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Lloyd learns to conquer ‘sugar monsters’
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Dentist James Ramunno demonstrated how to properly brush teeth during a presentation on dental health at Lloyd on Feb. 23. Ramunno said to brush in soft circles on gums and incisors, but that molars can handle a more rigorous brushing.
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Dentist James Ramunno (left) discussed the importance of a healthy mouth and gums during a presentation at Lloyd Elementary on Feb. 23.
By SARAH FOOR
Austintown dentist James Ramunno visited Lloyd Elementary on Feb. 23 to teach students how to properly care for their teeth.
Ramunno began his presentation by sharing tips on proper dental care approved by the American Dental Association. The dentist urged students to brush twice a day for two minutes each time. He reminded the kids to brush their tongues and to floss once a day.
“For kids, I call the plaque that gets stuck on your teeth ‘sugar bugs’ and ‘sugar monsters.’ You have to make sure and get those bad guys out of your mouth each day so that your teeth and gums will be healthy,” Ramunno explained.
The dentist showed the students proper form for brushing on a large model of a set of teeth. He then showed a short film called “Bright smiles, Bright futures,” that taught the students how to properly avoid a “plaque attack.”
Ramunno then engaged in a short question-and-answer session with the students about any dental health worries.
One brave Lloyd student said he only brushes once a day, but that he had never had any cavities.
Ramunno urged the student to think about the future.
“After you lose all your baby teeth, you’ll only have your one pair of teeth to last you the rest of your life. Although you might be lucky now only brushing once a day, it might not always stay that way. If you can sneak in an extra brushing every day, your teeth will thank you for it,” Ramunno said.