everyone’s brightest smiles. Why not make it a tradition to capture a new smile moment each year during February?
- Visit the Orthodontist Together: Make it a family outing! Book a visit to the orthodontist and use the opportunity to learn about how braces or other treatments can help keepyour smile healthy.
The Bottom Line: Happy Smiles All Year Long
So, this February, let’s spread the love to our children’s dental health by teaching them the basics of good oral care and encouraging them to visit the orthodontist when the time is right. Whether they’re getting their first set of braces or simply learning how to brush properly, fostering healthy habits now will lead to better smiles in the future.
After all, love starts with a smile—so let’s make sure that smile is healthy, strong, and ready for whatever fun adventures come next. Happy National Children’s Dental Health Month!
Whether your kiddo is gearing up for braces or just trying to keep those baby teeth shining, there’s no better time than now to get them excited about taking care of their smile. What’s the best way to celebrate February’s dental love in your house? Let us know! Book your FREE consult today with one of our THREE board certified orthodontists!