Children's Dental Health

National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM) was established in 1941 in Cleveland, Ohio. The American Dental Association (ADA) started observing the day in 1949. It became a week long event in 1951 and in 1981 a month long US national observance sponsored by the ADA, as it is known today. This event’s goal is to raise awareness about the importance of oral health in children. NCDHM messages and materials have reached millions of people in communities across the US. This year, instead of the posters, colouring books, activity sheets and other publicity posters are available for download to use in dental offices. Please check the ADA website for the full history and the many activities to print. In addition to the wonderful resources by the ADA, we have also added below a few other national and international reports and statistics that bring to the attention the state of children’s oral health around the world.

Ending childhood dental caries: WHO implementation manual -- World Health Organization (WHO)

This manual has been put together by the World Health Organization to promote children's dental health, targeted at eradicating childhood dental caries. It is "based on evidence from systematic reviews and WHO recommendations, especially on nutrition, including breastfeeding, and primary care workers’ programmes."

Early Childhood Caries (ECC) -- World Dental Federation (FDI)

This policy statement from the World Dental Federation "addresses the prevention and management of ECC and urges a coordinated effort" in promoting children's oral health.

Oral Health Tips for Children Aged 3-6 -- Public Health Agency of Canada

This short flyer provides quick tips to check up on and promote the oral health of small children.

Dental Care for Children -- Canadian Dental Association (CDA)

This resource, created by the Canadian Dental Association, provides information about how to care for children's teeth. It's targeted towards parents.

Paediatric Oral Health -- Canadian Paediatric Society

This resource describes the Paediatric Oral Health Section of the Canadian Paediatric Society, recognizing the importance of oral health for infants, children and adolescents.

Oral Health -- American Academy of Pediatrics

This resource provides information about caring for children's oral health, including professional tools and resources for health professionals, including dentists.

Black Oral Health: Children's Oral Health -- U of T Dentistry Library

This resource provides a list of dental literature about Black children's oral health, put together by Maria Zych at the U of T Dentistry Library.

Trip Pro Children's Oral Health search

This links to a simple search for publications about children's oral health from 2023 to 2025 in the Trip database, which is a great starting point for anyone interested in learning more about current research on children's oral health.