JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month! In celebration of this special event, the 779th Dental Squadron will visit the children of Joint Base Andrews’ service members at the Children Development Centers and Imagine Andrews Public Charter School. Dental professionals will dress up in fun costumes to spread the importance of good oral health. Children at both locations will partake in fun and educational activities such as face painting, book reading, and brushing Dino’s (the dinosaur) teeth. Most important, the children will receive information on how tooth decay develops and tips on the best choices for snacking.
The children’s dental health events will be held on the following dates:
Child Development Center 1 – Feb. 3, 9-11:00 a.m.
Child Development Center 2 – Feb. 24, 3-4 p.m.
Imagine Andrews – Feb. 24, 9-11:00 a.m.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, tooth decay during early childhood is steadily on the rise. Childhood tooth decay is often a result of poor snacking habits and an ineffective oral hygiene routine. If left untreated, children can suffer from pain, infections and in the most serious cases, death.
"The range of unhealthy, sugar-laden foods marketed in stores can make it an overwhelming battle to find healthy snacks for our children,” said Maj. Katya Dollar, 779th Medical Group dentist. “Although the convenience of such foods may seem tempting, the importance of educating children on nutritious snacking along with proper brushing and flossing can help reduce risk for tooth decay caused by plaque formation.”
Dollar provided the following tips on nutritious snacking to keep the young population dental healthy and strong:
Tip #1 - Hydrate! Grab a cold bottle of water or milk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that water washes away waste in the body. The calcium found in milk promotes stronger teeth and bones. Keep fruit juices at a minimum since they contain a very high sugar content.
Tip #2 - Choose a fresh apple as a snack. Apples are not only delicious but they are also high in fiber which can easily satisfy hunger pangs. When an apple is chewed, it helps scrub away the plaque and stain that collect in the mouth.
Tip #3 - For savory delights, enjoy whole wheat crackers and hummus. Hummus has gained recent popularity because of its great taste and high protein content. Protein is a major building block for bones, muscles and skin especially among growing kids.
Tip #4 - Whenever possible, keep candy bars and potato chips far from reach. Instead, try snacking on carrots, cheese, Greek yogurts, peanut butter and almonds.
For more information on tooth decay and prevention, contact your local dental provider and dental hygienist. To locate a TRICARE dental provider, contact the Active Duty Dental Program at 1-888-286-8454.
Additional information is available at http://www.tricare.mil/Providers/DentalProviders.