Having fun at Coyote Springs Elementary

I submitted this as a press release to local papers, so the tone is quite professional. But I have included several pictures to show how much fun the kids had...and hopefully, you'll be inspired to keep the bacteria "poop" off of your teeth, too.

Leah Kuipers and kids acting as human fingers demonstrate the correct way to floss: up and down, not back and forth.

 One hundred fifty-five 1st-, 3rd-, and 5th-grade students at Coyote Springs Elementary School in Prescott Valley went home on Thursday, February 17th, enthused to brush and floss their teeth regularly. One third grade boy in Mrs. Simpson’s class says that he’ll now brush his teeth six times a day!

Dr. Robert Patterson and his assistant, Leah Kuipers, of Patterson Orthodontics visited six classrooms at Coyote Springs to teach them the importance of dental hygiene in honor of this month being National Children’s Dental Health Month.

“The first thing we talked about,” said Dr. Rob, “is that tooth decay is the number one chronic disease in childhood in the U.S. Later, we talked about how cavities are formed so they can use that knowledge to prevent decay.”

Leah and a 3rd grade class practice the correct 45 degree angle for brushing their teeth.

Dr. Rob engaged the students in a lively presentation. He taught the students that bacteria live everywhere, even in our mouths; and just like people, bacteria love sugar. The bacteria eats the sugar and makes two things: acid and plaque. He taught them that plaque is bacteria “poop.” It’s yellow, it stinks, and it protects the bacteria from the body’s saliva. While the bacteria lives in its “house of plaque”, it also produces acid which eats away at the tooth and causes cavities.

He explained that most of the foods people eat have some sugar in them. However foods like candy and soda have the most sugar, which the bacteria thrives on. He also reminded them about the importance of visiting their dentist regularly to help prevent cavities and take care of existing cavities. He explained the different types of dental specialists and what they do, focusing on pedodontists and orthodontists who are specially trained to treat children so the child’s experience is fun and not fearful.

Class learning how fluoride works to strengthen the tooth.

Kuipers demonstrated the proper brushing techniques: holding the brush at a 45 degree angle, staying close to the gums, moving the toothbrush in small circles, and brushing for two minutes. She taught them to brush their teeth twice each day and to floss at least once every day. In order to demonstrate the proper way of flossing and brushing, they had students in each class be the models.

“It was enjoyable being around the kids and being silly with them. I enjoyed seeing the light bulbs go on about what causes tooth decay,” said Kuipers.

Dr. Rob teaching 3rd grade class about what makes cavities: essentially bacteria "poop."

Ms. Ness, third grade teacher, said that she loves how Patterson Orthodontics comes every year to teach the kids about dental health and remind them to take care of their teeth. She led her class by example in showing them her toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash that she keeps in her desk at school.

“The faculty love how we provide this as a service,” said Dr. Rob. “I love doing this because the kids really enjoy it and they are really bright. They are not as afraid of coming to the dentist, and now they have the knowledge to fight cavities.”

If you want some free activities and coloring pages about fighting cavities, visit the ADA website.