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The U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine has developed a Bite Site to enhance dental wellness. MAJ Georgia DelaCruz, DMD, MPH Dental Staff Officer, Wellness Resource Program, Directorate of Health Promotion and Wellness U.S. Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine (USACHPPM) hosts the H4H Clinician's Corner column every month to bring you clinical information, studies, and readiness commentary. She is the Fit 2 Bite dental subject matter expert! USACHPPM risk communications staff members support the review of Fit 2 Bite content.

If you have a question or comment related to dental wellness visit the dentist's chair, flash your smile, and fire away!

Choose Another Article:
      • The Gift of Oral Fitness
      • Oral Health and Nutrition
      • More Than Just Dirty Teeth and Bad Breath
      • Flosses and Waterpicks
      • Dental Treatment Anxiety
      • Frequent headaches? Can't sleep? Check your bite
      • How Can You Brighten Your Smile?
      • Smokeless Tobacco & Oral Health
      • Tea for Teeth
      • Smoke or Smokeless, Tobacco Habits are Nothing to Smile About
      • Good Oral Hygiene--Are You Prepared?
      • Report on Dental Disease Shows Disturbing Trend
      • Service Member's Glossary of Common Dental Terms
      • The Best Care in the World
      • What Leaders Can Do to Improve Dental Readiness
      • Combat Dentists Keep Troops' Teeth Healthy
      • MREs to contain xylitol gum to fight tooth decay
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Good Oral Hygiene--Are You Prepared?

Patrick D. Sculley, DDS, MA

Hurricane Katrina and the fourth anniversary of the terror attacks of 9-11 are vivid reminders that planning and preparedness have never been more important. Adequate emergency planning, preparedness, and response are not just the responsibility of emergency responders, but also of Families and individuals.

Stress and alterations in diet are among the unwelcome side affects during many natural or manmade disasters. These factors can be harmful to oral health, and good oral hygiene is mandatory.

Emergency response experts and government agencies recommend the preparation of an emergency kit sufficient to sustain each individual for 72 to 96 hours. Most recommendations include the obvious items such as food, water, basic toiletries, and medicines, however it is vitally important to include a watertight supply of basic oral hygiene essentials. Your emergency kit should include the following supplies:
  1. Toothbrush,
  2. Toothpaste,
  3. Floss,
  4. Extra potable water for oral hygiene use,
  5. Medicines or other pharmacy items recommended by you dentist or physician, and
  6. Any required specialized oral hygiene items such as floss holders or floss threaders.
Please prepare now to ensure a lifetime of good oral health.

September is National Preparedness Month. For 30 tips on planning and preparing for an emergency visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security web page located at: http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/interapp/editorial/editorial_0711.xml

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