Dental squadron announces Little Teeth, Big Smiles

A child’s primary teeth, sometimes called “baby teeth,” are as important as the permanent adult teeth. Primary teeth typically begin to appear when a baby is between 6 months and 1 year old. Primary teeth help children chew and speak. They also hold space in the jaws for permanent teeth that are growing under the gums.

The American Dental Association recommends a dentist examines a child within six months after the first tooth comes in and no later than the first birthday. A dental visit at an early age is a “well-baby checkup” for the teeth. Besides checking for tooth decay and other problems, the dentist can show you how to clean the child’s teeth properly and how to evaluate any adverse habits such as thumb sucking. 

If you’d like to know more about how to care for your child’s teeth, join us for a free walk-in clinic, open to all ID cardholders, from 8 a.m. to noon Nov. 19 in Bldg. 301. The Ramstein Dental Clinic will be offering well-baby exams, cleanings and dental radiographs for children up to 10 years old. Appointments are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.  For more information, call Tech. Sgt. Lisan Burney or Staff Sgt. Halima Burton at 479-2210 or 2279.

(Courtesy of the ADA and the 86th Dental Squadron)