First graders learn about Fantastic Teeth
East Elementary Nurse Brittani Haigwood discusses the proper way to brush teeth with first graders during the Fantastic Teeth program on Monday. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)
On Monday, first graders at East Elementary saw some really big teeth and learned all about the importance properly brushing their own teeth during the Fantastic Teeth program presented by the school’s nurse.
During the program, which is sponsored by the Masonic Home and School of Texas, school nurse Brittani Haigwood used a big set of teeth and an extra large toothbrush to demonstrate the proper way for students to brush their teeth. Then students watched an action-adventure video on good oral health and were given free dental packets with several items to take home, including a free toothbrush, toothpaste and a timer for brushing their teeth.
Haigwood said first grade is a good age for the program. She said it helps the kids understand the importance brushing their teeth properly and they love getting to see the big teeth and big tooth brush. She said the kids also get excited about receiving the dental packets, which are provided by the local Masonic Lodge.
“Obviously they are brushing their teeth way before first grade, but I think that it really sticks with them,” Haigwood said “Then, they want to go home and tell their families what they learned. They want to tell their little brothers and their little sisters what they learned. Yes, I think this is a very good age to learn all this information.”
Vince Moore, the Master of the Lodge No. 492 in Breckenridge, said the local organization has been providing the packets for first graders in Breckenridge and Woodson for the past seven or eight years.
He said the local Masonic Lodge members put together the packets which include a toothbrush, toothpaste and timer for brushing their teeth along with other items that are then handed out at the schools each year. He said the Fantastic Teeth program is a way for the lodge members to give back to the community.
The Fantastic Teeth Fan Club is a program created by Masonic Home and School of Texas. They partner with Masonic Lodges across Texas to provide free tooth decay prevention kits and dental education to first graders.
Story by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan
Cutline, top photo: First graders at East Elementary receive dental packets provided by local Masonic Lodge 492 during the Fantastic Teeth program on Monday. Handing out the packets are (l to r) substitute teacher Linda Summer, P. E. teacher Robin Land, P. E. aide Arlene Reyes and School Nurse Brittani Haigwood. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)
