Cicero Kids Learn Good Oral Health Habits from Tooth Wizard, PlaqueMan

Delta Dental of Illinois provides theater program free to school

Cicero, Illinois (NED).— Cicero kindergarten through third-grade students learned how to take care of their teeth and the importance of good oral health from Tooth Wizard, as he battled his nemesis PlaqueMan, during Delta Dental of Illinois’ “Land of Smiles” program at Goodwin Elementary. February is Children’s Dental Health Month, which makes the performance especially timely.

Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease affecting children in Illinois.1 According to a survey by the Illinois Department of Public Health, 55 percent of Illinois third graders have experienced dental cavities. Among those children, 30 percent have untreated cavities and 4 percent have cavities that need urgent dental treatment.2

 “Since most tooth decay is preventable, we know it is important to start educating children about good oral health habits at an early age,” said Tom Colgan, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Illinois. “This program inspires a lifetime of good oral health habits and helps further our mission to improve the oral health of the communities we serve.”

 “Land of Smiles,” provided free to schools by the not-for-profit Delta Dental of Illinois, is a highly entertaining theatrical performance in which costumed characters Tooth Wizard and PlaqueMan educate kids on how to get rid of what Tooth Wizard refers to as that “icky, sticky, slimy, grimy, sort of yellowy, greeny gunk” – known as plaque – which causes cavities and damages gums.

Student volunteers helped Tooth Wizard and PlaqueMan demonstrate proper brushing techniques and how to floss using an oversized set of teeth and toothbrush. The characters also discussed good and bad foods for teeth and why it is important to visit the dentist at least twice a year.

To further improve their oral health, kids who attended the program received a “dental treat” bag containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and an oral health brochure explaining the importance of good oral health.

Also, Goodwin Elementary received a “Land of Smiles” curriculum kit to help reinforce good oral health habits with students. The kit includes visual and audio educational tools, including a 12-minute video, an audiocassette tape, books and an oversized mouth model and toothbrush to demonstrate proper brushing techniques.

This year, nearly 30,000 kindergarten through third-grade students in 100 Illinois elementary schools will enjoy the “Land of Smiles” program. The program has reached a total of 100,000 students over the past three years.

Photo Caption 1:

Tooth Wizard and PlaqueMan, two characters from Delta Dental of Illinois’ Land of Smiles program, show elementary school students how to take care of their teeth and the importance of good oral health in a fun, interactive way.

Photo Caption 2:

PlaqueMan, a character from Delta Dental of Illinois’ Land of Smiles program, places “icky, sticky” plaque on an oversized set of teeth to teach kids about its harmful effects.

Photo Caption 3:

Tooth Wizard, a character created by Delta Dental of Illinois, helps educate elementary school children on proper dental habits during the Land of Smiles program.