On October 19, our nurse Winrose taught 117 children from Mapinga School how to brush their teeth. Since many families are not sufficiently informed about its importance, the goal was to explain to the children why they should brush their teeth and, most importantly, to learn how to do it properly.

On the occasion of the worldwide day of brushing teeth, Winrose prepared a training course to teach the children the theoretical as well as the practical knowledge for good dental hygiene. The following key points were part of the training:

• Daily tooth brushing is important to get food particles out of the teeth and to ensure that the teeth are clean.

• Brushing will improve the health of the teeth and mouth and reduce the risk of diseases.

• The bacteria and germs that live in everyone's mouth form a biofilm (thin membrane) and is called plaque. To prevent caries from it, we need to brush our teeth.

• To brush your teeth you need a toothbrush, toothpaste and water.

• You should brush your teeth twice a day and more often if you eat sweets.

• You should change your toothbrush after three months.

After the theoretical knowledge was shared, of course, we also went into practice. Thanks to generous donors, we were able to give all the children a toothbrush and toothpaste. Winrose showed all the steps, from applying toothpaste, to the movements and brushing of the teeth as well as the tongue.

We sincerely hope that with this simple measure we can improve the children's health in the long term and that they will spread this message to their families.

“He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything.” – Thomas Carlyle