Protect Kids’ Smiles: CDA Celebrates Children’s Dental Health Month

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - This month, the California Dental Association is celebrating Children's Dental Health Month, annually recognized across the nation to raise awareness about the importance of children's oral health. As a part of this year's recognition, CDA is also sponsoring a legislative resolution authored by Senator Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Pasadena), which establishes February 2026 as Children's Dental Health Month in California.

"During Children's Dental Health Month, we recognize the importance of building early preventative dental health awareness, so small problems don't become lifelong barriers," said Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Pasadena). "Every child deserves a healthy smile regardless of income or zip code. Preventive dental care is one of the most effective ways to improve health outcomes while using public dollars wisely."

"We thank Senator Perez for authoring this important resolution and bringing awareness to the essential role that oral health plays in a child's overall health," said Dr. Robert Hanlon, president of the California Dental Association. "This issue takes on extra importance right now, as proposed funding cuts to the Medi-Cal Dental Program threaten to impact more than half of the state's youth."

CDA is also partnering with the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry to advocate for protecting Medi-Cal Dental funding and other priorities affecting children's oral health. Dentists representing both organizations will be making visits to lawmakers at the state Capitol on February 9.

"We celebrate Children's Dental Health Month because it highlights the importance of prioritizing children's dental health as an essential key to achieving lifelong, overall health," said Dr. MyLinh Ngo, president of the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry. "With looming funding cuts to Prop 56, it's imperative that children's oral health remain at the forefront of legislative discussions because the cycle of dental need will continue to balloon over an individual's lifetime when the focus on prevention and/or treatment at an early age is sidelined. The evidence is clear that children who develop caries in their primary teeth are 3x more likely to experience more dental disease as adults. We are honored to stand alongside CDA to advocate for the needs of the underserved pediatric and special needs population on February 9 to help shape policies and programs for the oral health of Californians."

Tooth decay remains the most common chronic disease among American children

The CDC 2024 Oral Health Surveillance Report found that half of all children ages 6-9 have had cavities in their primary or permanent teeth. With fluoride bans and rollbacks progressing in many states and communities, that number is likely to grow. Other staggering data includes:

• According to that same 2024 Oral Health Surveillance Report, children in communities with high and moderate rates of poverty were more than twice as likely to have untreated decay compared with those in communities with low rates of poverty.
• Data from the California Department of Public Health's Third Grade Smile Survey showed that by the third grade, six in ten children (61%) have experienced tooth decay and one in five children (22%) have untreated tooth decay.

Important advice for parents and guardians

Start at an early age to keep your children's oral health intact:

For infants and toddlers:

• Wipe infants' gums twice a day with a washcloth.
• Regularly clean pacifiers and bottles with soap and water.
• Only put water in your toddler's bottle at bedtime.

For children:

• Brush for two minutes, twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily and visit a dentist for regular checkups.
• Help children brush and floss until they have mastered the skill - usually around age 7.
• Provide each family member with their own toothbrush, cutlery, cups and water bottles because cavity-causing bacteria pass through the transfer of saliva.

"Healthy smiles don't start in the dental chair - they start at home," said Dr. Letitia Edwards, member of the CDA board of directors. "Parents and caregivers play a powerful role in helping shape their child's oral health by modeling good habits, offering assistance and staying involved. By helping children learn to brush twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste, floss daily and visit the dentist at regular intervals, they're not just protecting teeth, they're empowering lifelong oral health."

California dentists available for interviews

To schedule an interview with a California dentist about the importance of maintaining good oral health habits, contact [email protected].

Available experts can speak to:

• How to establish a good oral hygiene routine for children
• Tips on caring for the oral health of infants and toddlers
• How to establish a dental home for your child

About the California Dental Association

The California Dental Association has represented organized dentistry in the state of California since 1870. Unlike a regulatory body or licensing board, CDA is a professional association, one that supports members' success and service to the public through education, advocacy, expert guidance, practice resources and connection. Today, CDA is 27,000 members strong, works in partnership with 32 local dental societies and is the largest constituent of the American Dental Association. Learn more at cda.org.