Keeping Your Children Smiling

  • Published
  • By Capt. Natalie Germain
  • 19th Aerospace Medicine Squadron
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  You may have noticed several child-related dental articles in the paper recently. We are trying to highlight the importance of good oral health for your children. According to the National Institute of Health, dental caries remains the most prevalent chronic disease in both children and adults. This is a sad truth considering that dental caries can be prevented. Additionally, the downward trend of dental caries has recently started to reverse for young children. This means there is a rise in the amount of young children being affected by the disease.

According to the most recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, data (1999-2004), 42 percent of children from ages 2-11 have dental caries in their primary teeth and 23 percent of children ages 2-11 have untreated dental caries. These statistics highlight the need for children's dental care. It is our responsibility to care for and educate our children. The American Dental Association has set aside the month of February to focus on our children. February is National Children's Dental Health Month.

Every February, dental providers put extra emphasis on reaching out to children. Several clinics open their doors for free or reduced cost treatment for kids. Many dental professionals use this time to educate the children on appropriate care and oral health.

Throughout the month of February, the Little Rock Air Force Base dental clinic will be visiting base schools and childcare centers. The focus of these visits will be to provide children an opportunity to learn more about appropriate oral health. We hope that you can join us in celebrating NCDHM by talking to your kids about brushing and flossing, as well as making sure they have the appropriate professional dental care that they need. Thank you for participating in NCDHM with us.

Please refer to the following resource for more information: http://www.ada.org/givekidsasmile.aspx