National Children’s Dental Health Month: Promoting healthy mouths for 63 years


National Children’s Dental Health Month turns 63 this year. Each February since 1949 the American Dental Association has sponsored National Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health.

This year, the NCDHM campaign asks that all children “Rock Your Smile!”
By cultivating good oral hygiene practices and scheduling regular dental visits at an early age, children are afforded the opportunity to develop healthy habits that will help their teeth and gums last a lifetime.

Throughout the month of February, dental teams around the globe will be visiting schools to promote proper brushing, flossing and healthy dietary choices through hands-on demonstrations, videos and slide presentations.

The 86th Dental Squadron will be visiting with local students on the following dates:
• Feb. 2 ― Ramstein Library Story Time
• Feb. 7 to 9 ― Ramstein Intermediate School
• Feb. 10 ― Child Development Center Preschool Age Program
• Feb. 13 to 14 ― Ramstein Middle School
• Feb. 14 to 15 ― Ramstein High School
• Feb. 15 ― Vogelweh Library Story Time
• Feb. 17 ― Sembach Middle School
• Feb. 27 to 28 ― Ramstein Elementary School

In the meantime, keep these helpful dental tips in mind:
To ensure a healthy smile and reduce the risk of cavities, teeth should be brushed at least twice daily for no less than two minutes. Flossing should be done at least once a day.

Remember parents, children under 10 years old may not have the dexterity to brush or floss effectively, and therefore will require some assistance. Smart snacking alternatives such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, dairy products and sugarless gum can also be helpful in building strong cavity-resistant teeth and healthy gums.

(Courtesy of the 86th Dental Squadron)