Did you know that you are supposed to replace your toothbrushes every 3 to 4 months? The ADA warns that frayed bristles decrease the effectiveness of a toothbrush. National Children's Dental Health Month is the ideal time to toss out old toothbrushes and grab some new ones. Let your kids pick out toothbrushes with their favorite characters on them and toothpaste that they will like to use — for example, Colgate® 2 in 1 Toothpaste & Mouthwash — to get them excited about their regular hygiene routine.

Color a Chart

The ADA offers coloring pages and activities online to help celebrate National Children's Dental Health Month. Choose a chart-based coloring page, and have your kids color and customize a reminder to hang in the bathroom as a motivator. After a week of consistent morning and nighttime brushing, offer a reward, such as a fun outing.

Do a Brushing Checkup

If your kids tend to brush their teeth unattended, take some time this month to go with them to the bathroom to supervise their brushing habits. You might be surprised to find that one child brushes with only water and the other skips floss altogether. By performing a brushing checkup, you can see what steps your kids are missing and instruct them in the correct way to brush their teeth.

With a focus on oral hygiene and health, National Children's Dental Health Month may be even more important than Valentine's Day this February. By learning about proper dental hygiene as a family, you can get your kids more excited to brush every day and night (Colgate, 2021).