Iqaluit (May 26/03) - Amelia Lewis, 12, has made a promise to floss every night. She did it after entering a writing contest and winning a brand new bike.

Dr. Corey Grossman from the Arctic Circle Dental Clinic in Iqaluit presented Amelia Lewis with her new bike. She won the bike after entering a Baffin-wide contest on dental health. - Christine Kay/NNSL photo

The contest promoted Dental Health month in April. It was organized by Ashley White, a dental therapist in Panniqtuuq, and was open to Baffin students from kindergarten all the way to Grade 6.

Children were asked to write about previous dental experiences.

"I got about 50 entries in French, Inuktitut and English. They were all different," said White.

For Lewis, writing about clean teeth was fun. She's never had a bad experience at the dentist and her teeth are squeaky clean.

"I've never had anything bad happen to my teeth. My mom tells me to floss and sometimes I don't. I think I'll start flossing a lot now," she explained.

The Grade 6 student is from Aqsarniit Illinniarvik in Iqaluit.

The bike that she won will come in handy this summer when she wants to visit with her friends.

Lewis said she lives at the top of a hill and her friends live at the bottom.

She's looking forward to biking on the way down but is dreading the ride back up.

The grand prize bike was donated to the contest from the Arctic Circle Dental Clinic in Iqaluit.

"Anything which helps promote positive oral health and is exciting for the kids is really good," said Dr. Corey Grossman.

Organizers hope that the contest will be held every year.

Shiny teeth

by Amelia Lewis

(sung to the tune of Jingle Bells)

Shiny teeth, shiny teeth
No plaque all the way
Oh what fun, it is to have,
Shiny teeth today!
Oh squeaky clean, squeaky clean,
Toothpaste is the best,
Oh what fun, it is to floss,
Every day and night!
Gargling mouthwash,
To keep my teeth clean,
Oh what fun, it is to have,
Shiny teeth tonight!
Toothpaste on clean teeth,
Making teeth glow,
Oh what fun, it is to have,
Clean and fresh teeth!