CAMP ZAMA, Japan (Oct. 27, 2015)-- Maj. Demarcio Reed, commander of U.S. Army Dental Activity-Japan, spoke with children from the Sagamihara Family Housing Area Child Development Center's Strong Beginnings Class Oct. 19 about the importance of taking care of their teeth.
Reed, a comprehensive dentist, provided the class with oral hygiene instructions followed by dental screenings.
"It is important for dental care to start at a young age," said Reed.
Xavier Pittman, 5, said he learned how to brush his teeth properly during Reed's visit.
"I learned how to brush the sides of my teeth," said 4-year-old Jessa Bolin.
Cleaning children's teeth should begin when the first tooth is visible, said Reed, because teeth are susceptible to decay as soon as they appear in the mouth.
Reed said parents should make sure their children see a dentist every six months to help their children develop positive attitudes about the dentist because good oral health is important to everyone's overall well-being.
"Untreated cavities in children can result in pain, infection, poor attentiveness in class, missed school and low self-esteem," said Reed.
"Parents can take active steps to prevent tooth decay and promote good nutrition all year long for their children - daily preventive care, including proper brushing and flossing will help prevent problems, or stop them, before they develop, which is less painful, expensive and worrisome than treating conditions that have been allowed to progress," said Reed.
After the presentation and dental screenings, each student received a goody bag, which included a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, toys and a sticker.
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