RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Cleaning, flossing and repairing teeth is nothing unusual for the dentists and technicians at the 86th Medical Group here. Each year they see thousands of active duty members, civilian employees and family members. But family members, especially young children, are really where the dentists get the bang for their proverbial buck. 

Preventative care, or measures taken to prevent diseases and future medical conditions, rather than cure them, has been a topic of study, especially with the suggested health-care reform changes posed by President Barrack Obama. Some suggest by implementing simple preventative measures early we could save millions nationwide in health care costs. Preventative dental care is another area where a large difference can be made by taking steps early. 

Many recent studies have shown frightening news about significant increases in young children suffering from tooth decay, causing some parents to take notice and ensure their children are getting proper dental care. 

With only one full-time pediatric dentist, Lt. Col. (Dr.) John Kersey, at the 86th Dental Clinic, other general dentists such as Maj. (Dr.) Jonathan Evans chip in regularly seeing the many dependent children in the Kaiserslautern Military Community. 

According to WebMD, most babies get their first tooth around six months and their last primary molars before they turn three. What is very important to keep in mind is your child will keep these "baby" teeth until age 10 or 12 making cleaning and maintaining those 20 teeth very important not only to social imaging, but to overall physical well-being. 

But as Doctor Evans points out, some of the habits formed at an early age, such as proper or improper brushing, will stick with individuals even into adulthood. 

"During a child's visit we work with not only the patient, but the parents as well," said Doctor Evans. 

And Doctor Evans holds true to his word, during my son's recent first dental exam he not only cleaned Hayden's teeth, but he also took time to show us how to help the 17-month-old. 

"With kids, you are doing the same exam and cleaning," said Doctor Kersey. "We simply modify the exam a little to facilitate the child's attention span. We always leave a little time to educate the parents on the importance of being involved in their child's dental health." 

During Hayden's visit, after cleaning his ten baby teeth, Doctor Evans explained tricks of the trade to get him used to flossing with help at an early age, and explaining that fluoride supplements may be necessary particularly if you live off-base here. 

"We always take time to ask the parents if they live off-base, and explain that local water doesn't contain enough fluoride in it for healthy tooth formation," said Doctor Evans. 

"Again, prevention and education is the key," said Doctor Kersey. 

In terms of when parents should start administering dental care, many Web sites suggest cleaning the gums of infants, even before the first tooth appears. 

Doctor Evans suggests, "Dental care should start as early as possible." 

A simple technique of dampening a small piece of textured gauze and wiping down gums after feeding could help children avoid dental health problems in the future enabling a healthy smile, a stronger personal image and perhaps even saving money down the road.

Other helpful tips for parents include: 

Using just a wet toothbrush, which, is sufficient for cleaning toddler teeth.
Children need fluoride in their water supply to strengthen tooth enamel.
Don't let your child fall asleep with a bottle or sippy cup. If your child wants to go to bed with a drink, fill a sippy cup with water.
Plan your child's first dental trip at one year.
Start to floss once teeth are touching.
And remember anything that can stain a white cotton T-shirt can stain teeth.