Spreading the word about dental hygiene

  • Published
  • By A1C Tammie Ramsouer
  • 673d ABW Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  February is National Children's Dental Health month, and the 673d Dental Squadron will visit Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson's elementary schools and child development centers to educate children in dental hygiene throughout this observance.

Tech. Sgt. Catherine Ramiso, 673d Dental Squadron registered dental hygienist, said the month-long observance is sponsored by the American Dental Association and is designed to stress the importance and awareness of oral health to children throughout the U.S.

This year the dental squadron will expand the observance's audience beyond JBER schools.

"One thing we have not done in the past is provide the same information to homeschooled children and any children who may not know we do this every year," Ramiso said. "This year, we will be hosting the event for those children at the library on Feb. 19."

The dental hygienists will also be at the Base Exchange Feb. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The visits are designed to make oral health as interesting as possible, she said. Dental hygienists will dress up as a tube of toothpaste, a toothbrush, teeth and the tooth fairy during the visits. They will bring hands-on learning aids to help children learn how to properly brush their teeth and understand the effects of food on oral hygiene.

"We dress up as an attention grabber, as we will be seeing ages from infants up to sixth graders," Ramiso said.

The hygienists show children that going to the dentist is not a form of punishment, she said.

"If they know their teeth are important, children are more conscious about taking care of them," Ramiso said. "We try to get children to understand that if they do not take care of their mouth, certain bacteria and diseases could cause problems for them, such as cavities."

Cavities, or tooth decay are caused by the breakdown of tooth enamel. This breakdown is the result of bacteria on teeth that break down foods and produce acid, which destroys tooth enamel and results in tooth decay.

"When a child does come into a dental office with a cavity, the dentist will treat it just like any other cavity," she said. "When we are children, our adult teeth are already forming - if not already formed - underneath the baby teeth. Some cavities can become infections that affect their adult teeth, which can lead to problems later on in life."

According to the Centers for Disease Control website, although cavities are preventable, they remain the most common chronic disease found in children and adolescents. Tooth decay is four times more common than asthma among adolescents. Cavities also affect adults, with nine out of 10 older than 20 affected.

"When bacteria in saliva comes in contact with sugar, it turns into acids that eats away the hardest part of the tooth - the enamel - and causes a cavity," Ramiso said.

Air Force Capt. Courtney Burrill, 673d Dental Squadron general dentist, said children should drink lots of water and avoid eating too many sugary, starchy snacks. She also recommends children brush their teeth within 20 minutes after eating anything sugary to prevent cavities.

"We want children to start as soon as possible to value their teeth and have the mentality to keep taking care of them throughout their life," Ramiso said. "For children, teeth are important for them to chew their food, smile and of course communicate clearly."

Studies have shown water fluoridation can reduce tooth decay in children by 18 to 40 percent.

"The fluoride level in the water on base is optimal and does not require any supplementation," Ramiso said.  "But for those who drink bottled water and well water, there are fluoride rinses and toothpastes they can use. There is already adequate fluoride in the foods and drinks that we intake on a daily basis as well."

Burrill said dental care is much more than addressing problems as they arise. Scheduling annual appointments for checkups and cleanings -- even though there may not be a dental problem -- will help children become familiar with the dentist at a young age, she said.

Although the 673d DS is hosting this event throughout the month of February, they do not provide dental services for children, other dependents or retirees in their dental clinic. The dental team does however; provide oral help in emergency situations.

To schedule an annual dental checkup, contact your TRICARE Dental Program enrolled dentist.