sMIle to the world
Channel of Hope & Rise Above Foundation – Cebu introduces the Tooth Brushing Program to the Oponganon Grade 1 pupils held in STEC.
Based on statistical research and careful consideration, the prevailing ailment present in the city of Lapu-lapu amongst the young is the poor condition of the oral health among the youth. The research showed that among 100% of children 89-90% show poor oral hygiene and care. One of the heads of this committee, Dr. Mona Melecio, mentioned that this occurred due to the poor brushing habit of children and also their lack of knowledge on how to brush their teeth.
The Channel of Hope and Rise Above Foundation of Cebu launched in the year 2006 – 2007 a 7 o'clock OPLAN Toothbrush Habit, a nationwide project of the Colgate-Palmolive Philippines, Inc., (CPPI) in coordination with Adopt-A-School Program of the Department, handed out 1,755,750 pieces of toothbrushes and toothpaste to Grade 1 pupils in public schools nationwide. This is in line with the Bright Smiles, Bright Futures Program of CPPI and this Department promotes oral health among school children for better oral hygiene. These kits were distributed on June 2, 2008 to different public schools nationwide.
On August 2008, in Science and Technology Education Center, Basak, Lapu-lapu City, an After Lunch Toothbrush Habit in School was organized also for Grade 1 pupils. In STEC, grade 1 pupils division wide were gathered to pay attention to the 17 Danish dentists from the Cebu Dental Society. They taught the Grade 1 pupils how to brush their teeth in the proper way and also how to handle with utmost care their health kit.
In the beginning of the program an orientation on oral hygiene was done and the children and also some other by standers learned that the proper way in brushing their teeth is in a circular motion rather than the up and down motion that most of the population is used to. The proper handling of the toothbrush was carefully explained, the toothbrush shouldn't be shared, not even a member of the family because this spreads germs, after brushing your teeth you should rinse your toothbrush thoroughly with tap water to remove any debris and hang to dry. The toothbrush shouldn't be kept in a closed container for too long because such conditions (a humid environment) are more prone to bacteria. And lastly, you should replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months because the bristles get worn out by then. The dentists then handed out toothbrushes and toothpastes to the students for them to use when they are in school after taking their lunch to make it a habit. These specialists also offered their services in dental check-ups and the extraction of rotten and painful teeth.
