
DATE: Friday, October 31, 1997              TAG: 9710290165

SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER      PAGE: 6E   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY SUSAN W. SMITH, STAFF WRITER 
                                            LENGTH:   75 lines

PEDIATRIC DENTIST MAKES KIDS AN OFFER - MONEY FOR CANDY

DR. GAIL V. PLAUKA, who does not usually promote sweets, is going into the candy business.

Plauka's venture is a four-day Halloween candy buy-back special. The pediatric dentist, whose office is located on Johnstown Road, will pay 25 cents per pound to each child who wants to cash in sweet treats from Nov. 3-7.

The buy-back is to encourage children to make alternative choices instead of gorging on M&Ms and Snicker bars. Plauka explained that sugar mixes with bacteria in the mouth to form an acid that causes cavities.

Plauka, who has practiced in Great Bridge since 1985, provides dental and mouth care for infants, children and teen-agers. She specialized in pediatric dentistry at the Medical College of Georgia, and in 1988, she became a Diplomate and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She is also on the staff of Children's Hospital of the Kings Daughters and Chesapeake General Hospital.

``Healthier eating habits and good dental care should start at an early age,'' Plauka said. ``Halloween would be much better for children if we would promote books, crayons, pencils and stickers instead of candy. Some dental problems which occur later in life are caused by bad habits or neglect during childhood or adolescence.''

For a food treat, she suggested popcorn, nuts, some fruits and raw vegetables. And surprisingly, chocolate is a better choice than bananas and raisins. Chocolate has natural enzymes that fights plaque and bacteria while bananas and raisins leave a sticky, sweet coating on teeth.

``But no matter what the goodies, everyone, especially children, should always brush soon after eating,'' Plauka said. ``A clean tooth can not get a cavity.''

Recently, Plauka shared some basic dental health facts:

Teeth, which form during the third and sixth month of pregnancy are affected by the mother's diet. Plaque, a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on everyone's teeth, causes cavities and gum diseases. Plaque should be removed by daily brushing and flossing and by professional cleaning by a dentist.

Besides eating and snacking wisely, Plauka recommends a dental examination before a child's first birthday.

``An initial exam should be a regular part of a well-baby check-up,'' Plauka said. ``If a mouth injury or fall occurs later, a record of the teeth and mouth could be helpful to the treatment. Also, with early attention, we can educate the parents about the importance of preventative care, such as fluoride and sealants.''

Sealants, a hard, protective coating painted on the surface of a child's back teeth, keeps plaque and food out of tiny crevices and prevents cavities.

Plauka said although Chesapeake water may have a salty or brackish taste, it has the appropriate fluoride level to maintain healthy teeth. Plauka advised spring or distilled water users to see their dentist about fluoride supplements. MEMO: For more information about the Halloween candy buy-back offer,

call Gail V. Plauka and Associates at 482-4777. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by CHARLIE MEADS

Dr. Gail Plauka, a Great Bridge pediatric dentist, will buy

Halloween candy from her patients - including 4-year-old Abby Lord -

for 25 cents a pound.

Graphic

DENTAL TIPS

Take your child to the dentist regularly, beginning by the first

birthday.

Put only water in a child's nap-time or bedtime bottle.

Clean your child's mouth daily.

Start brushing as soon as the first tooth erupts.

Make sure your child gets fluoride needed for decay-resistant