Brushing up at the Zoo

Children from disadvantaged communities learned how to take care of their teeth at a brush-along – the first ever – at the zoo, and promised to use their new toothbrushes the way they were shown.
MORE than 1 000 children from disadvantaged communities participated in a brush-along at the Johannesburg Zoo on 17 September, learning how to take care of their teeth.

A young one gets to grips with her new toothbrushA young one gets to grips with her new toothbrushThe event was sponsored by the South African Dental Association, in partnership with the City’s human development department, which helped in organising children from its early childhood development (ECD) centres and orphanages. Also there were learners from a range of primary schools.

According to the department’s assistant director, Nkele Moumakwa, the programme was a good idea because children will get used to brushing their teeth properly.

Jeff Michelson, the chief dental officer at Sada, demonstrated to the kids how they should brush their teeth and asked the children to imitate him as he brushed his teeth.

Michelson also clarified the difference between human and animal teeth. “Animals have different teeth mainly because of what they eat. For example lions have long sharp teeth because when they hunt they bite, whereas elephants have big flat teeth because they like chewing,” he said.

Sada CEO Maretha Smit said since September is national oral health month, they decided to look at the more disadvantaged areas around the city and work with the City of Johannesburg.

“During this month we do some outreach and public campaigns on how necessary it is to look after your teeth and go for a regular dental check-up,” said Smit.

Smit encouraged young people to start looking after their teeth. “Your dental care has a huge impact on your general health. That is why it is important to us to start teaching these kids from an early age to look after their teeth properly.”

Mr Molar was there to keep children entertainedMr Molar was there to keep children entertainedShe said the latest research shows that bad mouth hygiene results in a 20 percent higher risk for the development of cardio-vascular problems, among other serious diseases. “It is therefore essential that the younger generation becomes aware that good oral and dental care leads to better health overall.”

The zoo was chosen as the venue because it is a nice place for the kids to come. “It is big and central enough,” she said, and children will be able to see animal teeth. “Teeth can be perceived as quite boring if you do not look at it from a different angle to make it interesting for the kids,” she added.

The event was the first ever, she said, and Sada hopes to work with the City to expand on it in the future.

The event was sponsored by Colgate and Oral-B, who provided toothpaste as well as toothbrushes. “So hopefully the kids will use that and get used to being able to look after their teeth properly,” said Smit.

Thandi Lubisi, a 12-year-old from Kaalfontein Primary School, was among children who attended the event and said she brushes her teeth every morning. “I learned the right way of brushing my teeth. Now I know what to do so I don’t hurt my gums,” she said.

Lindiwe Mafokane, 13, from Ivory Park was delighted with her new toothbrush. “I am happy that they taught us how to take care of our teeth because they said if we take care of them it will contribute to our health in general,” she said.