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Yuba County Public Health teaches preschoolers importance of oral health

     Cedar Lane preschoolers were enthralled by the story of Clay the caveboy and his quest to find a secret sugar stash.

     Wouldn’t we all like to happen upon such a find? Clay thought the same until the Sugarsaurus Rex guarding the sweets showed his painful tooth cavities.

5The presentation on Jan. 30 was part of Yuba County Public Health’s goal of teaching local kids to take care of their smiles. The lively puppet show -- put on by Puppet Art Theater Company of Sacramento, thanks to a state grant – engrained the message of brushing your teeth twice a day, visiting the dentist twice a year, and going easy on the sweets.

     “The goal is to get kids excited about oral health, and provide them oral health screenings and provide fluoride varnish,” Yuba County Health Educator Annapreet Hayer, RDH (registered dental hygienist), said. “It’s a good way to get information out there and get kids treatment if needed.”

     After the 15-minute puppet show, the preschoolers broke into several groups: one with Hayer, where they learned how to brush teeth for two minutes on a dragon puppet. Another group, led by Program Aide Tarrah Tomlinson, dressed up as dentists in goggles, a mask and gown. There was another area where Public Health nursing staff checked kids’ teeth and provided a fluoride varnish. Fluoride helps protect teeth and prevent tooth decay.

     “We want to show kids to not be so scared to visit the dentist,” Hayer said. “We’re signaling that the health of your mouth is important.”

     The fluoride clinics began in mid-January and will run through the end of February, covering all preschools within Marysville Joint Unified School District. Yuba County Public Health has provided this program for the last several years.

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