Kids’ Dental Health Month: What Parents Should Know
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, a perfect reminder that strong, healthy smiles start early in life. Dental cavities are one of the most prevalent diseases in children and will impact a child’s overall health as well as their future permanent teeth. Early prevention of dental complications will prepare your children for a healthy future and enjoyable experiences at the dentist for years to come. Here’s some other tips and advice backed by research:
Start early
Our doctors, along with the American Dental Association, recommend a child’s first dental visit by age one or within six months of their first tooth erupting. Early visits help us monitor development, prevent small issues from becoming larger ones, and give parents personalized oral hygiene guidance.
Make brushing fun
Kids respond well to routine and play. Songs, timers, reward charts, and kid-friendly electric toothbrushes make brushing a moment they can look forward to rather than avoid. We recommend brushing two times per day as soon as your child gets their first tooth.
Don’t skip fluoride or fluoride alternatives
Fluoride is one of the most effective tools we have for strengthening enamel and preventing childhood cavities. It’s especially important for developing teeth, which are more vulnerable to decay. We are happy to give you personalized guidance on how to use children’s fluoride to avoid any risk of toxicity based on the child’s cavity risk, age, and weight. If you prefer to look at a fluoride alternative, we can give you some great recommendations.
Watch cavity-causing snacks
Many parents don’t realize snacking can increase their child’s cavity risk. Sugary or sticky snacks such as granola bars, fruit snacks, crackers, and juice will increase your child’s cavity risk. Choosing snacks like apples, cheese, or carrots, and drinking plain water throughout the day can make a big difference. Frequency of snacking is also important to consider as grazing throughout the day or sipping on juice will increase cavity risk as compared to more specific mealtimes.
Create positive dental experiences and set a good example
We pride ourselves on creating an environment where children feel safe, supported, and heard. In response, we find that their overall confidence grows. Discussing dental visits in an upbeat way at home will help your kids frame dental care in a positive light. Positive early dental experiences reduce anxiety, build trust, and help set them up for consistent preventive care.
Caring for all the families in our community is one of the best parts of what we do. If your child is due for a checkup, or ready for their very first visit, our team would be honored to welcome them and help them build healthy habits for a lifetime.
About Ossman Harding Dental – OHD has served the Enumclaw community since 2001 and is owned and operated by Dr. Madisyn Ossman (Harding) and her husband Devin Ossman who purchased the office from Dr. Steve Harding back in 2020 (Dr. Ossman has operated the office since 2018 and loves serving the community she grew up in).
OHD has consistently been voted as one of the Best Dental Offices of the Plateau, winning the award most recently in 2025. They have 5 incredible doctors that offer various specialties and work across their two locations in Enumclaw and Bonney Lake.
