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The 86th Dental Squadron will host its annual Saturday walk-in clinic for children up to age 10 from 8 a.m. to noon April 30. The clinic will be held at the Ramstein Dental Clinic, Bldg 301. Services will include well-baby exams (up to age 4), dental examinations and cleaning (ages 5 to 10), and custom mouth guards for contact sports. Oral hygiene education stations will also be set up. Appointments are on a first come, first served basis. For details, call Master Sgt. Eric Anderson at 479-2210 or 06371-46-2210.
To get a head start on caring for your child’s teeth, here are the top five things you can do to ensure their oral health.
5. Establish good eating habits — Eating and drinking acidic sodas or sugary juices cause the environment in the mouth to become more acidic, which can cause cavities. The initial rise in acidity is usually rapid and can lead to demineralization of the teeth, which is the first step in cavity formation. Therefore, frequent snacking or constant sipping of these drinks never lets the mouth return to a more neutral environment.
4. Drink plenty of water, preferably with fluoride — An average can of soda contains more than 14 tablespoons of sugar. Carbonated drinks are the single biggest source of refined sugars in the American diet. Children start drinking soda at a remarkably young age, and consumption increases through young adulthood. One-fifth of 1 and 2-year-old children consume soft drinks. Toddlers drink an average of seven ounces — nearly one cup — per day. Parents should limit the amount of soda their children drink. By drinking water, the pH balance of the oral environment is restored.
3. Make sure your child is getting fluoride — Fluoride, when used in small amounts on a routine basis, helps to prevent tooth decay. Most military installations overseas fluoridate the water, depending on the processing source. Fluoride also can be found in many different foods as well as in dental products, such as toothpaste and mouth rinses. In communities that do not receive fluoridated water, children should drink fluoridated bottled water and brush with fluoride toothpaste. The Ramstein Dental Clinic does not recommend special fluoride supplements for children since these supplements could result in children receiving too much fluoride, which causes permanent tooth staining.
2. Make sure your child sees a dentist at least once a year — Your dentist will be able to help you with oral hygiene instruction and topical fluoride application. He or she can also answer any questions you might have about taking care of your child’s oral health. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists recommends that children are seen by a dentist by age 1, or by the eruption of the first tooth.
1. Brush and floss your child’s teeth — The average child does not have the manual dexterity to properly clean their teeth and gums until they are around 10 to 11 years old. A good rule of thumb is if your child can write cursive, then he or she can do an adequate job brushing and flossing. Until then, it is important for the parent to supervise their brushing and flossing. Check them after they brush and point out areas they are missing.
(Courtesy of the 86th Dental Squadron)
