In recognition of National Children's Dental Health Month, several members of Naval Medical Center Portsmouth's (NMCP) Dental Department visited Park View Elementary School, Feb. 22, to talk with students about the importance of good oral health.

"We had the opportunity to participate in community-based education for the kids," said Lt. Yuning Weber, a general practice resident dentist. "We spoke to them about good dental hygiene and let them dress up as teeth to teach them about brushing and flossing."

The staff visited kindergarten, 1st grade and 6th grade classes, as well as three special education classes.

"It's important to start with the kids," Weber said. "We need to teach them about building good dental habits so that we minimize severe dental needs down the road."

Despite being preventable, the most common chronic disease in children is tooth decay. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated one out of five children aged 5 to 11 years have at least one untreated decayed tooth.

"Prevention of dental problems as adults is our main issue," Weber explained. "A lot of people are just unaware of how important it is to start early."

"It was really nice to be able to teach the kids about dental health," said Hospitalman Taryn Moorhead. "I think we had as much fun as they did. The kids were really lively and seemed to enjoy our visit."

The staff handed out "goodie" bags complete with toothbrushes, floss, stickers and a case for lost teeth ready for the tooth fairy.

For more news from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, visit www.navy.mil/.