Bluegrass Orthodontics Talks With Area Schools about Dental Health

During the month of February, Dr. Ferguson and Liz Maskos visited with some area elementary schools in Lexington, Kentucky to educate children about the importance of dental health.  Dr. Ferguson spoke with a class of kindergartners at Trinity Christian Academy while Liz spoke with nine K/1 classes one 2nd/3rd grade class at Veteran's Park Elementary.

Both Dr. Ferguson and Liz spent about 30-40 minutes with each class teaching them how many baby and permanent teeth they have along with the proper brushing and flossing techniques.  They even used a couple of experiments to show the importance of flossing and why fluoride is so important. 

Below are some photos of their fun educational experience with the kids.

Why is Fluoride So Important?

Fluoride protection against tooth decay is needed throughout life.  However, while you are wearing braces, it is much harder to keep your teeth clean.  This can result in higher than normal amounts of plaque accumulation, which can cause cavities.

Using a fluoride toothpaste after each meal or at least twice a day is one of the most proven ways to help you stay decay free.  Fluoride makes teeth more resistant to the acids produced after eating or drinking and replaces minerals that are lost in the early stages of tooth decay.

Place a small amount of PreviDent on your toothbrush and brush as normal. When finished brushing expel the remaining out, but do not rinse with water.  The fluoride needs to stay on your teeth in order for the active ingredient to work, therefore, no eating or drinking for 30 minutes afterward.  For this reason, we recommend our patients brush with the PreviDent at night instead of their regular toothpaste.

Because your risk of tooth decay may be higher while you are wearing braces, we provide our patients with their first bottle of PreviDent 5000 Booster Fluoride at their initial banding. However, due to PreviDent 5000 Booster having over 4.5 times the fluoride protection than your everyday over-the-counter toothpaste, it is a prescription only. If you find you have run out of your first tube, let us know and we will give you a prescription.

With great brushing habits and the help of extra fluoride we are hoping to help all of our patients, friends, family, and future patients to a healthier, and happier smile.