Inuvik (May 06/05) - Elementary school students are trying to put those cavity creeps out of business.

As April was dental health month, several activities planned by the school's dental therapist Cheryl Buyck helped reaffirm the message that healthy smiles make for healthier living.

"All I usually do is drill and fill but this past month gave me a chance to do some fun stuff with the kids," she said.

Some of this fun stuff included a classroom door decorating contest and dental poetry showdown.

Grade 1 student Kylan Shea had the honour of naming the school's new dental health mascot. His suggestion of Molar Bear was chosen from among more than 200 entries.

"I brush my teeth twice a day so I won't get any cavities," said the six-year-old, who is proud of his fillings-free mouth.

In addition to SAMS' "no junk food" policy that helps keep sugary snacks at a minimum, many teachers have a brushing program that, according to Buyck, gets students brushing their teeth, "at least once a day."

"Oral health here is pretty good," said Buyck, who fixes cavities for between 20 and 25 students each week.

"It's not the best it could be but it's decent."

While keeping kids and sweet treats apart is often a difficult task, what has proven easier is getting young people to keep up a good brushing routine.

"I'm constantly trying to drive home the message of maintaining clean teeth," Buyck said.

For SAMS student Brandon Andre, whose name suggestion Mr. Jawsy earned him an honourable mention, tasty toothpaste is what keeps him brushing and, so far, cavity-free.

"I really like the cinnamon kind of toothpaste," he said.