Harris County Public Health (HCPH) joins the nation in recognizing February as National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM). This annual observance serves as a vital reminder for community members that while tooth decay is a common chronic disease among children, it is also highly preventable through early intervention and consistent healthy habits.
Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) underscores the importance of this recognition. By age 9, approximately half of all children have experienced cavities in either their primary or permanent teeth. Furthermore, significant health disparities persist; children aged 6 to 9 from lower-income households are more than twice as likely to suffer from untreated cavities compared to those from higher-income households.
“National Children’s Dental Health Month is an opportunity to highlight that oral health is a fundamental part of a child’s overall well-being,” said Dr. Kila Johnson, Director of HCPH’s Dental Service program. “Our goal is to educate community members on the necessity of establishing healthy habits early to prevent childhood cavities before they start”.
HCPH remains dedicated to increasing access to care through early oral care initiatives, which encourages community members to schedule a child’s first checkup by 6 months of age and no later than their first birthday.
To support this mission, HCPH provides a variety of resources:
Dental Clinics: Located in Pasadena and Humble, these clinics serve children and adolescents who are uninsured or underinsured, including those on CHIP or Medicaid.Smile Saver Services: This program partners with local school districts and community organizations to bring preventive dental care directly to children.Education and Outreach: HCPH offers oral health education through clinics, school-based programs, and mobile dental units.
HCPH encourages all community members to help children maintain optimal oral health by following these guidelines:
Brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste.Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth.Limit sugary snacks and drinks, such as sodas, cookies, and candies.Choose calcium-rich foods and healthy options like fruits, vegetables, and milk.Visit the dentist for a routine checkup at least once every six months.
Please visit the Dental Health & Prevention webpage for more information about available programs. To schedule a dental appointment for your child, please call (832) 927-7350.