In photo: Kids at the ACE Foundation school showing their new toothbrushes and toothpaste after a special presentation about oral health. One little girl is also showing the model of a mouth, and a boy is holding the giant toothbrush, which were both used to demonstrate how to properly brush your teeth. Can you spot them?
Did you know that today, March 20, is World Oral Health Day? Every year, people around the world observe this important awareness day, which aims to empower people with the knowledge, tools and confidence to secure good oral health. This year’s theme is “A happy mouth is… a happy body.”
“Oral” means anything having to do with the mouth, so when we talk about “oral health”, we mean keeping those teeth and gums healthy! Oral diseases can cause pain and even loss of self-confidence, and can lead to other health issues. But not to worry, this can be prevented with good oral hygiene, and that’s why we learn to take good care of our teeth.
Lots of kids (and adults!) have been receiving visits by Ms. Irma Knight, who is the coordinator of the dental programme at CPS (Collective Prevention Services). That’s the government department tasked with promoting health among the whole population. She has been visiting kids at school, as well as adults and seniors to talk about oral health and to demonstrate, in a fun way, how to take care of your teeth.
Ms. Knight showed everyone how to brush their teeth properly, using a big model of a mouth and a giant toothbrush. Kids practiced doing it right, learned a song, got to ask any question they wanted, and were gifted new toothbrushes and toothpaste.
Do you know Ms. Knight also teaches about oral health at the CPS Baby Clinic? That’s because oral health is important from the time we are babies until we are old and grey; so parents should learn how to take care of their children’s oral health from the beginning. Then, as kids get older, they learn to do more and more themselves.
So what are the most important things when it comes to oral health? It’s brushing your teeth at least two times a day (lasting two minutes, with a fluoride toothpaste), flossing, eating healthy, and visiting the dentist. Eating healthy means limiting sugar; things like sweet cereals, candies, cookies, sodas and juices are not very good for your teeth!
