Keep your smile, wear a mouth guard

As daylight gradually stretches longer into the evenings and homework time is soon replaced with outdoor sports, there are a few things which can dampen the magic and freedom of summertime. For example, knocking out a tooth or experiencing a concussion is a surefire way to spend time on the sidelines.

The 86th Dental Squadron is handing out free mouth guards at this year’s Sports Physical Day, May 29, at the Ramstein Dental Clinic.

The dental clinic encourages all children to wear protective mouth guards during sports and other activities such as riding bikes. Upon receiving a new mouth guard, children will also receive safety tips for trauma prevention and oral hygiene from the dental team.

The Ramstein Dental Clinic hosts several children’s community outreach events each year. As part of February’s National Children’s Dental Health Month, the squadron conducted a “Defeat Monster Mouth” clinic, which provided dental services to more than 100 children.

Last November, the dental clinic hosted a “Little Teeth, Big Smiles” weekend outreach clinic where kids were reclined in their comfortable “throne” for a dental exam, x-rays and a gentle cleaning.

In February, the 86th DS also conducted 110 school classroom visits for more than 3,000 children across the KMC. Every quarter, the dental team visits Ramstein Middle School loaded with dental goodie bags to help reinforce proper oral hygiene practices.

The 86th DS invites all to stop by the mouth guard booth during the Sports Physical Day. For more information, call the 86th DS’s contact line at 479-2210 or
06371-46-2210.