Sterilization Supervisor Gwendolyn Fields wraps a case containing dental instruments prior to sending the pack through its final sterilization phase. This four-phase process includes a thermal disinfector which initially cleans the instruments, wrapping and prepping of each pack, a heated sterilization machine and cooling and storage for later use. This process ensures the sterilization of the equipment prior to use on patients at Naval Health Clinic Charleston Dental. (U.S. Navy photo/Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jennifer R. Hudson)

Hospital Corpsman Seaman Sayphonh Khammala prepares to take an x-ray of Fireman Johnnie Williams’ teeth. The x-ray will tell the dentist if there are any cavities or jaw issues and if there are any molars or premolars. Naval Health Clinic Charleston Dental takes approximately 200 x-rays weekly. (U.S. Navy photo/Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jennifer R. Hudson)

Diane Wilson, a dental technician at Naval Health Clinic Charleston Dental, trims a diagnostic cast on the model trimmer, Jan. 13. The diagnostic cast shapes soft night guards, which help prevent patients from grinding their teeth during sleep. The occasional grinding of teeth does not usually harm a person, however, if the grinding occurs on a regular basis, damage and other oral health complications could arise. On average, NHCC Dental makes four soft night guards each month. (U.S. Navy photo/Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Brannon Deugan)

Hospital Corpsman Seaman Jordan Craig uses a polishing tool to place fluorinated paste onto a patient’s teeth. This process is done after completing an annual cleaning where a doctor will remove plaque and tarter from hard to reach areas. (U.S. Navy photo/Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jennifer R. Hudson)

Dr. William Reynolds checks a patient’s x-rays prior to an examination at Naval Health Clinic Charleston Dental, Jan. 13. An x-ray can tell a doctor if there are problems with a patient’s jaw and show cavities or other issues concerning the teeth. (U.S. Navy photo/Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jennifer R. Hudson)

Good daily oral hygiene is key to preventing plaque build-up. Plaque causes two of the most common diseases found in the mouth, dental decay and gum disease. Sailors at Joint Base Charleston-Weapons Station are seen annually for a routine examination and cleaning at Naval Health Clinic Charleston Dental. (U.S. Navy photo/Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jennifer R. Hudson)