Dental hygienists went to classrooms throughout the month and demonstrated proper brushing techniques, talked about flossing and emphasized the importance of maintaining a dental health routine. The hygienists estimates nearly 1,000 children were reached through presentations.
The importance [of observing Children’s Dental Health month] lies with teaching children about proper diet and oral hygiene,” said Col. Darrell Smith, 96th Dental Squadron commander. “This will promote a healthy dentition that will benefit them for their lifetime.”
Smith explained the foundation for healthy permanent teeth is developed during childhood, when primary (baby) teeth and/or mixed dentition (primary and permanent teeth) is present. Healthy primary teeth are not only important for chewing food, they are essential for speech development and are involved in the proper alignment of the permanent teeth.
“It is extremely important to maintain healthy primary teeth until the permanent teeth erupt,” said Smith.
He emphasized taking care of those strong healthy permanent teeth will come more naturally for those children who develop good oral hygiene habits early on.
“Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces while giving them a few tips and tools to better take care of their teeth is just so rewarding,” said the Colonel.
All children participating in the presentation were given a dental goody bag that included a toothbrush and toothpaste from Give Kids a Smile, a foundation established by the American Dental Association to provide children with free dental care and supplies.
In addition to the presentations, the Eglin Pedodontic Department and Dental Residency provided a Give Kids a Smile Day where approximately 18-20 underserved children were screened. Education/oral hygiene instructions, fluoride treatments and anticipatory guidance including age appropriate education to children and parents were provided.