National Children’s Dental Health Month

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Elijah Stewart
  • 66th Medical Squadron Dental Flight
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- February is upon New England: a time of groundhogs, Valentines and icy wind. Since its humble origins as a daylong observance in 1941, National Children’s Dental Health Month is celebrated each February thanks to the American Dental Association.

Children in local elementary schools can expect visits from nearby dental clinics, including those at Hanscom. The 66th Medical Squadron Dental Flight will visit the Hanscom Primary School to provide some basic oral health instructions to the children. Much of what dental technicians will discuss will help children keep their teeth clean and healthy so they can develop habits to use throughout the rest of their lives. Following that education, it is important for parents to encourage their children to follow the instructions given.

The two most effective actions that children (and adults) can take to prevent cavities and many other dental diseases are to brush and floss their teeth on a regular basis. When it comes to brushing, always use soft-bristled toothbrushes. These brushes are safer for the gums and the thinner bristles actually clean more effectively in the little crevices and angles of the teeth.

It is best to brush with the bristles angled toward the gums at about forty-five degrees and to use small circles, slowly moving over all the surfaces of the teeth. The important items to remember about brushing are that it should take at least two minutes to complete and be done at least twice per day.

Keep in mind, however, that brushing only cleans about 60 to 70 percent of the tooth surfaces. In order to clean the entire tooth, personnel should floss.

Flossing is very easy and takes very little time. Take a length of floss, about 18-inches long (this is variable and not an exact length) and wrap most of the floss around the middle finger of one hand and a small amount around the middle finger of the opposite hand. With the floss remaining between the hands, pinch it with the pointer finger and thumb of both hands, leaving about a one-inch space to floss the teeth. The basic idea is that as the inch of floss is placed down between two teeth, it wraps one tooth in a “C” shape and the floss is moved up and down to clean that side of the tooth. Repeat on other teeth, again wrapping the tooth in a “C” shape and cleaning each tooth.

When there is plaque or food on the floss, use a different part of the floss to clean the next area. Unlike brushing, flossing is only required once a day, but it is one of the most effective methods of preventing gum disease and cavities.

This February, as this nation makes efforts to teach children to take care of their teeth, make a commitment to help yourself and help your children. Brush, floss and enjoy the icy weather.

Happy National Children’s Dental Health Month!