Kindergarten classes celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month
NEGAUNEE — February is National Children’s Dental Health Month and kindergarten students at Lakeview Elementary School welcomed some special guests into their classrooms.
Rebecca Maino, registered dental hygienist and health educator from the Marquette County Health Department, and her puppet friends, Allie the Alligator and Clarabelle the Cow, taught the students about the importance of oral hygiene. The students learned about good brushing and flossing techniques, cavities and what to expect when they go to the dentist using interactive activities and games.
“It’s a really good time for them to learn about their teeth and we also send home reminder slips to the parents to remind them to visit the dentist,” said Maino. “Also, we try to touch on some healthy foods.”
“I’ve been to the dentist and I saw a picture of my teeth. All of my grown-up teeth were right there,” said Desmond Baker, a kindergarten student at Lakeview.
The Marquette County Health Department promotes good dental health year-round and would like to remind parents to:
- Brush your teeth and your children’s teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Children as young as 6-8 years old may still need assistance brushing their teeth.
- Floss once a day.
- Stay away from sticky, sweet treats. Avoid sugary drinks and snacks in between meals. If you have a sweet treat, it is better to have it with your meal.
- Visit a dentist twice a year. Routine dental check-ups can find dental problems early on and prevent small problems from becoming more severe ones.
- If you or your child plays a sport, use a mouth guard to protect your teeth.
For more information, contact the Marquette County Health Department.