February 15, 2008
YKHC’s Dental Dept. Sponsored the Bogus Creek 150 race for the second year in a row.
Dental Dept. Sponsors Bogus Creek 150
By DezBaa A. Damon, D.M.D.
YKHC Dental Clinic was proud to sponsor the Bogus Creek 150 Sled Dog Race for the second year in a row and participate in the Kusko 300 race as well.
Every year the YKHC Dental Disease and Prevention Program along with "Mr. Tooth" organizes efforts to raise oral health awareness through "Mushing for Brushing."
"Mushing for Brushing" began this year with a presentation for students at Kilbuck Elementary. Dentists Dr. Damon and Dr. Shoffstall, Dental Hygienists Rong Li and Bob Ward, and Dental Assistants Denise Anvil and Lucy Patrick discussed five ways to maintain a healthy smile:
- Brush your teeth at least two times a day
- Do not rinse your mouth out after brushing with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss every day
- Drink plenty of water, especially after sugary snacks and drinks
- Do not use tobacco-chew, iqmik, or cigarettes.
Andy Angstman's mushing dog, Zinc, also visited the school and we learned that he did not have to brush his teeth as much since he does not consume foods or drinks that are full of sugar. Zinc has no cavities.
Meanwhile, at the Races...
At the start of the Bogus Creek 150 and the K-300 races, our dental team-Dr. DezBaa Damon, Dr. Robert Allen, Bob Ward, Fritz Charles, Denise Anvil, Juliann Tinker and "Mr. Tooth"-handed out goodie bags. Each goodie bag included a toothbrush, toothpaste and information on how to properly brush and floss.
We also informed parents about the decay that we commonly see on teeth near the gum line. Without proper brushing, children develop plaque-a soft, gooey material that builds up on the teeth near the gum line and when it sits long enough on the tooth that is when cavities develop.
In addition to the enthusiasm surrounding the Kusko 300, our clinic was also excited about the initiation of the Dental Health Aide Therapist (DHAT) Program here in Bethel. Dental Health Aide Therapist students start their program in Anchorage and then complete their second year in Bethel. Current DHAT students Sheena Nelson, Daniel Kennedy, and Danielle Boston came out to help with "Mushing for Brushing."
The Bogus Creek 150 and K-300 events were a lot of fun and, as usual, it was great to visit with the community. Education is so important to the YKHC Dental Disease and Prevention Program; it is through events and programs like the Bogus Creek 150, the K-300, Mushing for Brushing and Smile Alaska Style that we can address the astonishing tooth decay rate in our region-a decay rate that is 2-3 times the national average. With continued efforts we hope to make substantial improvements.
We look forward to next year!