Dental Operations Flight recognizes children's dental health

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Dilcy Kammermeyer
  • 95th Medical Operations Squadron
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The Edwards dental staff visited base schools Feb. 24 and 27 to teach students the basics of oral hygiene and the importance of it because of the lifelong benefits of good dental health in recognition of National Children's Dental Health Month.

"National Children's Dental Health month is a national campaign that the American Dental Association and Air Force participates in order to create awareness of oral health and prevention of oral diseases," said Lt. Col. Carlos Diaz-Laboy, 95th Medical Operations Squadron officer in charge of Preventive Dentistry. "It is extremely important to establish good dental hygiene at an early age in order to fight dental disease and procure healthy habits during childhood development."

Educational dental activities were included in presentations for children between the ages of 3 to 12 years old, as developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits help children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

"I couldn't be more proud of my staff for their accomplishments during this year's Children's Dental Health Month," said Master Sgt. Robert Workman, 95th MDOS Dental Operations Flight noncommissioned officer in charge. "They were able to go into the schools and showcase the importance of good oral hygiene to the students."

More than 900 children participated this year, including Branch Elementary School and the Child Development Center.

"Edwards' dental clinic has taken the lead in the preventive dental health of our community," the colonel added. "Every year the clinic staff looks forward to visiting the schools and engaging in dental disease prevention. The children are given the opportunity to participate in different activities including class presentations with our staff."

Students were taught proper oral hygiene methods to prevent the recurrence of caries and periodontal disease.

Some of the lessoned learned were that teeth should be brushed at least twice a day and that parents should brush and floss their children's teeth until about age 7.

The easiest way for a young child to brush is by them closing their teeth together and smiling. Apply a pea-size amount of children's fluoride toothpaste to the tooth brush. Use the brush at more or less right angles to teeth, in large sweeping, circles. With the jaws parted, brush the surfaces of the teeth that touch the tongue, using smaller circles. Biting surfaces are brushed from the front to the back. Have the child run their tongue around to feel for smoothness of their teeth. This will ensure that all dental plaque is removed.

As the child gets older, a more complex brushing technique should be used. Have the child partly open their mouth and move toothbrush in small circles covering two teeth at a time.

Children should also be taught to floss. Flossing helps to remove food debris so teeth should be flossed as soon as they begin touching each other. Flossing prevents gingivitis, bad breath and cavities between the teeth.

"An unhealthy mouth can lead to further problems during child development that can affect his or her health," said Colonel Diaz-Laboy. "Awareness of dental issues can prevent pain, malnutrition, developmental speech problems and damage to self-esteem."

Additionally, the tongue harbors bacteria and can cause bad breath. The tongue can be brushed with the toothbrush or a tongue scraper. Tongue scrapers come in various types and are available at the Base Exchange, and most off-base stores.

As for toothbrushes, they should be replaced every three months due to bacteria, regardless if the bristles are in good condition. Also, an over-the-counter fluoride rinse can be used daily to help teeth stay strong.

"We have received many accolades from school officials on the superb job our technicians did in keeping the students engaged and interested in the topic," Sergeant Workman added. "We will continue to support this annual event as I believe it is an important component to maintain a strong community relationship all while educating our student population."

For more information, call the Dental Operations Flight at 277-2872.