DGMC wants to turn up kids’ “Smile Power”

  • Published
  • By Capt. Paul Smith
  • 60th Dental Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  This year, an annual event sponsored by the American Dental Association turns 60 years old. To help promote National Children's Dental Health Month, the 60th Dental Squadron at David Grant USAF Medical Center will send technicians and dentists to several base schools and Travis facilities during the month of February under the campaign theme of "Turn Up Your Smile Power." 

Since 1949, the ADA has promoted the early education and health benefits of good oral hygiene for children. "When parents, educators and the children themselves receive information on the proper way to take care of teeth, we all benefit in many ways," explained Dr. (Maj.) Chris Mayeda, 60th DS pediatric dentist. "The cost of preventative care is always less expensive and less traumatic than having to fix a problem, such as getting a cavity filled. Many of the people who have apprehension about dental work as adults do so as a result of a bad experience as a child." 

According to Dr. Mayeda, there are several resources available to the general public concerning oral health with many items available on the ADA's Web site for National Children's Dental Health Month. There are activities for the kids, informational handouts and other materials anyone can use from this Web site. Just spending the time with your child reviewing how to properly brush and floss their teeth correctly will reap benefits. 

Technicians and dentists from the 60th DS will visit Travis Elementary, Scandia Elementary, Child Development Center I and the Family Care Center to promote National Children's Dental Health Month. Parents are encouraged to come out to see what their children will be learning during the following schedule: 

Feb. 9 - Travis Elementary: kindergarten at 9:30 and 11:45 a.m.; fourth through sixth grade at 10:15 a.m. First through third grade at 10:45 a.m. 

Feb. 10 - Scandia Elementary: kindergarten through first grade at 8:30 a.m. Second and third grade at 9:15 a.m. 

Feb. 11 - Family Care Center: 9 to 11 a.m. 

Feb. 11 - CDC I: 9 to10:30 a.m. for classes 6, 10, 11 and Feb. 12 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. for classes 9, 10, 13, 14. 

"This is part of the way that we like to extend our knowledge to the local community," said Staff Sgt. Jennifer Takacs, 60th DS oral preventive assistant. "This year, part of our Health and Wellness staff will be joining our dental teams to help educate children on nutrition and what they should and shouldn't be eating." 

According to Sergeant Takacs, proper oral hygiene and nutrition needs a good 
foundation from home as well as from outside sources. 

"If parents really embrace the lessons they learn along with their children, then the advantages of good habits and good health will stay with them for years to come," said Sergeant Takacs. "One easy thing that parents can do is make sure that their child is not drinking sweet, sugary drinks while they are at school and at home." 

"There is a wealth of topics that can be accessed at the ADA and AAPD Web sites (www.ada.org and www.aapd.org)," Dr. Mayeda pointed out. "For instance, when should you first bring your child to the dentist? (First visit by first birthday) What kind of diet is helpful in preventing cavities? How do you adequately protect your child's dentition if they play sports? What do you do if your child has a toothache?" 

"If you are a parent, educator, mentor or any other person in a position to teach, please commit yourself to helping our children be as healthy and knowledgeable as possible," added Dr. Mayeda. "Check out the Web sites mentioned for information and ideas on how to counsel your child on how to take care of their teeth." 

For further information, contact the Arthur J. Sachsel Dental Clinic at DGMC at 423-7001.