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379th EMDG ensures servicemembers are fit to bite

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tong Duong
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Trained to numb pains and extract dental problems, a pair of specialists here help keep servicemembers' teeth healthy and strong. 

The 379th Expeditionary Medical Group dental clinic helps to soothe the pain and provide servicemembers temporary dental support. 

Averaging five to seven patients a day, the two-member dental clinic, can offer the same type of dental care provided at a stateside location, including as tooth cleaning, root canals, extractions and more, said Staff Sgt. Amy Montgomery, 379th EMDG dental assistant, deployed from Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. 

"We provide the service they need, so they can get the temporary relief and complete the mission at hand," said Capt. Rory Frederick, a 379th EMDG dentist. "We patch them up, either through emergency treatment or dental work that will hold them over until they get home." 

We can do any kind of dental work that does not require the support of the dental lab, such as metal crowns, bridges, dentures and tooth replacement, Captain Frederick said. 

The combination of poor food choices and dental hygiene are the leading causes of servicemembers' visit to the dental clinic, according to Captain Frederick. 

"Along with repairing cracked and chipped teeth, we do a lot of periodontal-related work, needed because servicemembers may not brush or floss regularly, which can infect the gums," he said. "If you have prolonged exposure to colas and sports drinks with high acid and sugar content, they can break down the enamel of your teeth and cause bacteria in your mouth to create acid." 

While long exposure to certain surgars is bad for your pearly whites, some are actually good for them, according to Captain Frederick. 

"Some chewing gum contains Xylitol, which is a sugar that is not easily digested by bacteria and can help to remove sticky deposits from your teeth," he said. "But brushing and flossing at least twice a day is still always the best way to clean your teeth." 

Captain Frederick said he enjoys helping servicemembers in pain. 

"Patients who come back for a follow-up appointment and thank me for relieving them of their pain are very rewarding," he said. "That's why we're here -- to provide servicemembers with the dental care they need, so they can focus on the mission."