The Collective Preventive Services (CPS) is promoting Oral Hygiene Month amongst students. On Tuesday representatives from CPS visited the Montessori School in Cole Bay, the first educational institution to participate in the activity.
The age group three to eight years old received information on oral hygiene which was done in the form of a video presentation. Students of Montessori were also asked to participate in preparing a poster and an art gallery.
Montessori School students will have to work along with their teachers on a special classroom project related to Oral Hygiene.
The World Health Organization (WHO) goal is to build healthy populations and communities and to combat ill health and therefore the organization has a Oral Health Programme.
During the commemoration of Oral Hygiene Month, a presentation will also take place at the Belvedere Community Center for kids attending the After School Program.
Students will learn how to take care of their teeth, and which healthy snacks to consume, how to protect their teeth and how to brush their teeth.
During the school year 2009/2010, the Youth Dental Care Program within Youth Health Care visited the schools Ruby Labega, Prins Willem Alexander, the Oranje School, Martin Luther King, and the Charles Leopold Bell School to share information on the dental program with principals and parents/guardians.
During this period the information on maintaining a healthy smile was shared with the students of these schools.
Dental decay (cavities) is the most common chronic disease of childhood, affecting 50 per cent of children by middle childhood and nearly 70 per cent by late adolescence.
Chronic gingivitis is also common among children. The mildest form of periodontal disease, gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene which leads to plaque build-up.
The best way to ensure that your child does not get cavities or periodontal disease is to instil proper oral habits early. Good oral hygiene routines should be established as early as infancy and continued throughout life.