Superior first-graders brush up on dental care
Kendra, a first-grader at Superior Elementary School, holds up her new toothbrush. School nurse, Barb Jasper spoke with the class about proper dental hygiene as part of Oral Health Month in February. (Kathleen Woodford/Mineral Independent).
Superior School nurse Barb Jasper teaches the Mrs. Cooper’s first-grade class about brushing for two minutes, twice a day for good oral health care. (Kathleen Woodford/Mineral Independent).
Superior first-graders Laney and Mac examine a rubber tongue and a set of teeth used to show proper brushing techniques during a presentation by school nurse Barb Jasper. (Kathleen Woodford/Mineral Independent).
February was Oral Health Month and Superior School nurse Barb Jasper visited the first grade class to teach about good dental habits. Each student received a brand new toothbrush and was given lessons on how to brush their teeth properly.
“Two times two means two times a day for two minutes,” said Jasper, as the students held up two fingers.
A model of a set of teeth with a squishy red tongue was also passed around the small group of students, who were able to take the tongue out for closer examination.
“Sugar gives us a plaque attack,” Jasper explained, “and cavities can be caused by plaque.”
Children get approximately 20 baby teeth, and they usually start to fall out around the age of six or seven. Then permanent, adult teeth grow in, with 32 in total.
During her presentation, Jasper explaind that, overnight, plaque (which is a sticky film which is bad for your teeth and it contains germs) forms on teeth. The germs make cavities, which is why it is important to brush before bed and when you get up in the morning.
She also talked about flossing teeth and toothbrushes. For the childen, the brushes should small and easy to hold, and soft brittles.
Using her mouth model, she showed how to brush by moving gently back and forth to get all sides of the teeth. She also said eating healthy and getting regular dental checkups are other ways to prevent cavities.
Some foods that are good for teeth are vegetables, like carrots and salads, as well as meat, eggs and fish, almonds and cheese which contain calcium. For low income families, Healthy Montana Kids is a free insurance program which includes dental care.
The students were also given a monthly calendar called, “Swat the Sugars!” It instructs them to “brush two minutes two times a day to swat those pesky sugars out of your mouth and keep your smile healthy. If students fill out the calendar and mark that they brushe twice each day, they can return it at the end of the month and receive a “Sugar Swatter Certificate.”