Brush up kids, self on dental hygiene Published Feb. 7, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Breanna Page 27th Special Operations Aeromedical Dental Squadron CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Dental care is one of the most unmet needs among American children. Statistics show that over 50 percent of children ages 5-9 have at least one cavity or filling since tooth decay occurs faster in children than adults. Surprisingly, tooth decay is the most common childhood disease, five times more likely than asthma and seven times more likely than hay fever, according to the Academy of General Dentistry at www.AGD.org. Although it can be a challenge, it is important to keep up with a child's oral hygiene. It can sometimes be a challenge. Start with these simple instructions: First, set a good example by keeping up with your own oral hygiene. By doing so, you show your children how important it is to keep their mouth clean. They are going to want to follow everything you do. Second, it is important to start cleaning a child's mouth as early as possible. With newborns, use a wet washcloth to gently wipe plaque from their gums. This not only keeps their mouth clean but also gets them use to someone meddling in their mouth. Once teeth appear, use a cotton swab to wipe plaque off teeth, and when fully erupted, use a children's soft bristled toothbrush and water to brush the front and back of each tooth. Brush their teeth before bedtime every day and after meals and snacks. When a child turns one it is safe to use toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride prevents cavities by making teeth more resistant to acid. Press a pea-sized portion of toothpaste into the bristles to prevent them from swallowing it. Swallowing too much toothpaste containing fluoride can cause dental fluorosis, which leaves white or brown stains on teeth. Try not to use flavored toothpaste; this encourages a child to swallow it. At 6, they should be able to brush their own teeth, but parents should make sure they are doing a good job and clean missed areas. Also, don't forget about flossing, which is just as necessary as brushing and cleans 35 percent of the tooth surface and prevents gum disease. Finally, children need a healthy diet that contains calcium for strong teeth and vitamin C for healthy gums. Sticky stuff like raisins, jelly beans, hard candy and caramel should be kept to a minimum because they stick to the teeth, which makes it harder for saliva to wash away the residue. Limit drinks high in sugar and give healthy snacks such as fruit, vegetables and cheese. Make sure your child is drinking enough water everyday. Most communities have fluoride in its water system, which helps prevent cavities. Because Clovis and Cannon has higher than normal levels of fluoride (1.5 ppm-2.0ppm versus the optimum 0.7-1.2ppm concentration), use half bottled water and half tap water to reduce the fluoride level. Free, optimal level fluoride water is available, 24 hours a day, free of charge at Building 120. Bring your own container. Teach your children good dental habits now so they can thank you later.