Ellsworth promotes oral health in CDC Feb. 6

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anania Tekurio
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  As part of an ongoing effort to promote healthy oral hygiene, Airmen from the 28th Medical Operations Squadron Dental Clinic visited with students of the base's Child Development Center, Feb. 6.

The visit was in conjunction with the National Children's Dental Health Month and allowed dental clinic staff to work with children in the CDC to help them develop habits that will help them maintain their oral health.

"Developing good habits at an early age and regularly visiting the dentist helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums," said Capt. Cory Peterson, 28th MDOS dentist. "The techniques and habits that we teach will help prevent tooth decay and other dental illnesses."

After viewing an American Dental Association movie about proper dental care habits, the children were given a demonstration by Peterson and his staff on how to properly floss and brush their teeth.

Senior Airman Harrison Burkardt, 28th MDOS dental technician, emphasized the importance of flossing teeth, adding that it is one of the most important aspects of good oral health and is often overlooked.

"Brushing your teeth is essential, but flossing cleans the hard to reach areas that toothbrushes can't reach," Burkardt said. "A lot of the cavities the clinic works on could have been prevented by flossing properly every day."

The staff also distributed dental health kits containing a toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss to each child in an effort to help them maintain healthy teeth and gums.

"We just want to make sure the kids get something out of our visit," Burkardt said. "We use our teeth every day so it's important that we take care of them."

For more information about children's dental health, call the 28th MDOS Dental Clinic at (605) 385 - 3657.