By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Alexandra Snow, National Naval Medical Center
In celebration of National Children's Dental Health Month, the event not only offered face painting, games and storytelling, but also fluoride applications and cavity risk assessments for children ages six months to 12 years.
About 60 children, most of whom were under age 3, attended the celebration in NNMC's Pediatric Specialty Care clinic.
"We're trying to promote awareness about children's oral health issues," said Lt. Cmdr. Melissa Fries, NPDS Pediatric Dentistry chairman. "It's important for parents to understand the important role they play in ensuring good oral hygiene habits in their children at an early age."
"Many parents try to soothe their children during bedtime or naps with a bottle of milk or juice; unfortunately, the constant exposure to sugary liquids can create a thin film of plaque on young teeth," said Maj. Masoud Milani, NNMC Comprehensive Dentistry Program dentist. "The bacteria in plaque then decays teeth and can cause weakened enamel and other significant problems."
Fries said parents can help promote good health in their child's teeth early on by substituting drinks high in sugar with water.
"Baby teeth are eventually replaced by permanent teeth, but don't underestimate the importance of your child's first set of teeth," Milani said. "They not only make a huge impact on appearance, [but also] play a crucial role in your child's ability to speak and chew effectively."
To prevent tooth decay, Milani suggests using a small amount of fluoride toothpaste on a soft-bristle toothbrush, brushing for two minutes, twice a day. When the child is old enough to spit, increase the amount of toothpaste to a pea-sized smear. Infants, whose teeth have not broken through their gums, should still have their gums wiped with a clean cloth after each feeding.
Additionally, the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy
"This is about prevention and getting good habits started early," said Fries. "The mouth is a personal space, so all kinds of behavior are normal and can be expected, but children that receive early dental visits tend to behave better during them and have better overall oral health than children who do not."
"You will need to instruct, monitor and motivate your child to help maintain good oral health habits," said Milani. "The attitudes established at an early age are critical in maintaining good oral health throughout life."
Fries said the event was specifically aimed at trying to target children who are not yet insured by the TRICARE dental program.
"If a child doesn't have dental insurance, it is unlikely that they will see a dentist by the recommended one year of age," she said.
"The TRICARE dental program is a comprehensive dental program the government offers to the active-duty service member family members, Reservists and their family members [through United Concordia]," said Janice Taylor, United Concordia senior dental benefits advisor.
Children of active-duty service members enrolled in the TRICARE dental program are automatically registered for the program at age four. In addition, children with siblings enrolled in the TRICARE dental program are automatically enrolled at birth. For children younger than four, registration is voluntary, explained Taylor
Emergency, diagnostic and preventative services are provided at no cost. To enroll a child in TRICARE dental, visit www.TRICAREdentalprogram.com.
"Good oral health starts with early prevention and education," said Fries.
To schedule a pediatric dentistry evaluation at NNMC, call 301-295-1364.
For more news from National Naval Medical Center
This article was sponsored by Military Books.
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