February is National Children's Dental Health Month

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February is National Children's Dental Health Month

02-05-2013 03:15 AM

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National Children's Dental Health Month
RAF Lakenheath



February is National Children's Dental Health Month


by: 48 Fighter Wing Dental Squadron
U.S. Air Force
published: February 05, 2013

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*RAF LAKENHEATH, England -- Did you know that cavities are the most common chronic disease of childhood, and that it is five times more common than asthma? Good oral health is linked to good overall health, but most children have had at least one cavity by the time they start kindergarten! In fact, good oral health in the early years lays the foundation for good oral health in the later years. If your child experiences tooth decay in their baby teeth, they are more likely to have cavities in their permanent teeth.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry is among one of the health profession organizations that currently recommends children visit the dentist by their first birthday. Since parents play an important role in helping children to develop good oral habits at an early age, this visit will put you and your kids on the right track to a lifelong preventive dental care program. At the first dental visit, you will learn about your child's risk for cavities and the proper ways to prevent problems before they occur.

Once your child gets their first teeth, you should start brushing them with a soft tooth brush. Supervised brushing with a small amount of fluoridated toothpaste, twice a day, and flossing in between teeth that are close together should continue throughout childhood. You also do not need to eliminate sweets completely from your child's diet in order to ensure they maintain a healthy smile. The key is to limit the frequency of their sugar consumption. For example, eating a candy bar all at once is less harmful to your child's teeth then eating it throughout the day. But candy bars are not the only culprits! Starchy carbohydrates like cookies, sugary cereals and sticky foods like fruit roll ups can also promote tooth decay.

Keep in mind, that it is equally important that you take care of your own smile by brushing, flossing, visiting your dentist and taking care of any dental problems. This will help set a great example for your child and put them on the right path to protecting and keeping their teeth healthy and happy for the rest of their lives.

This month, volunteers from the 48th Dental Squadron will be participating in National Children's Dental Health Month. This initiative is sponsored by the American Dental Association and helps raise awareness throughout the community about the importance of oral health. The dental clinic will be visiting several schools and the AAFES Exchange at RAF Lakenheath, to teach kids about how to keep their teeth healthy and cavity free. If you would like additional information about National Children's Dental Health Month, or to make an appointment please contact the dental clinic at 226-8010 (01638-52-8010).


Tags: National Children's Dental Health Month, RAF Lakenheath, RAF Lakenheath, Base Info
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February is National Children's Dental Health Month


by: 48 Fighter Wing Dental Squadron
U.S. Air Force
published:

Share This:


Tweet

Comments
Email
Print


*RAF LAKENHEATH, England -- Did you know that cavities are the most common chronic disease of childhood, and that it is five times more common than asthma? Good oral health is linked to good overall health, but most children have had at least one cavity by the time they start kindergarten! In fact, good oral health in the early years lays the foundation for good oral health in the later years. If your child experiences tooth decay in their baby teeth, they are more likely to have cavities in their permanent teeth.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry is among one of the health profession organizations that currently recommends children visit the dentist by their first birthday. Since parents play an important role in helping children to develop good oral habits at an early age, this visit will put you and your kids on the right track to a lifelong preventive dental care program. At the first dental visit, you will learn about your child's risk for cavities and the proper ways to prevent problems before they occur.

Once your child gets their first teeth, you should start brushing them with a soft tooth brush. Supervised brushing with a small amount of fluoridated toothpaste, twice a day, and flossing in between teeth that are close together should continue throughout childhood. You also do not need to eliminate sweets completely from your child's diet in order to ensure they maintain a healthy smile. The key is to limit the frequency of their sugar consumption. For example, eating a candy bar all at once is less harmful to your child's teeth then eating it throughout the day. But candy bars are not the only culprits! Starchy carbohydrates like cookies, sugary cereals and sticky foods like fruit roll ups can also promote tooth decay.

Keep in mind, that it is equally important that you take care of your own smile by brushing, flossing, visiting your dentist and taking care of any dental problems. This will help set a great example for your child and put them on the right path to protecting and keeping their teeth healthy and happy for the rest of their lives.

This month, volunteers from the 48th Dental Squadron will be participating in National Children's Dental Health Month. This initiative is sponsored by the American Dental Association and helps raise awareness throughout the community about the importance of oral health. The dental clinic will be visiting several schools and the AAFES Exchange at RAF Lakenheath, to teach kids about how to keep their teeth healthy and cavity free. If you would like additional information about National Children's Dental Health Month, or to make an appointment please contact the dental clinic at 226-8010 (01638-52-8010).


Tags: National Children's Dental Health Month, RAF Lakenheath, RAF Lakenheath, Base Info
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