Keeping your smile healthy Published Feb. 19, 2013 By Senior Airman Teanna Livingston 4th Aerospace Medicine Squadron SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- The American Dental Association recognizes February as National Children's Dental Health Month. The purpose of this month is to raise awareness and educate the public about the importance of oral health, especially in children. Many believe that baby teeth are not important because they are not permanent. This is a fallacy, they serve two major functions. The first function is that they allow your child to chew food and speak. Secondly, they save space for your child's future permanent teeth. Ideally, baby teeth should be kept until the permanent teeth are ready to replace it. If a baby tooth is lost prematurely either from trauma or a cavity, the space once occupied by the tooth can be encroached upon and taken by the adjacent teeth. This may result in a situation where there may not be room for the permanent teeth to come in. Many future dental issues can be avoided in permanent teeth if baby teeth are properly maintained. You can get an early start in making sure your child's teeth are healthy by following these tips. A baby's gums should be wiped with a clean moist cloth. As your child grows and teeth begin to appear, you can brush their teeth with a small children's size toothbrush and water. The ADA recommends using a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste once your child turns two. Young children should be taught to spit out toothpaste. Having proper dental education is paramount for parent and child. Let this year's Children's Dental Health month be your motivator to take care of your children's teeth. The general rule is that a dentist should see children no later than their third birthday. There are future consequences for today's neglect.