February is National Children's Dental Health Month. The purpose of this designation by the American Dental Association is to raise awareness of the importance of oral health among children and their parents. And so the Nanobugs spotlight turns to Streptococcus mutans this month.  Strep mutans bacteria are commonly found in the mouth and are present in the thin film that develops on the teeth called plaque. Acid forms within 20 minutes after you eat and begins attaching to the outer surface of the tooth and ultimately creating tiny openings in the tooth surface called "cavities".  Streptococcus mutans is the bacteria that starts this decay process. It can stick to tooth surfaces and hide in tiny cracks in the teeth.  It lives and grows in acid conditions where other bacteria cannot. It interacts with sugars in foods to create an acid environment which causes teeth to decay.

 

Dentists have long preached that everyone should brush and floss 2-3 times a day especially after meals.  Dentists and dental hygenists have been quite effective in teaching techniques for brushing and flossing.  However, if we want to prevent the development of dental caries (cavities) we must affect attitudes and change behaviors - so that people go to the sink and brush!  That is what Nanobugs attempts to do.  Since Strep mutans has an ability to stick on the teeth - brushing and flossing are needed to get rid of the plaque and bacteria.  But getting compliance is the challenge. Recently Nanobugs, inc. created a "static cling" that can be easily placed on the bathroom mirror or ceramic tile to stimulate and remind kids and their parents to brush and floss.  Wearing a temporary tattoo of Streptococcus mutans could serve as a friendly reminder for kids too.  Or try sending a toothbrush to school in the lunch box.

We have a free Nanobug Valentine e-card available on the website for you to send out to friends and family (link).  Let the nanobug- Herpes Simplex - help you send a cute microbial thought to someone who needs a bit of humor or attention today!              the next big microscopic thing....Nanobugs!

I have always wanted to be a "calendar girl".   Despite my physical shortcomings, I am the February Hero of Infection Prevention in the APIC (Association for Professionals in Infection Prevention and Control) 2008 Heroes of Infection Prevention Calendar.  This award is given to

14 health professionals who demonstrate success and passion for the prevention of infection.  This year's theme for the calendar is "The Lives We Touch".  Nanobugs is a great demonstration of my passion and success in promoting infection prevention behaviors and I am so happy to be recognized for this contribution to the worldwide efforts to prevent infections of all kinds.  The calendars are a nice way to communicate the success stories of the heroes. More than 10,000 APIC members receive a calendar produced and distributed by Covidien - formerly Kendall/Tyco.  I am grateful to Gigi Dash, a former president of APIC, for nominating me and promoting nanobugs in the New England area.

And don't worry...it is a head and shoulders portrait picture of me fully clothed in the calendar - In case you were imagining this "February Girl" in some skimpy red Valentine duds and hot red lipstick.  Maybe next time.