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The official National Children’s Dental Health program first began in Cleveland, Ohio when the American Dental Association (ADA) observed it’s first Children’s Dental Health day in 1941. In 1949, it was evolved into a weeklong event. In 1981, the program was developed in the National Children’s Dental Month by the ADA and is celebrated every February.

The purpose of National Children’s Dental Health Month is to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. Developing good oral habits at a young age and scheduling regular dental visits help children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

When kids wear braces, brushing and flossing effectively becomes more difficult. Therefore, it requires extra time and effort to keep teeth and gums clean as food accumulates around the braces. By not keeping teeth and gums clean during treatment, you increase the risk of developing gum disease, permanent ‘white spots’ on teeth, and cavities. Poor oral hygiene can also increase time in braces and compromise the final result. The team at VanderWall Orthodontics is available and happy to explain why effective brushing and flossing is one of the most critical aspects of your orthodontic treatment.

Dr. Clay VanderWall

Author Dr. Clay VanderWall

Dr. VanderWall attended Kalamazoo College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Health Sciences. He spent a semester doing research at the Dental Research Center of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill where he wrote his Senior Individualized Project (SIP). He furthered his studies at the University of Detroit-Mercy School of Dentistry, receiving his Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1999. He graduated with honors and was inducted into the national dental honor society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU). He also received the Pierre Fauchard Academy Student Award and was a recipient of the Health Professions Scholarship from the United States Navy.

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