Give a child a smile

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman John Rodgers
  • 48th Dental Squadron dental assistant
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  February is National Children's Dental Heath Month. The Dental Clinic will be visiting primary schools, the Youth Center and the Child Development Centers to provide preventive dentistry education.

Parents can help protect their child's teeth at home by ensuring the practice of good dental hygiene. Brushing twice a day is recommended by the American Dental Association to help keep children's teeth healthy. Teeth that are close together should be flossed at least once a day to prevent tooth decay.

One of the most common chronic childhood diseases, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is caries - otherwise known as decay. Caries is the result of demineralization of the teeth enamel. The acids produced by the interaction of cariogenic bacteria found in the mouth and fermentable carbohydrates (sucrose) may induce demineralization, which could progress to the loss of tooth structure. Left unchecked, this breakdown leads to cavities.

Improper diet has also been associated with tooth decay. Frequent snacking on foods high in sugar, such as fruit juices, candy and soda, greatly increases the risk of tooth decay. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, candy bars and soda aren't the only culprits. Common household foods, such as canned fruits, ketchup and breakfast cereals, can contain many sugars and should be limited when possible.

Children should drink plenty of water after snacking to help reduce their negative effects.

It is also important to keep a child's baby teeth healthy because they lay the foundation for their permanent teeth.

Lt. Col. (Dr.) Aixa Torres-Ramirez, 48th Dental Squadron Pediatric Dentistry Department chief, said untreated caries can lead to pain, infection and loss of function, and indirectly affect quality of life. Children need healthy baby teeth for a variety of reasons such as chewing, speaking and space maintenance for permanent teeth.

Protect your child's smile by scheduling their annual check-up.