February Is National Children’s Dental Health Month: Building Habits That Last a Lifetime

Every February, dental professionals across the country focus attention on children’s oral health—and for good reason. The habits kids develop in their earliest years shape their dental health for decades to come. Cavities remain the most common chronic childhood disease in America, affecting more than half of children by age eight. Yet with the right approach, most childhood dental problems are entirely preventable.

At Marietta Dental Professionals in East Cobb, pediatric dentistry isn’t just about treating small teeth. It’s about partnering with parents to build foundations that protect children’s smiles well into adulthood. This February, let’s explore what actually works when it comes to raising cavity-free kids.

Why Baby Teeth Matter More Than You Think

Many parents assume that baby teeth don’t require serious attention since they’ll fall out anyway. This misconception leads to preventable problems that can affect children for years.

Baby teeth serve critical functions:

• Holding space for permanent teeth: when baby teeth are lost prematurely to decay, surrounding teeth shift into the gap, causing crowding and alignment issues when adult teeth emerge
• Supporting proper speech development: children learn to form sounds correctly with a complete set of teeth in place
• Enabling proper nutrition: painful cavities make eating difficult, potentially affecting growth and development
• Building confidence: children with visible decay or missing teeth often feel self-conscious, affecting social development

The roots of baby teeth also sit close to developing permanent teeth beneath the gums. Infections in baby teeth can damage the permanent teeth waiting to emerge. What happens to baby teeth matters—often more than parents realize.

When Should Kids First See a Dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit a dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing—whichever comes first. This timeline surprises many parents who assume dental visits should wait until children have a full set of teeth.

Early dental visits accomplish several important goals:

• Establishing baseline health: your dentist can identify potential concerns before they become problems
• Catching issues early: some children show signs of decay risk or developmental concerns that benefit from early intervention
• Creating positive associations: children who visit the dentist from an early age typically experience less anxiety about dental care
• Educating parents: these visits provide opportunities to discuss age-appropriate oral hygiene techniques and dietary guidance

That first visit is usually brief and gentle—more about introduction than treatment. The goal is making dental care feel normal and non-threatening from the start.

The Real Story on Sugar and Cavities

Cavities develop when bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars and produce acid that attacks tooth enamel. The key factors aren’t just how much sugar children consume, but how often and in what form.

What matters most:

• Frequency over quantity: sipping juice throughout the day causes more damage than drinking the same amount at one sitting
• Sticky versus liquid: foods that cling to teeth (fruit snacks, dried fruit) pose higher risk than those that wash away quickly
• Timing matters: sugary foods consumed with meals cause less damage than those eaten alone
• Hidden sugars: flavored yogurts, granola bars, and sports drinks often rival candy in sugar content

Rather than eliminating all treats, focus on limiting snacking between meals, choosing water over sugary drinks, and reserving sweets for mealtimes.

Building an Effective Brushing Routine

Getting kids to brush properly—and consistently—ranks among parenting’s daily challenges. Understanding what actually prevents cavities helps focus efforts where they matter most.

Age-appropriate brushing guidelines:

• Under age 3: parents should brush children’s teeth twice daily using a rice-grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste
• Ages 3-6: use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste; parents should still do the actual brushing or closely supervise and follow up
• Ages 6-8: children can begin brushing independently but still need supervision to ensure they’re reaching all surfaces and brushing long enough
• Ages 8 and up: most children can brush effectively on their own, though periodic checks help maintain good habits

The two-minute rule matters. Most children (and adults) significantly underestimate how long they’ve brushed. Timers, songs, or electric toothbrushes with built-in timers help ensure adequate brushing time.

Don’t forget flossing. As soon as teeth touch each other, flossing becomes necessary to clean surfaces brushing can’t reach. Parents typically need to help with flossing until children develop the manual dexterity to do it themselves—usually around age 8 or 9.

Making Dental Visits Positive Experiences

Children often pick up on parental anxiety about dental visits. How you talk about the dentist influences how your child feels about going.

Strategies that help:

• Keep it casual: avoid over-explaining or building up the visit as a big event
• Use positive language: describe the dentist as someone who helps keep teeth healthy
• Avoid bribery: promising treats for “being brave” implies there’s something to fear
• Never use dental visits as threats: statements like “the dentist will drill your teeth” create lasting anxiety

The dental team plays an important role too. Pediatric-friendly practices understand how to communicate with children at their level and create environments where kids feel comfortable.

The Fluoride Question

Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps remineralize areas where early decay has begun. Community water fluoridation has reduced cavities by approximately 25% across populations.

Common concerns addressed:

• Fluorosis: this cosmetic condition can occur if young children swallow excessive toothpaste; using appropriate amounts prevents this
• Safety: at recommended levels, fluoride is safe and effective; decades of research support its use
• Additional protection: children at higher cavity risk may benefit from professional fluoride treatments during dental visits

Protecting Teeth During Sports

East Cobb families stay active, and active kids face dental injury risks. Sports-related dental injuries send hundreds of thousands of children to emergency rooms yearly, yet most are preventable.

Mouthguards are essential for contact sports like football, hockey, and martial arts, and wise for basketball, soccer, baseball, skateboarding, and biking. Custom-fitted mouthguards from your dentist provide superior protection and comfort compared to store-bought options—and children are more likely to actually wear guards that fit well.

The Team Behind Your Child’s Smile

At Marietta Dental Professionals, the dentists bring both expertise and genuine warmth to pediatric care. Dr. Amit Morar grew up right here in Marietta, graduating from Walton High School before earning his biology degree at the University of Georgia and completing dental training at Touro College of Dental Medicine in New York. As a local, he understands East Cobb families and takes pride in caring for the community where he was raised.

Dr. Ray Cornay brings a background that combines academic excellence with hands-on skill. Graduating summa cum laude from Georgia College and State University, he earned his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University. His completion of a Comprehensive Implant Residency and board certification in moderate oral sedation means he’s equipped to handle everything from routine cleanings to complex cases—all while maintaining the gentle approach anxious young patients need.

Give Your Child’s Smile a Strong Start This February

National Children’s Dental Health Month offers the perfect reminder to schedule your child’s checkup if they’re overdue—or to establish care if they haven’t yet visited a dentist. Early, positive dental experiences set children up for a lifetime of healthy habits and healthy smiles.

Marietta Dental Professionals welcomes families throughout East Cobb, Marietta, and the surrounding communities. With over 1,201 five-star Google reviews and recognition as a Top Patient Rated Dentist for 2023, 2024, and 2025, the practice has earned families’ trust through consistently excellent, compassionate care.

New patients can take advantage of the $199 new patient special, which includes x-rays, exam, cleaning, and a complimentary 3D intraoral scan. Call (770) 514-5055 to schedule your child’s appointment, or book online. This February, give your child the gift of a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.