Children of Dulcie September Primary School in Rabie Ridge were all smiles when they received toothbrushes and toothpaste.
The giveaway was part of Colgate-Palmolive’s Buy A Brush, Help A Child initiative in collaboration with Dis-Chem Foundation. For every toothbrush bought at a participating Dis-Chem pharmacy during the course of the campaign, a toothbrush and toothpaste, along with access to information about good oral health, was given to a child in need.
Five hundred children at the school were given two toothbrushes each and Colgate’s oral hygienist gave a demonstration to the children on the importance of practising good oral hygiene.
Colgate’s oral care professional Dr Stephanus Crous said the initiative formed part of Colgate’s Bright Smiles, Bright Futures programme and sought to make an important contribution to the oral health of South African children.
“Our aim has been to support the well-being of our youth, by instilling good oral care practices in children while they are still young,” said Crous. He added that research had revealed that many children suffered from cavities.
“Poor oral health can cause pain and lead to the loss of teeth. It can have a detrimental effect on overall health and well-being and interfere with children’s ability to attend and concentrate well in school. So, it’s critical that children know how to look after their teeth, and have access to toothbrushes and toothpaste, something not all parents can afford.”
Deputy principal of the school Themba Aphane said many households in the community could not afford such necessities and thanked the sponsors for the initiative.
“Oral hygiene should be instilled at an early age to prevent absentees at school due to sicknesses which leads to poor academic performance. We wish we could have more initiatives of this nature,” said Aphane.
The initiative will continue until the end of December this year and Colgate thanked the public for supporting it and helping to invest in the well-being of South Africa‘s children.
Share your views, comments or stories by messaging us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also email our news editor on nikitaf@caxton.co.za
Also check out:
https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/oral-health-awareness/
