Fluoride, sealants important for children's dental health Published Jan. 31, 2008 By Maj. Aida M. Solivan 72nd Dental Squadron TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- Each February the American Dental Association sponsors National Children's Dental Health month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. As we have done in the past this year, the 72nd Dental Squadron joins the ADA in their educational effort to share information with our folks, especially with parents of small children. The entire body needs vitamins and minerals for good health; teeth and bones also need a special mineral called fluoride. Fluoride is a natural element found in rocks and soils, fresh water and the ocean. It helps prevent tooth decay especially in children, whose teeth are still developing. The best way to get fluoride is by drinking fluoridated water. Studies have shown that water fluoridation can reduce the amount of decay in children's teeth by as much as 60 percent, and by nearly 35 percent in adults. Tinker's water supply, including the child development centers and youth center, is fluoridated in accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency standards and ADA recommendations. At Tinker, fluoride levels are measured on a monthly basis by the 72nd Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight and are reported to the 72nd Air Base Wing authorities and to the 72nd Dental Squadron. In addition to getting fluoride through your drinking water there are other ways you and your family can get protection with fluoride, among them: tablets or drops, gels, toothpastes and rinses. Chewable fluoride tablets may be prescribed by a dentist or physician for children living in areas with low fluoride levels in the drinking water. The supplement should be taken daily until age 13. Fluoride toothpastes and rinses are available in the dental products section of most stores. Be sure to look for the ADA seal of acceptance when selecting home dental care products. Another way to prevent tooth decay is the application of sealants on children's back teeth. A sealant is a plastic material that is applied on the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent bacteria from lodging in the pits and grooves of those teeth. The application is painless, quick, easy, and does not require anesthesia. Sealants can also be helpful for some adults. Fluoride and sealants, along with brushing, flossing, good nutrition and regular dental visits will help keep children's teeth healthy. For more information, call the 72nd dental clinic at 736-2000 or visit the ADA Web site at www.ada.org or the TRICARE Dental Program (United Concordia) Web site at www.TRICAREdentalprogram.com or the Department of Health and Human Services (Headstart) Web site at www.acf.hhs.gov, or the Centers for Disease Control Web site at www.cdc.gov.