A child’s smile goes a long way Published Feb. 4, 2010 By Lakesha Wilson Registered Dental Hygienist BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- A child's captivating smile begins with the help of family members, educators, pediatricians and dental professionals. February has been recognized as National Children's Dental Health Month and serves as a time to educate the community to help maintain the quality of a child's smile. The American Dental Association sponsors NCDHM to promote oral health awareness and their message and materials has reached millions nationwide to help promote dental awareness. Nutrition and Your Child's Teeth Nutrition plays a major role in children's oral health. Repeated exposure to sugar and starchy foods in between meals creates an acid, which attacks the enamel surface and begins to break the tooth structure down resulting in decay. A sticky film of bacteria, called plaque, also forms on the teeth after frequent exposure to sugary drinks or food. For a balanced diet, children should consume foods from the major food group pyramid. Consult with a pediatrician and nutritionist for further guidance. Baby Bottle Tooth Decay Baby bottle tooth decay can destroy teeth during the primary stage. It occurs when a baby or toddler's teeth are frequently exposed to bottle or breast milk, fruit juices and other sweet liquids. The ADA recommends the following guidelines to prevent early childhood cavities: - Wipe or rinse the child's mouth with water immediately following the dispensing of sweetened medications. - Use age appropriate dental tools such as toothpaste, floss and fluoride. Brush your child's teeth morning and night with toothpaste approved by the ADA, and floss your child's teeth daily. - Offer nutritious foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Eliminate carbonated drinks during the first 30 months of life. - Avoid sharing utensils such as silverware, cleaning pacifier with your saliva, etc. This prevents the transmission of bacteria to your child. - Xylitol chewing gum has shown a significant impact in the reduction of a child's dental cavities rate. Routine Dental Exams To enhance a child's smile, their first dental visit should be within six months after the first tooth eruption, but no later than their first birthday. Routine dental exams consist of: - An assessment of the oral cavity. - Determination if the child is at risk for developing cavities. - Radiographs to spot hidden tooth decay and undeveloped secondary teeth. - Sealants are applied to chewing surfaces of premolars and molars in prevention of tooth decay. - Education on key pointers to help take care of a child's oral health. The 2d Dental Squadron will be participating in the 2010 NCDHM by visiting the child development center, youth center, and Starbase to help prevention of primary dental disease in the Barksdale community.