A Trip From the Dentist

Last week, our kids received a visit from a few Dental Hygienists and a special puppet named Hank.  The students learned many interesting facts about proper dental habits.  They learned the importance of brushing.  Adults and children are encouraged to brush two times a day, and floss once.  We also learned that Sprite and Mountain Dew are the worst soft drinks you can consume (due to the citrus acid and sugar content).  Drinking or rinsing with water can help to "wash" away some of the sugar and acid, although brushing is optimal.  We also learned the correct way to brush our teeth.

The proper way to brush teeth are as follows:

1. Floss
2. Brush Gum Lines with Water (top and bottom) in a circular pattern
3. Brush Teeth with a toothpaste (amount of a green pea and in a circular pattern)
4. Brush the Insides of teeth (top and bottom) using a "flick" motion.
5. Brush your Tongue (starting from the back of tongue with the brush going all the way to the front)

At the end of class, each child received a "gift bag".  Included in each bag was a new toothbrush, a sugar-free tooth shaped sucker, and a tooth box (or necklace).  The hygienists and gift bags were all donated by Dr. Carol Galliano (a Dunham Parent).