Creating Healthy Smiles T-Shirt Contest

EXPLORE YOUR CREATIVE SIDE with DPD!!!

During Children's Dental Health Month in February 2010,
Dickson Pediatric Dentistry is having a T-shirt designing contest.


There will be 2 judging categories: K-2nd grade and 3rd - 5th grade.

Contest Rules are as follows:
- Create a T-shirt design with a dental health message. Examples can include brushing, flossing, dental visits, tooth anatomy, nutritious foods, mouthguards in sports, etc.

- All entries must be on paper or poster board no larger than 11" x 17"

- Paint, marker, colored pencils, ink, mixed media/collage, pastel or computer generated are are all acceptable

- One entry per child

- Entries must be turned into Dickson Pediatric Dentietry by Thursday Feb. 25th, 2010

- One grand prize winner per age group

- Winner will be notified in March

Judging Categories:

K - 2nd Grade
3rd - 5th Grade

Winners will be chosen based on educational value and creativity of project.
Grand Prize winners will have their design printed on a t-shirt and one t-shirt printed for each member in their class. Winners will also get to choose a movie prize pack or gift card for Seven Flags.

The classroom with the Grand Prize Winner will also receive $100 gift card toward supplies for their classroom.

Fluoride - What is it?

What Is It?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring element that can help to prevent tooth decay by strengthening teeth. Experts say the best way to prevent tooth decay is to use several sources of fluoride.

Fluoride is found naturally in water sources in small but traceable amounts, and in certain foods such as meat, fish, eggs and tea. Fluoride also is added to water in some areas and to toothpastes, rinses and professional treatments. Prescription fluoride tablets are available for children who do not drink fluoridated water.

Fluoride strengthens teeth by helping to speed remineralization and disrupt the production of acids by bacteria. Fluoride can be incorporated into teeth in two ways. When children swallow fluoride in small doses (through food, supplements or fluoridated water), it enters the bloodstream and becomes incorporated in their developing permanent teeth, making it harder for acids to cause demineralization. Fluoride also can enter teeth directly in the mouth when it is applied at the dental office, when you brush with fluoride toothpaste or use a fluoride rinse and when fluoridated water washes over your teeth as you drink.

How safe is fluoride?

Using fluoride for the prevention and control of decay is proven to be both safe and effective. Nevertheless, products containing fluoride should be stored out of the reach of young children. Too much fluoride could cause fluorosis of developing permanent teeth. Fluorosis usually is mild, with tiny white specks or streaks that often are unnoticeable. In severe cases of fluorosis, the enamel may be pitted with brown discoloration. Development of fluorosis depends on the amount, duration and timing of excessive fluoride intake. The appearance of teeth affected by fluorosis can be greatly improved by a variety of treatments in esthetic dentistry.

Source & Citation
http://www.aapd.org/publications/brochures/floride.asp