Do not miss the opportunity…

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- February is a great opportunity to educate yourself on your child's oral health. It is the American Dental Association's tenth anniversary for sponsoring National Children's Dental Health Month.

In February, the ADA raises awareness of oral health across the country by reaching out to our communities and schools. Their 2012 campaign slogan is "Rock Your Smile."

Prevention is the ideal thought when taking care of your child's oral health. The ADA recommends children have their first dental exam within six months of the first tooth and no later than the first birthday. Although it may seem early, the reason is to examine for cavities as well as evaluate for any bad habits such as thumb-sucking. The bottom front teeth are expected to show between 6-10 months of age.

Here are other tips in preventing tooth decay. When your child learns how to spit and not swallow toothpaste, use a soft bristle toothbrush with a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste. To be sure teeth are properly cleaned, you may need to brush your child's teeth until they are at least six years old and you know they are competent. It is recommended to thoroughly brush twice a day with an ADA's Seal of Acceptance fluoride toothpaste. In addition to brushing, floss once a day. When flossing, make sure you are removing the plaque from under the gums and between teeth. Lastly, selecting smart snacks and drinks can make a big difference in your dental health. Fruit juices are high in sugar and contribute to tooth decay. Encourage snacks and drinks that are low in sugar such as cheese, raw vegetables, water and milk.

Children need strong, healthy teeth to last throughout their life. To learn more about good dental health, go to www.ADA.org. Being better informed and getting regular dental checkups will rock your child's smile.

Active duty dependents interested in obtaining insurance information can go to the
Tri-Care dental program which is located at the website: http://www.tricaredentalprogram.com/tdptws/home.jsp