According to Capt. JC Shirley, children miss school because of dental problems and this is why they should be brought to dentists for early detection.
Diet and hygiene are also important, he added.
Shirley was among military dentists and doctors who are participating in the ongoing Innovative Readiness Training at the Commonwealth Health Center until Aug. 21.
Shirley said they encountered large dental cavities among children between 3 and 6 years old who were already suffering from dental abscess and damaged gums.
Shirley said problems with primary teeth were also noted.
“Babies or small children are put to sleep with feeding bottles, and sugar is left in the mouth, resulting in cavities.”
Shirley said they also provided dental care to children with special needs and an adult patient who had jaw fracture.
