Dental clinic promotes healthy smiles

Published Jan. 26, 2011
By Patricia Moreaux
21st Dental Squadron

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- February is Children's Dental Health Month and the 21st Dental Squadron is gearing up to help the community's children. This year's slogan is "A Healthy Smile? It's Easy To Find!"

Tooth decay is one of the most common and preventable childhood diseases. One of the most important roles of dental professionals is to prevent decay through education and encouragement of good oral hygiene practices.

This year the dental team plans to visit the child development centers, the youth center, and Christa McAuliffe Elementary. The school visits include hands-on demonstrations of brushing and flossing techniques, along with tips on choosing healthy foods.

Parents are offered these tips to get a jump start on their child's oral health:

Start Early
Begin caring for your child's teeth soon after they are born. After each feeding, gently wipe the gums with a soft, damp cloth. Never allow your child to nurse continuously from a bottle of milk, formula or juice.

Establish Good Habits Early
Once the first tooth appears, begin brushing and flossing your child's teeth. Usually children under the age of 7 need a little help to do an effective job. Children should not use toothpaste with fluoride until they have the ability to spit it out instead of swallowing it.

Early Dental Visits
Children should have their first dental visit about six months after the visit tooth appears. A good way to relieve anxiety about a trip to the dentist is to allow the child to go along with a parent or older sibling when they have their check up.

Help Fight Decay
Water fluoridation is a very effective way to prevent tooth decay. Parts of the Colorado Springs area do not have an adequate amount of fluoride in the water, so check with your dentist for recommendations.

Sealants are another way to help fight decay. "Dental sealants prevent cavities by sealing the pits and grooves of teeth where more than 85 percent of childhood decay occurs," said Lisa Greunke, registered dental hygienist at the Peterson Dental Clinic.

Protect The Teeth
A mouth guard is a must for anyone playing sports! Most stores carry a generic version, or you can ask your dentist about a custom fitted tray.

By following these tips, you can help get your child off to a healthy start. Remember, a healthy smile is easy to find.

Dental health month