MILLINOCKET -- Dental disease touches every community - affecting half of all first graders. Children with dental disease are more likely to have other health problems.

Dental problems are directly linked to children not doing well in school. Dental decay is a serious medical condition that can undermine a child's healthy development.

Pediatric dentist Lisa Jacob of Katahdin Valley Health Center's Millinocket Dental Clinic volunteered on Friday afternoon, June 6, to talk with first grade students at Millinocket's Granite Street School. In her discussions with the children, Dr. Jacob explained why going to the dentist is very important, and how and why they should take good care of their teeth every day.

The hands of all the first graders feeling the tongue of Mr. Gross Mouth - they were clearly fascinated by Mr. Gross Mouth.

The group talked about how to choose toothpaste - be sure to look on the package for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal and that the product contains fluoride. Dr. Jacob recommends brushing with a soft toothbrush, using a small circular motion on your teeth, brushing a minimum of twice a day for two minutes each time. One of the first graders gained Dr. Jacob's support when he recommended brushing one's tongue to be sure to remove all the bacteria (also known as sugar monsters that can cause cavities). Dr. Jacob showed models of a healthy mouth and an unhealthy mouth, called Mr. Gross Mouth. The children seemed particularly interested in the sugar monsters found in Mr. Gross Mouth and the damage to his teeth those monsters had caused.

Dr. Jacob discussed how to properly floss, and several children demonstrated for the class.

When asked what healthy snacks were best, the children were quick to respond with all the right answers – strawberries, carrots, string cheese, nonsugar cereals, milk and lots of water.

"Children with oral health problems have trouble eating and sleeping, paying attention to parents and concentrating in school. Tooth decay tends to leave children in acute pain so they're unable to concentrate to learn core skills like reading and writing.

Granite Street first grade student Matthew Kowalski demonstrates how to properly floss your teeth to his classmates as KVHC's pediatric dentist Dr. Lisa Jacob looks on.

"It's important that students understand the components of good oral health so they will recognize that good oral health is an essential part of good general health and nutrition throughout their lives. The mouth is an early warning system, signaling trouble in other parts of the body.

"Because dental disease is caused by a bacterial infection, it has been linked to life-long health problems like heart and lung disease. Today, oral disease is the most common chronic childhood disease in America, five times as common as asthma.

"Today we talked about brushing and flossing, tooth decay, the benefits of calcium and fluoride treatment, good nutrition and overall oral hygiene. We also discussed what a dentist does and how to take good care of your teeth so they will have good, strong teeth for a lifetime," said Dr. Jacob.

Thirty-three first grade students participated. Each student received lots of good information for their well being as well as toothpaste, dental floss, game books and stickers.

KVHC's dental clinic, located at 50 Summer Street in Millinocket, has talented people providing high quality, affordable dental care to people of all ages. KVHC offers various sliding fee programs and accepts insurance. For an appointment, call 207-723-6565.

KVHC's Pediatric Dentist Dr. Lisa Jacob talking with 33 first graders at Granite Street School about the importance of good oral hygiene.

Katahdin Valley Health Center (KVHC) is a provider of high quality, cost effective primary health, dental, substance abuse and mental health care to the people in the Greater Katahdin Region. A Federally Qualified Health Center, KVHC is a nonprofit business governed by a board of directors, comprised of area volunteers, funded by a federal grant under Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. KVHC employs 65 people at its facilities in Millinocket, Houlton, Patten and Island Falls.