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By Petty Officer 1st Class Kim McLendon and Petty Officer 1st Class Jose Lopez, Jr.
SAN DIEGO -- Staff from Branch Dental Clinic San Diego took the month of February to educate children and their parents about dental health with events throughout the community and at the Naval Base San Diego commissary.
Staff from Branch Dental Clinic San Diego took the month of February to educate children and their parents about dental health with events throughout the community and at the Naval Base San Diego commissary.
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. A team of dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants raised awareness on the importance of eating healthy, brushing and flossing your teeth with events at the NBSD commissary Feb. 5 and 19 and at daycare centers and elementary schools, Feb. 22 - 24.
“These events bring more education to the public,” said Lt. Tracy D’Antonio, a general dentist with BDC San Diego. “Many patients including adults have a fear of visiting the dentist. We’ve seen young recruits at boot camp who have never seen a dentist.”
The use of puppets, videos and demonstrations designed to be interactive with the children taught them what teeth do and why dental care is important.
Mr. Molar, a happy faced tooth mascot, gave kids a chance to brush off his decay with a giant sized toothbrush, which helped the children realize going to the dentist and brushing your teeth can be a fun experience.
“Cavities are responsible for causing numerous missed school days and loss of teeth,” said Lt. David Myhre, a general dentist with BDC San Diego. “The loss of teeth could lead to self esteem issues and psychological problems.”
Events at the commissary and in the community included games, toys, and oral care products geared to children. Dental hygiene tools and information were passed out to parents to assist them in teaching their children at home.
“We’ve been going out to schools and the community to let them know who we are as dentists,” said Lt. Preston Criddle, a general dentist with BDC San Diego. “We talk to children and parents and tell them how to take care of their teeth. We are trying to reach the masses, and this is the best way to let people know about cavities and early detection.”
Dentists advise parents to pay particular attention to their child’s baby teeth, which can affect their permanent teeth, and recommended children visit a dentist before their first birthday.
“Prevention is the key to dentistry,” said D’Antonio.
Beginning as a one-day event, Feb. 8, 1949, the American Dental Association held its first Children’s Dental Health Day to raise awareness of good oral health for children. It has since evolved into a month-long national celebration that focuses on the preventive dental care for children.
Parents with general questions about their children’s teeth can visit: http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/topics/child.htm
For questions about finding a dentist, contact TRICARE directly.
| Date Taken: | 02.01.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 03.21.2011 15:03 |
| Story ID: | 67479 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 39 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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