FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- February is the American Dental Association's National Children's Dental Health Month.
To kick off the celebration, the Tooth Fairy, also known as Roseanne Licina, Red Cross volunteer, along with Dr. Ann Bagley D.D.S, with the Dental Clinic, visited the Child Development Center Feb. 2.
According to the American Dental Association, parents do not realize they should be cleaning the gums of babies long before the first tooth comes in, which explains why 40 percent of children in the United States have a cavity by age 6.
Around 250 children, ages infant to 6 years old, participated in the dental screening provided by the dental health clinic.
"Teaching children of all ages good dental hygiene is very important," said Bagley. "During the month, activities have been set up to help make the public aware of how important it is to have children practice good dental health hygiene at an early age."
The clinic will hold its annual "Toothbrush Turn In" next week. Children can throw away their old toothbrushes and stop by the dental clinic to get a new one.
"It is very important that not only children, but adults as well, replace their toothbrush every three months," Dr. Bagley said.
The dental clinic reinforces the importance of celebrating Dental Health Month.
"I believe children of all ages should practice good dental hygiene," Licina said. "Children need to learn at an early age the importance of brushing their teeth and taking proper care of their teeth. Having good dental hygiene affects a child's mental and physical well-being."
Following the dental screening, children who participated received their own dental mirror and a new toothbrush. They also received a little goodie bag from the Tooth Fairy full of specialty items to help promote good dental hygiene.
"We want to thank the dental clinic for coming today," said Sandra Milstead, representative with the CDC. "They have taken time out of their schedule to help make sure the children here at the CDC learn proper dental hygiene."
For more information on dental health, call 255-3393.
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