Students learn about proper dental care
Students at San Vicente Elementary got a mouthful yesterday, as they learned about proper dental hygiene.
As part of National Dental Hygiene Month, local dental hygienist Lori Serna from SDA Dental Clinic visited classrooms to teach students about proper dental care.
“Education and awareness is the key,” Serna said, adding that it’s important to inform the kids at a young age about proper care, because they usually have cavities.
In the U.S. mainland, studies show that 60 percent of elementary students have at least one cavity. Although no similar studies have been conducted in the CNMI, Serna said she estimates 80 percent of elementary students in the Public School System have at least one cavity.
She attributes the number to a lack of awareness and a mentality, “if it doesn’t hurt don’t fix it.”
That’s why it’s important to clear up myths about proper dental hygiene, such as candy causes cavities and if candy is avoided it is not necessary to brush teeth, she said. Food alters the pH balance in the mouth, and brushing brings the level back to neutral.
People should brush for two minutes, Serna said, adding that she recommends people brush as they watch TV or are on the computer. Studies have shown that people who brush in front of the mirror only brush for 17 seconds.
Although toothpaste smells nice, dry brushing is effective, she said.
“Toothpaste is like wearing cologne,” she said. “It smells and feels cleans, but it’s like putting on cologne without taking a shower, which is just nasty.”
At the school presentations, students were given vouchers for a free dental exam, where parents can ask dentists questions. Anybody on island can also receive a free exam to coincide with the National Dental Hygiene Month, Serna said. People can call the SDA Dental Clinic at 234-6323.
The American Dental Hygienists’ Association sponsors the nationwide observation of the month of October as National Dental Hygiene Month.