Early lessons for life-long habits - Children's Dental Health Month teaches oral hygiene

  • Published
  • By Kate Blais
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Just like old habits die hard, establishing healthy habits at a young age takes work.

February is National Children's Dental Health Month. Sponsored by the American Dental Association, the annual campaign is designed to promote the importance of developing good dental hygiene habits at a young age.

The 95th Medical Group dental office reached out to Edwards' youngsters in the Children's Library, Feb. 23 and Feb. 25, to make a face-to-face impact on developing their dental hygiene habits.

"We want to make sure little ones learn from the start how to clean, floss and brush their teeth," said Staff Sgt. Cynthia Atilano, 95th MDG certified dental assistant.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, tooth decay affects children in the United States more than any other chronic infectious disease. Poor oral health can lead to problems eating, speaking, playing and even learning.

Students from Little Hands Pre-School on base have seen first-hand the effects of poor dental hygiene and tooth decay and seem to understand that taking care of their teeth is important, said Tara Shaffer, a teacher at the school.

"Tying in President's Day, we showed the kids teeth from George Washington's time and what happens when you don't take care of your teeth," said Ms. Shaffer.

In the library, the students were a captive audience for the "Tooth Fairy," Airman 1st Class Danielle Slody, 95th MDG dental assistant, as she read a book about a child's visit to the dentist.

"Kids, even adults, are scared of visiting the dentist," said Sergeant Atilano, pointing to a display full of dental instruments and relaxed patients. "So we're going to introduce a few items, like the dental chair and the light, and let the kids see that there's nothing to be scared of."

"How many of you have been to the dentist," Sergeant Atilano asked the group. While few raised their hands to that question, the pre-schoolers collectively had an answer for, "What happens when you don't brush your teeth?"

"You get a cavity!"

Sergeant Atilano stressed the importance of introducing healthy foods to children as alternatives to the food items that can expedite tooth decay.

"Items like soda have artificial sugars that sit on teeth and cause them to decay," said the sergeant. "Fruits and vegetables have natural sugars that won't stick to teeth like the artificial type."

Migrating from the geography-themed reading carpet to small, pre-set tables, students were able to use a large tooth brush to practice brushing a plastic set of teeth and constructed a tooth brush out of paper.

"We've also had activities in the classroom for dental week," said Ms. Shaffer. "The kids have made dental mobiles and painted pictures using a tooth brush."

The ADA organized National Children's Dental Health Month to instill the importance of developing good dental habits early.

"What's the first thing you look at when someone smiles," asked Sergeant Atilano. "You see their teeth. So to keep that nice smile, we want to teach kids that they have to floss and brush their teeth."