Say Cheese!

By Ramonica Jones

Joy Parker, RDH and Dr. George Gutierrez

Got time? Then get your choppers checked at Special Smiles.  On Friday, 155 athletes received a dental exam at Wellness Park.  For some, it was their first dental visit and the first step in a healthy direction.

Dental hygienist, Joy Parker, explained, “A lot of people forget that the mouth is connected to the rest of the body.  A healthy mouth helps to promote a healthy body.  If your mouth is in pain, it can affect what you need to do everyday.”

Untreated cavities and periodontal disease are among some of the problems Parker saw in the athletes screened on Friday.  All the athletes received oral hygiene instructions, a free spin toothbrush and a lesson on how to properly brush their teeth.

Anyone who needs follow up dental care will get a referral for a dentist in their community so they can get the treatment they need.  There’s still time to get screened. If you missed out on Special Smiles yesterday, be sure to drop by today for a check up.