Children’s oral health is one of the most pressing and unmet health care issue being faced today, with tooth decay more prevalent among children. Reaching out to the masses and creating awareness is imperative to good oral health. Bangalore Institute of Dental Sciences has always acknowledged that the health of a child’s mouth is vital to their overall health and well-being. So, this Children’s Day on 14th  November 2017, the Department of Public Health Dentistry grabbed this fantastic opportunity to help the young children understand the importance of good oral health and help reinforce the message of upright toothbrushing behaviour.

On the occasion of National Toothbrushing Day which was on 7th November, a toothbrushing programme was conducted alongside the Children’s day celebration by the Public Health Dentists at the Boy’s sheltered home, NIMHANS. This programme involved the children residing at the sheltered state home, the mentally challenged children and orphaned infants who were brought in for the celebrations. A health education talk regarding the proper toothbrushing techniques and maintenance of oral hygiene was imparted in both Hindi and Kannada to these children.

Toothbrushes and toothpastes were distributed amongst these children and were provided with valuable inputs regarding their regular use. The Fone’s technique of toothbrushing was demonstrated on the toothbrushing demonstration models. This was first done by the doctors and then volunteers were called amongst the children to exhibit it among their peers. The children were encouraged to “Brush together and Brush better” and keep their teeth healthy for a life-time. A basic talk on personal hygiene was also given to these children, again in Hindi and Kannada as well.

The emergence of such programs is essential and needs to be welcomed in our country which is much in need of improved dental health. We hope this trend continues and is successful in making the younger generation “Smile for Life”.