Yokota dental supports children's dental health month

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Michael Miklosi
  • 374th Dental Squadron
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  The annual observance of children's dental health began as a one-day event in Cleveland Feb. 3, 1941. That one-day event has grown into a one-month celebration known as National Children's Dental Health Month. Sponsored by the American Dental Association, the NCDHM is dedicated to expanding children's knowledge of oral health, proper nutrition and the prevention of tooth decay.

The 2015 NCDHM campaign features the slogan "Defeat Monster Mouth." The campaign brings together thousands of dedicated dental professionals, along with caregivers, teachers, and anyone who may have a positive impact on children's oral health. 

Doing their part in the campaign, the 374th Dental Squadron is visiting local schools, setting up displays around base and opening their clinic to offer pediatric examinations and cleanings. The goal is to ensure the children at Yokota have a healthy smile. The DS stresses the importance of calcium in oral health. Brushing, flossing, regular dental care and proper nutrition are important ways for children to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Children require adequate calcium for proper development and lasting dental health. 

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health, a person's body has a "bank" where it saves calcium it will use throughout its life. Calcium is absorbed into that bank very easily from birth to age 17. After age 17, it becomes harder to absorb calcium and by age 30, the bank's deposits diminish. 

Children and young adults need about 1,300 milligrams of calcium every day. A recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that only 1 in 10 girls and 1 in 4 boys ages nine to 13 get the daily recommended amount of calcium in their diets. This representation hints at a lack of calcium in current children's diets, leading to unhealthy teeth and bones in their future.

Children and young adults can get most of their calcium from drinking three cups of low-fat or fat-free milk a day. Those who may be lactose intolerant or simply do not like milk can supplement their diet with calcium-rich food choices; some examples include: yogurt, almonds, soybeans, tofu with added calcium, cheese, broccoli and dark green leafy vegetables. This February, please, remember that teeth are meant to last a lifetime.  With proper care and nutrition, they can!