Because Every Child Deserves to Smile
Donation protected
Hello friends, family, and future friends!
For those of you who don't know me, my name is Kayla Palyani and I currently work as a dental assistant for a pediatric dental office in Sunnyvale, CA. In the past year, I have developed an undeniable passion for working with children through my work as a dental assistant and as a volunteer in surrounding communities, helping to emphasize the importance of oral care to children. My work has made it evident to me that too many children from impoverished and low-income communities, located right here in the Bay Area, do not have the means to obtain basic necessities such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, or floss to help encourage/improve their overall health, thus helping to reduce the prevalence of cavities in these communities.
Education:
Dental cavities, also known as caries, occur when a combination of carbohydrates, acid by-products, bacteria, and saliva in the mouth form plaque. The acids produced in plaque by specific bacterium soften the inorganic layers of the tooth (enamel and dentin), resulting in the formation of holes in the teeth, aka cavities! Though their are various factors that contribute to the risk of an individual getting cavities (genetics etc.), brushing and flossing can help reduce the possibility of getting cavities!
Statistics:
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, children between the ages of 5 to 19 from low-income families are twice as likely to have cavities compared to children of higher-income families (1). Additionally, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, conducted in the United States between 1999-2004, found that 42% of children between the ages of 2 to 11 have cavities on their primary (baby) teeth (2). Simply put, children from lower income families have higher rates of dental decay. The epidemic associated with dental caries is evident; however, my goal is to supply children in the South Bay and East bay with the tools they need to help improve their oral health.
The funds that you donate will go directly towards purchasing:
1. Toothbrushes- Targeting ages 5+ (primarily children in elementary school)
2. Floss
3. Toothpaste (3)
*Additional funds, if any, will be used to purchase timers (reminding children to brush for 2 minutes, 2X a day!).
(1) See https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/children_adults/child.htm.
(2) See https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/research/data-statistics/dental-caries/children.
(3) This category is still under consideration, due to our concerns regarding the premature ingestion of Fluoride by young children. If this category is dismissed, the remaining funds shall be reallocated towards more toothbrushes and floss. You shall be notified accordingly if such decision is made.
Execution and Timeline:
My goal is to purchase all of the supplies by mid July 2019 and distribute the supplies by the beginning of September 2019. For those of you who wish to be included in the selection process (which toothbrushes to order, which communities to distribute to, etc.), just let me know and I would love to have you on board! Once the distribution area has been selected, I would appreciate any type of assistance in delivering the items! Suggestions are welcome and greatly valued.
Words can't describe how much I appreciate the support each and everyone of you contribute to this cause. Let's make a difference in our community, one child at a time!
"It is not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving."
- Mother Teresa
For those of you who don't know me, my name is Kayla Palyani and I currently work as a dental assistant for a pediatric dental office in Sunnyvale, CA. In the past year, I have developed an undeniable passion for working with children through my work as a dental assistant and as a volunteer in surrounding communities, helping to emphasize the importance of oral care to children. My work has made it evident to me that too many children from impoverished and low-income communities, located right here in the Bay Area, do not have the means to obtain basic necessities such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, or floss to help encourage/improve their overall health, thus helping to reduce the prevalence of cavities in these communities.
Education:
Dental cavities, also known as caries, occur when a combination of carbohydrates, acid by-products, bacteria, and saliva in the mouth form plaque. The acids produced in plaque by specific bacterium soften the inorganic layers of the tooth (enamel and dentin), resulting in the formation of holes in the teeth, aka cavities! Though their are various factors that contribute to the risk of an individual getting cavities (genetics etc.), brushing and flossing can help reduce the possibility of getting cavities!
Statistics:
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, children between the ages of 5 to 19 from low-income families are twice as likely to have cavities compared to children of higher-income families (1). Additionally, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, conducted in the United States between 1999-2004, found that 42% of children between the ages of 2 to 11 have cavities on their primary (baby) teeth (2). Simply put, children from lower income families have higher rates of dental decay. The epidemic associated with dental caries is evident; however, my goal is to supply children in the South Bay and East bay with the tools they need to help improve their oral health.
The funds that you donate will go directly towards purchasing:
1. Toothbrushes- Targeting ages 5+ (primarily children in elementary school)
2. Floss
3. Toothpaste (3)
*Additional funds, if any, will be used to purchase timers (reminding children to brush for 2 minutes, 2X a day!).
(1) See https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/children_adults/child.htm.
(2) See https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/research/data-statistics/dental-caries/children.
(3) This category is still under consideration, due to our concerns regarding the premature ingestion of Fluoride by young children. If this category is dismissed, the remaining funds shall be reallocated towards more toothbrushes and floss. You shall be notified accordingly if such decision is made.
Execution and Timeline:
My goal is to purchase all of the supplies by mid July 2019 and distribute the supplies by the beginning of September 2019. For those of you who wish to be included in the selection process (which toothbrushes to order, which communities to distribute to, etc.), just let me know and I would love to have you on board! Once the distribution area has been selected, I would appreciate any type of assistance in delivering the items! Suggestions are welcome and greatly valued.
Words can't describe how much I appreciate the support each and everyone of you contribute to this cause. Let's make a difference in our community, one child at a time!
"It is not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving."
- Mother Teresa
Organizer
Kayla Palyani
Organizer
San Jose, CA
