A healthy smile starts young

  • Published
  • By Capt. (Dr.) Colleen Johnsrud
  • 341st Medical Group Dental Clinic
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  February is National Children's Dental Health Month and proper oral hygiene habits are the best way to ensure children will have healthy smiles throughout their lifetime.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child visits the dentist by the time they are 12 months of age. Establishing healthy dental habits at home and providing care at an early age can prevent future dental complications. These preventive measures will help children become familiar with visiting the dentist, easing their transition.

The primary, or "baby," teeth are necessary for chewing as well as speaking and serve a vital role preserving space in the mouth prior to the eruption of a child's permanent teeth. Loss of space can occur if a primary tooth is missing prematurely resulting in misaligned permanent teeth, which are much harder to clean.

Good oral hygiene should start at birth to prevent dental caries or cavities. Caregivers should begin cleaning their infant's gums with a soft toothbrush or a wet washcloth. The AAPD recommends brushing twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste once the first tooth arrives. Make sure a small amount of toothpaste is utilized (less than a pea size for children under five) and remember to assist children under the age of nine with brushing.

Providing a healthy, balanced diet is another important aspect in preventing dental caries. Recommended healthy dental snacks between meals are cheese, carrots and apples. Dental caries cannot form without adding sugar to a child's diet. Limiting the amount of sticky sugary snacks and drinks will go a long way in preventing cavities.

Education is of high importance and the Malmstrom Air Force Base Dental Clinic should be your front-line educator. Clinic personnel educate family members on a continuing basis as part of the preventive dentistry program. The Malmstrom Preventive Dentistry Team will be at the base library Feb. 28 at 10 a.m. to promote a healthy smile and Children's Dental Health Month.

For more information, call 731-2511.