Dentist Visits Glades School Classes

Healthy Lessons From Dr. Colombo
LABELLE, FL. -- Senior Dentist, Dr. Colombo and Dental Hygienist Susan Rapoport from the Glades County Health Department gave a presentation on “Healthy Habits for your Teeth” to some students at West Glades School in Muse. The presentation was given to some of the First Graders and some Seventh & Eight Graders.

The students were shown examples of healthy teeth as well as tooth decay to show the importance of why you need to take care of your teeth and gums. An apple was used as an example to show how decay can penetrate into your teeth and gums. A small hole was cut into the apple and after a short time, the apple started to turn brown. The progression over a few days showed the “decay” had penetrated well into the center of the apple.

Dr. Colombo told the students “In order for you to have healthy teeth and gums, you should eat healthy foods, don’t drink too much soda, limit your sweet and sugary snacks, and make sure you brush your teeth at least twice a day and get in the habit of flossing. You should also go to a dentist for regular checkups.”

The students were educated on the fact that sodas and juices have high contents of sugars and acids which can eat away at the tooth’s surface. They were shown an actual tooth that had been soaked in soda for several days and how the sugar and acids gradually made the tooth turn brown and discolored.

Dr. Colombo also talked about how dental sealants are applied to protect teeth from decay. A dental sealant is a clear material applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where decay most often occurs. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting teeth from bacteria and the acid that attacks the enamel.