The Whole Tooth and Nothing but the Tooth

The Greenwich Department of Health Dental Health Division will celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month by holding two free after school program sessions at the Greenwich Boys and Girls Club on Wednesday, March 4.

The programs — “The Whole Tooth and Nothing But The Tooth” — are scheduled for 3:30 p.m. and again at 4 p.m., will feature a puppet show and the guest appearance by ‘Mr. Marshmallow Tooth.’

The fun and educational presentation will emphasize nutrition and how to make healthy lifestyle choices. Children also will learn proper flossing and brushing techniques. In addition, healthy snacks and apples donated by Stop & Shop in Greenwich will be available. All children ages 6 through 11 are welcome to attend this free event.

Throughout the year, Greenwich public health dental hygienists, Linda Conti and Jeannie Schnakenberg help more than 6,000 Greenwich students improve their oral health through classroom based dental education, screenings and weekly fluoride rinses. They highlight that having healthy teeth means brushing teeth twice daily, flossing every day, eating nutritious foods, limiting snacks and visiting their dentists regularly. Referrals for dental work are sent home when necessary and the public health hygienists assist with finding a dentist for families, when needed.

Dental Hygienist Linda Conti said in a statement, “Developing good habits at an early age and receiving regular screening helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.”

Dental caries (decay) is the most prominent chronic childhood disease and is one of the major causes of school absenteeism. Untreated tooth decay can lead to problems with nutrition, growth, school readiness and speech. Children can also easily see that it is important to have healthy teeth to have a nicer smile.

For more information about this program and about the School Dental Health Program, call 203-622-7858 or 203-622-3779 at the Greenwich Department of Health or online at www.greenwichct.org.

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Photo credit: tujirou via Flickr.com.