673d Dental Squadron promote dental health for Children's Dental Health Month

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Javier Alvarez
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  Members of the 673d Dental Squadron will visit Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson schools, child development centers and youth centers throughout the month of February as part of Children's Dental Health Month.

Members of the dental squadron will also visit the Arctic Oasis Community Center Feb. 27, in a continued effort to encourage children to practice healthy oral hygiene routines.

"We encourage children to cut down on sugar, and to brush and floss daily," said Tech. Sgt. Catherine Ramiso, 673d DS registered dental hygienist. "[We hope] to reach them when they're young, so they can continue these healthy habits when they get older."

During the presentations, a variety of tools and attention grabbing methods are used to appeal to the different age groups.

"We dress up like a toothbrush, or toothpaste and we try to make it a fun educational experience," Ramiso said.

Poster boards illustrating healthy foods, and props like oversized dentures and puppets, are also used.

During a recent trip to the base library, service members read picture books on dental health to the attending audience.

"Most of the kids have a fear of the dentist and when we're there we try to explain to them there's nothing wrong with going to the dentist," Ramiso said. "It's actually a good thing to go on a regular basis."

After meeting with the dental squadron children leave with a wealth of knowledge that can be important to their dental health. But the education doesn't have to stop there - parents are also encouraged to take part in educating their kids about dental health.

"Talk to your child about dental health and why it's important to keep their teeth clean and free of 'sugar bugs,'" said Air Force Capt. Courtney Burrill, 673d DS general dentist.
Parents assume the premature loss of baby teeth is of little importance because they will fall out eventually, Burrill said.

But according to the American Dental Association, baby teeth hold places in the mouth for adult teeth.  When a baby tooth is lost too early, the permanent teeth can drift into the empty space making it difficult for other adult teeth to find room when they come in. This can make teeth crooked or crowded.

"Avoid tooth decay by making healthy food choices," Burrill said. Avoid sugary, starchy snacks and always drink lots of water."

Additional tips provided by 673d Dental Squadron:
-Help your child brush their teeth for two minutes, two times per day with a small "smear" of fluoride containing toothpaste.
-For infants and toddlers, avoid bedtime bottles (milk, juice, etc.), and clean teeth and gums with a damp cloth after each feeding.
-Help your child learn to floss between teeth daily.

Ultimately, a healthy smile can lead to a positive outlook on life.

"Give your kid something to smile about," Ramiso said. "A healthy smile equals a healthy body."