Photo By Cpl. Jonah Lovy | Students at Bolden Elementary/ Middle School aboard Laurel Bay get a demonstration on...... read more read more
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In support of National Children’s Dental Health Month, dental officers from Parris Island and Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort are educating children across the Tri-Command about the importance of good oral health.
Part of a child's educational curriculum should include proper oral hygiene and prevention to ensure their smiles last a lifetime. Most educators agree that teaching children early helps build a solid foundation for future learning success. During the event children learn about the importance of regular dental examinations including:
• When children should have their first dental visit,
• Ways to prevent early childhood cavities,
• When to expect changes from primary (baby teeth) to permanent teeth,
• Proper brushing and flossing techniques,
• Thumb sucking,
• Dental sealants,
• The importance of mouth protector for active children,
• Saying no to tobacco.
During a presentation at Bolden Elementary/ Middle school, Lt. Misha Lockey, a dental officer at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and several hospital corpsmen shared about the importance of oral health with more than 300 students. Through Lockey’s efforts, the dental team has obtained tooth paste and brushes donated from the American Dental Association, as part of the “Give Kids a Smile Day” campaign sponsored by Colgate and Henry Schein.
“Through the deepening of oral health care knowledge, we as dental providers can encourage healthy habits and prevent painful dental diseases,” said Lockey.
According to the Center of Disease Control, cavities are the most prevalent infectious disease in our nation’s children. More than 40% of our children have dental decay by kindergarten. This disease affects the general population but is 32 times more likely to occur in infants who consume a diet high in sugar, and whose parents have not received oral health education guidance for their infants. The best way to ensure that children do not get cavities or periodontal disease is to instill proper oral habits early.
The TRICARE Dental Program, managed by MetLife, supports this education and prevention effort by promoting early enrollment of children in the dental program and encouraging dental examinations for infants by their first birthday. According to the enrollment division of MetLife, children are automatically enrolled in the dental program at age four, but parents can enroll them as early as twelve months to promote good dental habits and prevention of tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, there are no copays for children in this age group for diagnostic and preventive services, excluding sealants. Enrollment can be completed by the sponsor on line at TRICARE Dental Programs.
In addition to seeing a dentist at an early age, it is important to understand that good oral hygiene starts at home. Parents should regularly clean their baby's gums with a wet cloth; this stimulates the gum tissue and removes food. They should brush and floss their children's teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount (about the size of a pea) of fluoride toothpaste to prevent dental and gum disease. Once children can brush on their own, children should be supervised to ensure they are doing a thorough job. Being proactive will help prevent dental issues in the future.
Open since 1949, Naval Hospital Beaufort provides general medical, surgical, and VA services to all active duty personnel, retired military, family members and veterans residing in the Beaufort area, a total population of approximately 45,000 beneficiaries.
| Date Taken: | 02.18.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 02.18.2016 11:29 |
| Story ID: | 189161 |
| Location: | BEAUFORT, SOUTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 75 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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