Children’s Dental Health Month 2026

February is a special month at our office – it is national Children’s Dental Health Month.

We spend a lot of time out in the community visiting local schools and classrooms. Getting in front of kids where they already are makes these conversations easier. A dental office can feel unfamiliar to a child, but a classroom doesn’t.

When we visit, the focus is usually on two things: nutrition and everyday oral health habits. Kids and parents hear “sugar causes cavities” all the time, but the bigger picture tends to get missed. We talk about how often we snack, what we drink during the day, and how some foods are simply tougher on teeth than others.

For example, sticky candies or sweet drinks that are sipped slowly can sit on teeth longer. On the other hand, foods like cheese, yogurt, fruits, and vegetables are much friendlier to growing teeth. Water is usually the best drink between meals. These are small things, but they add up over time, especially for children who are still building daily routines.

We also spend time reviewing brushing. Kids love our oversized toothbrush and brushing Sharkey’s teeth! Sharkey is our best patient and gives our kids a chance to go through the basics in a way that’s easy to follow. Gentle brushing along the gumline, reaching the back teeth, and brushing for about two minutes are the points we try to reinforce. At the end of the visit, each student receives a toothbrush and a small oral health kit to take home.

Programs like these are encouraged by organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry because prevention and education make a real difference in children’s oral health. When kids learn these habits early, they tend to carry them forward.

For families, the goal isn’t perfection. Between school, activities, and busy schedules, routines can be hard to keep perfectly consistent. What matters most is building habits that children can maintain over time: brushing twice a day, making thoughtful snack choices, and keeping regular dental visits.

This year, Dr. Amanda got to visit her children’s school which was such a special way to celebrate a month that means so much to us here at Babbie! Thank you to all of the schools, teachers and families for allowing us to be a part of it!