By Elaine Heirigs, Naval Health Clinic Lemoore

LEMOORE, Calif. – Dentists and hygienists from Naval Health Clinic Lemoore visited two elementary schools on Naval Air Station Lemoore to teach children the importance of dental hygiene.

Lt. Hannah Mills, Lt. Tri Nguyen, Lt. Dikran Diarian and dental hygienist Brenda Guerzon presented oral health education to students from preschool through third grade at Neutra Elementary School on Feb. 25 and Akers School on Feb. 27.

The team emphasized the fundamental roles teeth play in daily life. “We use our teeth for eating, talking, and smiling,” Mills told the students while explaining the difference between primary and permanent teeth. “We get 20 baby teeth and up to 32 adult teeth.”

The core of the lesson focused on preventing cavities by fighting the “sugar bug.”

“The sugar bug eats sugar and makes acid, and that acid makes holes in your teeth,” Mills explained to the children.

To prevent acid from hurting the student’s teeth, the dental team explained a simple and effective daily routine. “Brush two times a day for two minutes,” they advised, reminding students to clean all surfaces. “Don’t forget the outside, the top, and the inside.”

The students and teachers learned fun dental facts, “Floss at least once a day, it doesn’t matter if you floss before or after brushing, just do both,” Mills explained.

Beyond brushing and flossing, the presentation educated students on making smart dietary choices for optimal dental health. The team explained that sticky snacks can be more harmful because they remain on the teeth longer.

“Sticky snacks give the sugar bugs more time to make acid,” Mills said. She offered practical comparisons, noting, “If you’re choosing between apple juice and an apple, the apple is a better choice.” The team also explained that “fresh grapes are better for your teeth than raisins” and that “chocolate is a better treat than a lollipop because it melts and isn’t as sticky.”

The message was clear: “Healthy snacks can help your teeth stay strong.” The team suggested the students drink water as the ideal beverage choice, stating, “Water is the best thing you can drink for your body and your teeth.”

The team described what happens during a check-up and how they help maintain oral health.

“The hygienist cleans your teeth and paints on vitamins to help make them strong,” Mills said, referring to fluoride treatments. “Fluoride is a special vitamin that protects your teeth.”

They also explained procedures in simple terms. “When your tooth gets sick, we clean out the cavity and place a filling,” said Nguyen. “We take special photos called X-rays to see your teeth.”

The visits provided foundational knowledge to hundreds of children on the installation, equipping them with the tools and information needed to maintain a lifetime of healthy smiles.

About Naval Health Clinic Lemoore/Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Lemoore: NHC/ NMRTC Lemoore’s mission is to advance the health and readiness of our warfighters and beneficiaries. The command ensures the operational readiness of active-duty personnel and supports military families by delivering high-quality healthcare to over 18,000 beneficiaries at NAS Lemoore, California and NAS Fallon, Nevada.

Additionally, the command provides vital medical administrative support to U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and international students attending the Naval Postgraduate School, the Defense Language Institute, and the Center for Information Dominance in Monterey, California.