JBLM Dentists celebrate National Children's Dental Health Month

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Petra Nelson
  • 62nd Medical Squadron dental section chief
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  The month of February is recognized as National Children's Dental Health Month.  This month's key message encourages children to develop and practice good oral hygiene habits.  As an initiative to recognize this month, the dentists, hygienists and technicians at Joint Base Lewis-McChord's Dental Clinics, traveled to JBLM Child Development Centers and schools to educate youth on oral hygiene techniques, proper diet and the process of dental disease - all in a fun and interactive atmosphere.

Optimal oral health and hygiene are integral to overall health and is most effective when started early in life.  Dental disease remains one of the most common, yet preventable, childhood diseases.  Through education and simple modifications to daily routines, families can prevent dental diseases, which will set the child up for a lifetime of healthy teeth.
 
Dentists strive to improve the quality of life for their patients by education to prevent, diagnose and treat oral disease.  Dental Hygienists provide dental cleanings, periodontal therapy, hygiene instructions, and x-rays.  Dental technicians perform many tasks which require interpersonal and technical skills, such as assisting the dentist during treatment, x-rays, post treatment instructions, instrument sterilization, and more.  Dental laboratory technicians fabricate custom made products for the mouth such as dentures, crowns, mouth guards, veneers, retainers and more.

"First visit by the first birthday".  The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child go to the dentist by age one, or within six months after the first tooth erupts.  The first dental visit is usually short and involves very little treatment.  It gives the child an opportunity to meet the dentist in a non-threatening and friendly way.  It also give parents information on preventive oral hygiene practices for the child's teeth and gums, fluoride needs, oral habits, such as thumb sucking, developmental milestones, teething and proper nutrition. 

A child's oral hygiene routine should begin in infancy.  The baby's gums should be wiped clean with a moistened washcloth or piece of gauze at least twice per day, especially after feedings and at bedtime.  A soft, small toothbrush can be used as soon as teeth begin to appear.  Toothpaste the size of a grain of rice can be used initially.  This can be increased to a pea sized amount of fluoride toothpaste by the time the child is three years old.  Attempt to have the child spit out the toothpaste opposed to swallowing.

Parental supervision of the oral hygiene process remains important as the child grows. Flossing is extremely important in preventing decay between the teeth.  It is recommended that parents begin to floss their children's teeth as soon as the teeth are in contact with one another, as early as age 30 months.  This will establish the idea that brushing and flossing go hand-in-hand.   Once a child's back teeth erupt, around the age of two, begin to contact continue brushing them at least twice a day.  This will prevent plaque buildup and cavities.  The ideal times to clean teeth remain first thing in the morning, after meals and right before bedtime. 

A diet low in sugar plays an important role in a healthy mouth. The amount, frequency, and consistency of sugar ingested play a critical part in the health of teeth. "Baby bottle tooth decay" is a condition that often occurs when a child goes to sleep with a bottle or sippy cup that is filled with juice, sweetened drinks, or even milk.  Bacteria use the sugar to produce acid that causes tooth decay.  Dried fruit, sticky candy and hard candy are examples of the most decay- producing snacks. They remain in the mouth for a long time, bathing the teeth in acid.  Fresh vegetables, fruits, sugarless gum, and water are the best daily snack choices.
 
During this year's National Children Dental Health Month, dental clinics on JBLM engaged approximately 200 children with dental education, games, and surprises.

"After 30 years as a practicing dentist, I continue to enjoy National Children's Dental Healthy Month," said Lt. Col. Karen Lawrence, 62nd Medical Squadron chief of dental services. "It's a wonderful opportunity to meet, inspire and educate our youth.  This year, I had the pleasure of visiting several CDCs on McChord Field.  I never tire of reading 'The Tooth Book' by Dr. Seuss. We played some dental health games, had fun, and reached over 200 children ages 3-6 years.  I look forward to next year."