PITTSBURG, Kan. — Countryside Dentistry visited Grow at Eden Early Learning Center, 205 S. Locust Street, Friday morning to teach children about teeth health.
February is National Children's Dental Health Month, promoted by the American Dental Association. Dr. Wylie Bell, Dental Hygienist Lisa Bell and Dental Assistant Angie Deal from Countryside Dentistry presented children ages 3 to 5 in the Dandelion Room with fun activities to help encourage children to practice good oral hygiene.
“Dental decay is the number-one childhood illness,” Lisa Bell said. “It’s more prevalent than any other condition, even asthma and it’s preventable, completely. Promoting children’s dental health in February is a way that we prioritize and stress the importance of early care for kids. Every kid should see the dentist by the age of one.”
During the visit, the trio taught the children about what foods are good for their teeth and showed them how to brush. Lisa Bell showed the children how to floss by having them stand very close together and moving a jump rope between them. Lisa and the others also handed out toothbrushes and toothpaste and let them engage with a dentist playset. The team also brought small lab coats, masks and gloves for the children to dress up as a dentist.
“By coming to the school and not only try to promote dental wellness but we also try to make it fun for the kids and show them that dentistry doesn’t have to be scary or painful,” she said.
“Baby teeth,” or deciduous teeth have a thinner layer of enamel, and Lisa Bell said those teeth are more susceptible to decay. She encourages caregivers to help the younger children with brushing because they lack the dexterity to fully reach and care for their teeth.
Lisa Bell said the Countryside Dentistry office tries to keep it light-hearted and happy.
“We never want to do anything that causes them any concern or fear in the future of their care. That’s our ultimate goal.”
Lisa Bell said they would be open to doing presentations at other schools as well.
This reporting is made possible, in part, by the Support Local Journalism Project Fund. Learn more at: southeastkansas.org/Localnews.
