Members of LaPorte Service League continued to share their acting abilities in February, presenting important dental health lessons to nearly 500 local preschoolers.
Following the Pirates! play, 15 League members donned costumes to take 22 presentations into classrooms. The children were captivated by “the Tooth Fairy” sporting a blue satin gown, large wings and a crown.
After learning about the benefit of brushing twice each day and eating healthy snacks, each child received a kit with toothpaste, a brush and flossers, supported by a grant through the American Dental Association (ADA) Give Kids A Smile program.
LaPorte Schools’ administration requested the preschool-age outreach, as students are required to have a dental exam before Kindergarten.
Area dentist and Service League member Valerie R. Martinsen, DDS, assisted with developing the presentation, which is in its third year. She took part in a few sessions herself, using a stuffed dog with large false teeth and an oversized toothbrush to show the students how to brush correctly, and for how long.
Dr. Martinsen explained, “Cavities are the most common chronic disease in American children, but they are preventable. Brushing for two minutes twice a day (2 min 2 x) and making healthy food choices are things that preschoolers can learn and that can make a big impact in reducing tooth decay, pain and missed school days.”
For more information about LaPorte Service League and its numerous volunteer projects to benefit the community, visit www.laporteserviceleague.com.