A sister and brother smiling | dentist near me

2023 National Children's Dental Health Month

February 1, 2023
|
Posted By: Dr. Richard Facko
A mother and daughter smiling | Pediatric dentist

It's National Children's Dental Health Month, so it's time to review some helpful tips and tricks for maintaining your little one's oral health. Though NCDHM only comes once a year, we celebrate children's smiles every day. 

One of the ways you celebrate this month with us is by teaching your child the importance of a healthy, cavity-free smile. You can visit the American Dental Association's website for fun activities to teach kids about dental care; there are crossword puzzles, posters, coloring pages, and more. At Palos Pediatric Dentistry, we make dental care fun and engaging for kids—and you can, too! 

Brush, Floss, Smile! 

This year's theme is "Brush, Floss, Smile!" Together, we can teach children how to properly brush, floss, and care for their teeth and gums while instilling oral health's importance. Establishing these habits at an early age makes kids more likely to grow into happy, healthy adults. Plus, they're more likely to maintain good oral health and hygiene throughout their lives. 

Here are some tips for practicing proper oral hygiene at home:

  • Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush for at least two minutes each session. Don't forget to brush your tongue, too! 
  • Brush using age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste, but only use a tiny smear on small teeth. 
  • Brush in small, circular motions and at a 45-degree angle. 
  • Loop floss around each tooth, like you're giving a hug, and gently clean between teeth. 
  • Consider letting your child choose a toothbrush with their favorite character on it. Many toothbrushes even light up and play a tune, making oral hygiene all the more fun for little ones.  

Dr. Richard Facko is a gentle and highly skilled kid-friendly dentist who can help your child maintain excellent oral hygiene throughout adolescence and adulthood. We'd love to see you at our dental office for routine appointments to ensure your child's smile stays healthy and strong! 

Contact Our Palo Heights Children's Dentist 

Are you looking for a children's dentist in your area? Give our Palo Heights dental office a call! Dr. Facko is a pediatric dentist passionate about caring for children's growing smiles. Everyone on our team loves working with kids, and many of us have families of our own—so we understand the importance of helping children feel comfortable and relaxed during visits. Contact us today to schedule your little one's routine dental exam and cleaning at Palos Pediatric Dentistry. 

Related Blog Posts
July 21, 2026
Three Dentists, One Philosophy: How Our Pediatric Team Turns Nervous Visits Into Confident Smiles
Happy young girl giving a high-five to her pediatric dentist during a dental visit

If your child has ever refused to get out of the car at the dentist's office, you know that finding the right pediatric dentist matters more than most people realize. Training and qualifications are crucial, of course, but it’s more than that. It is about finding a team that understands ...

July 13, 2026
The Guilt Nobody Talks About at the Dentist
Worried cartoon tooth character with a cavity holding a cardboard HELP sign

There's something I run into almost every day at the office that I rarely hear anyone say out loud: parents feel guilty bringing their kids to the dentist.

It's a strange thing to write about. But I see it constantly, and I'd rather name it than let it sit there quietly ...

June 9, 2026
Getting Your Kids to Actually Brush Their Teeth

As a dad of four and a pediatric dentist, I can tell you that getting kids to brush their teeth consistently is one of the most universal challenges parents face. I hear about it every day in my office, and I deal with it in my own house. Here's everything I know about making it work.

Why Kids Resist in the First Place

Before jumping to solutions, it helps to understand why kids push back, because the reason shapes the approach.

  • The long-term consequence problem. Young children aren't wired to be motivated ...