Febrero es Mes nacional de la salud dental infantil, a nationwide observance led by the American Dental Association (ADA) to raise awareness about the importance of children’s oral health.
At Pillar Health and KCHC, we are proud to support families across Southeast Wisconsin by promoting preventive dental care that helps children build healthy habits and confident smiles for life.
Why Children’s Dental Health Matters
Good oral health starts early. Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic and painful conditions affecting children, yet it is largely preventable with regular dental visits, good home care, and preventive treatments.
In Wisconsin, oral health data highlights the need for early prevention:
- Nearly 60 percent of Wisconsin third graders have experienced tooth decay.
- About 1 in 4 third graders and 1 in 5 kindergarteners have untreated cavities that require care.
- Many children lack access to preventive services like dental sealants, especially in underserved communities.
Untreated tooth decay is painful for children, which can disrupt their learning and development. These challenges make education and prevention during National Children’s Dental Health Month more important than ever.
What Are Dental Sealants and How Do They Help?
In addition to daily brushing, dental sealants are one of the most effective ways to prevent cavities in children. Sealants are a thin plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back molars, where decay most often begins.
Sealants:
- Can prevent up to 80 percent of cavities in molars
- Quick and painless to apply
- Require no shots or drilling
- Take about five minutes per tooth
Sealants are especially beneficial for school-aged children as their permanent molars come in, helping protect teeth during critical developmental years.
Supporting Oral Health Education All Month Long
National Children’s Dental Health Month has a long history, beginning in 1941 and expanding into a month-long celebration in 1981. Each year, dental professionals, educators, and healthcare organizations use this time to promote healthy habits that last a lifetime.
The ADA offers free, family-friendly resources that can be used in clinics, schools, and at home, including:
- Posters and flyers in English and Spanish
- Coloring and activity sheets
- Brushing calendars
- Classroom and community education tools
These materials help reinforce positive oral health behaviors throughout the year.
Pillar Health and KCHC: Whole-Person Care for Families
At Pillar Health and KCHC, we believe oral health is a vital part of overall health. Our integrated care model supports children and families with accessible, preventive dental services close to home. During National Children’s Dental Health Month and throughout the year, our teams focus on education, prevention, and early intervention to keep kids smiling.
Make an Appointment Today
If your child is due for a dental visit or you would like to learn more about dental sealants, our clinics are here to help.
Schedule a dental appointment today:
- Clínica Pillar Health de Kenosha: 262.771.1700
- Clínica Kenosha de la Avenida 14: 262.771.1688
- Clínica Silver Lake: 262.771.1963
Healthy smiles start early. This February, join Pillar Health and KCHC in celebrating National Children’s Dental Health Month and taking steps to protect your child’s oral health for years to come.
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