FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dr. Turab Rai Highlights the Importance of Developing Habits for Early Oral Hygiene with Practical Advice and Expertise
Franklin, OH., (January, 2025) – February marks National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM), a national initiative sponsored by the American Dental Association (ADA) to emphasize the importance of oral health in children. What began in 1941 as a one-day event has grown into a month-long observance, reaching families and communities nationwide with vital messages about developing good dental hygiene habits early in life.
Dr. Turab Rai, founder of Bright Smiles Community Outreach Coalition and the Turabify Network stresses that childhood is the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. With cavities being one of the most common chronic childhood diseases in the U.S. affecting five times more than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever. And though it’s a preventable condition, it still affects up to 46% of children in the USA. As such, proactive dental care can make a significant difference in a child’s overall well-being.
Establishing good oral hygiene routines during childhood lays the foundation for lifelong healthy habits “Your mouth is a portal to your body” Say Dr. Rai. When children are actively engaged in their dental care, they become better prepared to maintain healthy smiles as they grow.
Five Essential Tips for Children’s Oral Health
Dr. Rai and Bright Smiles Community Outreach Coalition share the following tips to help parents encourage better dental habits during National Children’s Dental Health Month and beyond:
- Skip the Bedtime Bottle: Allowing a child to sleep with a bottle leads to tooth decay caused by prolonged exposure to milk or juice. Dr. Rai emphasizes: “I don’t care what you eat or drink, I care how often you eat or drink: it’s the acidic environment that decays teeth over extended periods of time. Having juice or milk stay in the mouth all night creates that environment and a healthy tooth may just develop a cavity overnight if this habit is not nipped in the bud”. Instead, transition to water or eliminate bottles at bedtime altogether.
- Start Early with Oral Care: Even before teeth appear, clean your child’s gums with a wet cloth or towel after feedings. Introduce them to a pediatric dentist early to help them grow comfortable with dental visits.
- Make Brushing a Family Affair: Creating “family brushing time” not only ensures everyone is keeping up with oral hygiene but also turns brushing into a fun bonding activity.
- Add Excitement to Brushing: Electric toothbrushes with fun designs or built-in lights and flavored toothpaste can make brushing more enjoyable for young children.
- Encourage Smiling: Teaching children to smile with their teeth has emotional benefits while also fostering a greater awareness and pride for their oral health.
The Lifelong Impact of Good Oral Health
Research shows that poor dental health in childhood can lead to long-term issues, including infections, speech delays, and difficulty concentrating in school due to pain or discomfort. Regular dental visits combined with consistent at-home care can prevent these challenges and promote better overall health.
NCDHM plays a crucial role in educating families about the importance of these practices. Communities across the nation participate in activities such as free dental screenings, school presentations, and fun contests to engage children in the conversation about oral health.
A Legacy of Advocacy and Awareness
Since its inception, National Children’s Dental Health Month has grown into a nationwide effort to prioritize the oral health of young Americans. The program’s rich history, from its beginnings in Cleveland to becoming a full-month observance in 1981, underscores the ongoing commitment to creating a culture of dental awareness.
Dr. Rai encourages parents to utilize the numerous resources available during National Children’s Dental Health Month. This observance provides an ideal opportunity to emphasize the importance of healthy habits in children while fostering connections with dental professionals who can guide and support families on their oral health journey.
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About Dr. Turab Rai
Dr. Turab Rai is a dedicated expert in oral health, specializing in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dental diseases and conditions. A strong advocate for educational reform, community collaboration, and nonprofit work, he strives to make a meaningful impact beyond clinical care. Dr. Rai founded Bright Smiles Community Outreach Coalition, a national nonprofit committed to providing as many families with the resources and education to make America healthy again. He and his team are on a mission to revolutionize oral health care education nationally, one smile at a time. Committed to fostering future leaders, he mentors university interns internationally through the Turabify Network, inspiring a new generation of community-focused professionals.
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Heather Holmes
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