'Little Teeth Big Smiles' keeps children grinning

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Hailey Haux
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  A young boy runs the toothbrush under the water then applies the toothpaste and begins to brush his teeth in circular motions, just like the dentist taught him. On his tiptoes and outstretched, he can barely see his reflection as he opens wide to brush his back teeth.

"The lady told me to make sure I brush my teeth everyday and showed me how to floss with string so I have my teeth for forever," said 9-year-old Kai Kramer, son of Master Sgt. Randall Kramer, 86th Medical Support Squadron.

More than 100 other children 10 years old and younger attended the Little Teeth, Big Smiles outreach program at the dental clinic here Nov. 17.

"This program was started because Ramstein covers a large community and we don't get a chance to see as many family members as we would like," said Capt. Erin McNamara, 86th Dental Squadron general dentist.

The event is held twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. The program was started to ensure children are kept up to date with their X-rays and teeth cleaning. For infants and toddlers, well-baby exams are done.

"It's important to teach young children good habits like showing them how to properly brush and floss," said Staff Sgt. Misty Claar, 86th DS NCOIC of pediatric dentistry.

"(Seven is the age) when a child should be able to brush their teeth on their own."
Many kids grow up fearing the dentist, said Claar.

"It's my main objective to help kids get over their fear by making this a fun day," said Claar. "We joke with the kids and make their time here a fun one."

She said different techniques at home can help children with their brushing behavior. Showing children how to brush their teeth and then positively reinforcing good teeth cleaning behavior is a good technique.

At the end of their visit, each child received a goodie bag with a toothbrush, dental floss, a sticker and a pamphlet of information.

"We have been getting a lot of feedback from parents saying that it has been very convenient to have this done on a Saturday," said Claar. "Most parents work during the week, so it is great to be able to do this for them."

Getting ready for an event like this takes some time and planning, said McNamara.

"A couple months out we have to coordinate with the schools to make sure there aren't any major events going on that day," said McNamara. "Then about a month out we start advertising for it and the week of we get the goodie bags set up and make sure all the supplies are where they need to be."

If you didn't get the chance to attend this latest Little Teeth Big Smiles event, there will be one held in the spring.

After rinsing his mouth out with water, the boy smiles big in the mirror showing off his pearly whites and is grinning from ear to ear knowing that he is taking good care of his teeth.