There were shared smiles all around from the young children at the Jackson Park Naval Housing Child Development Center (CDC) when Lt. Melanie Perry visited Feb. 15.

Perry, general dentist assigned to Dental Health Clinic Bangor, was visiting classes at the CDC as part of the annual awareness campaign, National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM). The American Dental Association has designated February as NCDHM to “raise awareness about the importance of oral health.”

“The goal is to reach as many of our younger family members as possible to stress how serious and important it is to start taking care of their teeth at a young age,” said Perry. “Repetition is the key, and we remind and reinforce them to continue with their brushing habits. We also encourage them to tell their parents what they are doing to get them to help them out.”

“I brush my teeth every day,” exclaimed Alexander, age 4.

“My teeth are sharper than a Tyrannosaurus Rex,” added classmate DeAndre, also age 4.

The CDC cycled one class after another to see Perry, who had the children view a cartoon on caring for their teeth, followed by a presentation on good brushing habits, then an animated discussion on how and why to brush their teeth, along with why establishing a routine was helpful. Perry then gave them a limited oral exam.

“I send them home with a brief note recommending they take their child to see a dentist if I notice any cavities, crowding issues that could benefit from early orthodontic intervention, broken teeth or heavy plaque,” said Perry, adding that this is the second year she has been involved in NCDHM at NHB after supporting similar efforts for three years on Okinawa.

Perry attests that pain from dental disease is a leading cause of missed days of school. “Prevention is clearly the easiest and most efficient way to combat the problem.  By educating children and parents we can instill good habits and avoid cavities and therefore pain all together,” said Perry. “NCDHM is for all children from birth to high school and, actually, for parents too.  Parents are the ones that need to be brushing and flossing their children’s teeth and monitoring older children. Above all, it’s really up to them to be setting a good example and instilling good habits.”

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), the NCDHM campaign helps to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. NCDHM messages and materials reach millions of people in communities across the country. The ADA notes that developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Perry has also taken her presentation at various locales in Navy Region Northwest, including Naval Base Kitsap Bangor Child Development Center and Lighthouse program along with the Jackson Park Naval Housing Youth and Teen Center.

Perry will also be setting up a booth at the Kitsap Fairgrounds on Saturday, Feb. 26 for Military Appre-ciation Day.  There will be giving limited oral exams to children (not to replace a comprehensive exam by a family dentist), brushing and flossing instructions, and informational pamphlets available on many dental topics.