CARTHAGE, Mo. — A theatrical production at Carthage’s Pleasant Valley Elementary School is teaching an important lesson.
Delta Dental of Missouri stopped by Wednesday morning to perform its show called “Land of Smiles.” The show teaches children the importance of brushing, flossing, visiting the dentist, and eating healthy food to keep their teeth healthy.
The theatrical group has been touring the Show Me State throughout October to mark National Dental Hygiene Month. Statistics show tooth decay as the leading chronic disease among children, affecting 23% of kids 2 to 5 years old.
Educators hope the lessons taught in the show go home with the students.
“All kids need to be healthy and happy; this is just an important component of it. Starting your day off on the right foot. Doing things to get you ready for the day, and hygiene is an important part of that. Brushing our teeth is an important part of that when we’re talking to everyone,” said Don Cox, Pleasant Valley Elementary School Principal.
“My favorite part is watching the little kids and all of their smiles and how happy they are. All of their little comments after the shows telling us about how they’re brushing their teeth or not brushing their teeth. How they have cavities and how excited they are to just go home and brush their teeth,” said Charlysse Casma, National Theatre for Children Actor.
Delta Dental of Missouri also stopped by Wildwood Elementary in Sarcoxie Wednesday. They’re scheduled to visit Noel, Southwest City, and Wheaton Thursday and Friday.
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