Warren recognizes National Children’s Dental Health Month Published Feb. 3, 2011 By Tech. Sgt. Sarah Drinkard 90th Medical Operation Squadron F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, WYO -- Each February, members of Air Force Global Strike Command's F. E. Warren Dental Clinic join with the American Dental Association to recognize National Children's Dental Health Month. During this month, the goal is to raise awareness about the importance of oral health for all ages. According to the World Health Organization, dental decay is a pandemic that affects everyone, even though it is the most preventable disease in the world. In spite of modern methods, materials and home care aides, approximately 28 percent of adults, ages 20 to 65, still have untreated decay. Cavity rates continue to rise in the older adult population due to significant increases in root surface decay and recurrent decay around existing fillings. Due to lifespans increasing, more teeth over a longer period of time will be at higher risk for decay. In order to minimize that risk, be aware of how decay forms and whatcan be done to prevent it. Three things are needed for dental decay: teeth, bacteria and sugar. Bacteria in mouths utilize the sugar eaten and create acid. The acid formed by bacteria, coupled with foods, causes demineralization and cavities. Acid can remain at detrimental levels in the mouth for 20 to 40 minutes after eating or drinking. Limiting the frequency of eating food and drinking water after meals or snacks can help neutralize the acidic environment and decrease the risk of decay in addition to regular brushing and flossing. The emphasis in treatment of decay has changed from restoring decay to preventing decay before it happens. Sealants are a preventative treatment that fill in the deep grooves of teeth to help prevent tooth decay. Frequent consumption of sugar is a significant factor in the decay or demineralization process and is easy to control. Chewing sugarless gum with xylitol sweetener after every meal or snack may help decrease acid level in the mouth and ultimately tooth decay. Fluoride enhances the tooth surface making it stronger and more able to resist acid attacks. There are several types of fluoride: fluoride varnish (for in office use), over-the-counter fluoride rinse, toothpaste and tap water. Simply drinking water is one significant preventive effort often forgotten; it helps decrease acid levels by diluting and washing them away. Topical fluoride works by replenishing needed minerals with fluoride, making enamel more resistant to acid attacks. When eating or drinking, consider the potential consequences certain foods and beverages have on teeth. Remember to decrease the frequency of sugar intake, drink water and chew gum that contains xlylitol after meals to decrease acid levels. Last but not least, schedule regular dental visits for exams and cleanings to improve the chances of keeping a healthy oral hygiene for a lifetime. During the month of February, Warren's dental staff will be visiting the Child Development Center on Feb. 9 and Freedom Elementary on Feb. 16. The children will receive age-appropriate education regarding the importance of oral hygiene. Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. The Warren Dental Clinic wants to have a part in that head start.